Shouldn’t we rethink government policies that enrich a small minority and do not “make it right” for the vast majority?

Charitable giving is a wonderful thing. Americans are truly altruistic. I applaud the Santa Ynez Chumash Tribe members for their gifts to the community. We also need to thank the individuals and charities, too numerous to list, that give as much, or a greater percentage, of their income to charity.

Does giving to charities give non-tribal members the right to stop paying property taxes?

Our schools, our roads, our water, our environment are all supported by taxes, and determinations about these critical issues are made through our government. Yet, we have an elephant in the room. The Enrolled Tribe says it is sovereign and above the rule of law.

All other citizens do, and will, bear the burdens of the Tribe’s actions.