"A proposal on the ballot for the Dec. 16 election of the Fallon Paiute-Shoshone Tribe poses an interesting question - should drug offenders be banished from a community?

Question 1, a proposed addition to the tribe's constitution, asks voters to decide if the sale, distribution or manufacturing of illegal drugs by tribal members on tribal lands warrants banishment from the tribe and the loss of associated benefits. A tribal member's first conviction would lead to banishment and loss of privileges such as housing, health services, monetary payment, burial assistance and other benefits for five years. A second conviction would result in permanent banishment and disenrollment from the tribe.

Though the measure is harsh, we applaud the tribe for attempting to tackle the problem of illegal drugs, especially methamphetamine, with such ferocity. If the power of a sovereign Native American nation can put a dent in local drug use, there's some merit to the proposal.

The idea of banishing drug offenders from tribal lands has gained popularity in recent years. The Lummi Nation of Washington and the Chippewa of Grand Portage, Minn., have used the practice with varying results, according to a 2004 article in the New York Times."

Get the Story:
Editorial: Banishment - an appropriate punishment for drug peddlers? (The Lahontan Valley News 12/5)

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