"How can you morally bolster the Cobell settlement as any sort of victory in Native-United States relations? Do you feel no responsibility to this publication’s Native and non-Native readers?

Cobell, after 14 years of perseverance, is exhausted and due to her $15 million benefit from this case is severely biased when claiming that this will remove any sort of stain on the “national honor.” This settlement is a clear and utter abomination upon the definition and ideal of the American justice system.

You inserted quotation after quotation by senators and government officials that claim this is a fair settlement. How is any of it fair? How is it fair that the government does not have to be held accountable and admit the full amount of money that they have stolen from the individuals based upon the fact that they simply don’t want to? How is it fair that this same government acts as the defendant in the case and at the same time has the right to remove a judge when they don’t like his moral and ethical determinations? What other person accused of a crime would ever be allowed to do this?"

Get the Story:
Jen Bloom: Cobell is no victory (Indian Country Today 12/10)

Cobell Settlement Documents:
• Agreement | Press Release | Q&A | Audio

Relevant Documents:
• Elouise Cobell | President Obama | DOJ/DOI/USDA | Roll Call
• NCAI | Sen. Dorgan | Sen. Baucus | Rep. Cole | Rep. Pallone

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