Huffington Post Reports Compromised Ballot Secrecy; Is the Same Thing Happening in Cherokee?

The Huffington Post Reported that ballot secrecy in elections is being compromised. I've long alleged that the same thing could occur (if it hasn't already happened) in our tribal elections, something clearly biased election board members have denied.
Think about it. Voters sign their names on a line that is numbered. In some polling stations, their ballots register the same number after their ballots are scanned. This is particularly problematic in smaller communities like Cherokee County.
I've long felt that incumbent candidates knew exactly how I voted, which may have, at least in part (I'm aware that certain tribal politicians aren't fond of tribal members who voice their opinions or ask questions), explain their hostility. One supporter of Principal Chief Michell Hicks even argued that I deserved to be fired from the One Feather because I supported his opposition. Now how can that person be sure? Turns out they can be sure.
If this can happen at well organized elections required to have high professional standards, this can happen in Cherokee where compromised objectivity, competence and professionalism have become the norm.

Cherokee Residents Arrested in Tennessee

Residents of Cherokee were arrested in Tennessee and charged with armed robbery, according to the Cherokee One Feather. I don't really have a comment on the story itself, but I do have to note the source to the One Feather: The Pigeon Forge (Tenn.) Police Department.
While I can certain express my appreciation to the Cherokee Police Department for providing information to me, and to the Cherokee Times (likely against Principal Chief Michell Hicks' wishes), the tribe, as a whole, has a long way to go to let the sunshine in.
I must note that a request I made for information two years ago to Attorney General Annette Tarnawski still goes unanswered. The tribal public records law requires that either the requested information or an answer as to why it was denied must be given in 15 days. So far the only excuse offered by her office is "we've been busy."
The case in Pigeon Forge demonstrates the vast difference between other governments who honor the concept of open government and tribal government. The event in question happened last Saturday. The following Monday, the One Feather had enough information to run with a story.
Two days as opposed to two years.

Picking Apart the Chief's Report

I was always sickened by the community reports from Principal Chief Michell Hicks. They often glossed over reality and were nothing more than self-serving horn tooting. I resisted his demands to place them on the front page because to do so blurs the line between public relations and journalism. Had I had qualified supervision who was truly interested in protecting the One Feather's credibility instead of helping her King of Utopia grandstand, that supervision would've stood behind me.
Anyway, with the One Feather's new tabloid, magazine-styled format, the placement of the latest chief's report amounts to front page coverage.
Here's point by point debate (something he hates) on his report. His statements are in italics. My answer is in regular font.
Chief Hicks - I hope everyone enjoyed the July 4th Holiday, and took the opportunity to give thanks to those that have fought and continue to fight for our freedom.
I did, and I actually honor what they fought for. Thus far, the chief has only paid lip service to those ideals.
Chief Hicks - (Referencing the 2010 annual report to come)I am very concerned about keeping enrolled members informed about the position the Tribe is in, and what projects our tribal programs are working on.
How about asking the Attorney General's office to follow the access to information law. I made a request for information that is now two years old. Just because the office "is too busy" is not an excuse, nor is the fact that information I requested may have been embarrassing to elected officials. And I hope this report will be more informative than reports of the past, which tended to report information selectively. Part of keeping enrolled members informed is allowing them to access what should be public information independently. The chief, who opposed the freedom of information law, isn't known for being a proponent of sunshine.
Chief Hicks - (Referencing his presentation to the Governor's Economic Development Task Force, which significantly featured the casino) Approximately 39 % of the workforce at Harrah’s is from Jackson County and 36% is from Swain County and all profits from the Casino are re-invested in the community and the region.
He fails to mention the portion that's tribal members. He's also vague about how those profits are "re-invested." Some tribal members who are unemployed may be using their per capita payment to make ends meet, which hardly boosts the economy. I also wouldn't be bragging too much on the theater and golf course and other tribally-funded projects that could've been done by private enterprises at no cost to the tribe.
Chief Hicks - The EBCI Jail Committee met recently to discuss the progress being made on the jail project and to work through potential roadblocks to our success.
I actually support a tribal jail, which has been needed for a long time. It actually can be a revenue driver for the tribe should it provide space to accommodate prisoners from the counties.
Chief Hicks - I recently had a meeting with the Golf Course Committee members to discuss their financial situation and how things are progressing on the course. The overall drop in the economy has affected Sequoyah National just as it has affected all other businesses. However, they are still doing well despite any problems experienced.
Of all the executive branch's pet projects, none irritates me as a tribal member and stake holder than this one. A private developer proposed just such a project. It would've been done at no cost the tribe. It would've been a revenue driver for the tribe. Instead the chief, vice chief and tribal council felt it would be better to take out a loan and the tribe fund it and run it. The chief says it's doing well; I say show me the books.
Chief Hicks - I hope everyone enjoyed the Tribal picnic last week.
Not that I think things done for tribal employees are a bad thing, but some employees may feel that bonuses for good performance would be preferred, that could happen if some of these events were scaled back.

Cherokee High School Football Coach Resigns

I've had my disagreements with Cherokee High School football coach Skooter McCoy, particularly over a "Rant and Rave" submission that suggested a player of his put on some weight so he'd be more attractive to college recruiters. Neither he nor any other tribal government objector ever asked what I was thinking when I as editor of the One Feather placed the rant. I felt it was in humor, but they didn't see it that way. But I digress.
I feel like Coach McCoy was pressured to leave. I know all too well the politics of Cherokee. McCoy was the most successful coach that school ever had. To have that kind of success, a coach needs to keep his team disciplined. I suspect that a player, or potential or former player, didn't like the discipline McCoy dished out. Childish complaints probably went to parents, who instead of respecting someone who tries to give their children the tools to succeed in life, went to their council member or school board member and complained. The next thing that happened, a winning coach is out.
This was McCoy's statement to the One Feather, "Unfortunately, recent issues within the Central School Board and administration, along with other internal problems, have brought me to the point of rendering my resignation as head football coach. I stand firm in believing there will never be room for politics and personal agendas in high school athletics." That's the case everywhere Mr. McCoy.
One would think that a man with McCoy's talents and abilities would have people storming the bastille to defend him. One would think that the tribe's elected leaders would make statements in opposition to this kind of mentality. Unfortunately the tribe has an established pattern of running off talented and clearly qualified employees in favor of relatives and cronies.
I wish Coach McCoy well. Any football program would be lucky to have you.

Happy 4th of July Everyone

Happy Independence Day folks. Despite the opinions of tribal politicians and the non Indian attorneys representing the tribe in the Attorney General's office and in lawsuits, the Bill of Rights from the U.S. Constitution does apply to members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians living on tribal lands. Remember the sacrifice that made that so. Remember that those who argue otherwise are profaning everything that Americans, like Charles George, gave their lives to protect, and be sure to remember during tribal elections next year.

Lest People May Think I've Softened on Michell Hicks

What's the difference between God and Principal Chief Michell Hicks? God never claimed to be Michell Hicks. Have a good one.

Tennessee Commission Declares Fake Tribes as Cherokee

One of the things I've said in Tennessee's favor is the fact that officials in Nashville had enough sense to not recognize tribes. They in some form or another have dealt with real Cherokee tribes and while not necessarily agreeing on courses of action, Tennessee respected Cherokee tribal sovereignty. That all changed when a group of self-serving individuals cloaked in secrecy, denying public comment, decided to recognize six groups, some claiming to be Cherokee, as tribes.
Now these phony baloney "tribes'" members can claim minority status. These groups can get housing funds, scholarships and other funding, taking it away from legitimate tribes who actually need it. The Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma, one of three real Cherokee tribes, has filed suit in Tennessee challenging this act.
What I've read from these "tribes'" leaders is the same load of crap I've heard all over from the descendants of Cherokee princesses everywhere when they're challenged. "We hid our heritage to avoid persecution." The vast majority of these groups can easily pass as other races. While there are members of the legitimate tribes who can do the same, there are plenty of tribal members who couldn't "pass."
When I hear about those poor individuals who "hid" their ancestry I can only convey a sense of insult. These individuals didn't go through the boarding schools. They didn't experience discrimination, nor did they ever experience the caustic nature of tribal politics, nor do they carry the baggage that real natives carry, but we're supposed to recognize them as Indians.
Now I will concede that it's likely that many people who claim Native American ancestry will be truthful, but It's a huge leap from having the DNA to actually being part of the culture. I have Irish ancestry, but that doesn't make me an Irish citizen, and I don't claim to be one. I've watched groups like those Tennessee recognized for a number of years. What I've seen is them perpetuating stereotypes, alienating themselves from legitimate Cherokees and contributing nothing toward the betterment of life for Native Americans.
The real Cherokee tribes deserve better than this from a state that's home to and even reveres the most racist president the U.S. has ever had in Andrew Jackson. While I support little of Principal Chief Michell Hicks' agenda, his opposition to this recognition is one area in which I will stand behind him.