Indianz.Com > News > Ivan Star Comes Out: We still don’t know how to govern ourselves

Elders say we are headed for a deep ravine
Friday, October 9, 2020
Native Sun News Today Columnist
For the 42nd time, elections are here again. Local candidates are vying for several seats on the “Tribal” Council, the “tribal” executive committee, and some district government positions.
As voters and candidates, we must realize that we have been casting votes for more than 8 decades with very little improvement. I have to guess that most are pushing to make our reservation a better place to live.
Sadly, a few of our candidates want to get in to seek revenge or to put their relatives to work. Older “career” politicians want to get back in for another two years of financial bliss and limitless travel. Most are simply eager to win a position so they can enjoy the power and prestige that comes with it. Not to beat down anyone, most are unaware of the history of this government system. Most have never ever governed people.
One of our current representatives actually “disappeared” for about 18-months and then made an appearance in time to vie for another 2-year term. Our other representative was abruptly subjected to personal innuendos and then publicly chastised. Meanwhile, our existing needs at the district level remain unchanged.

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Ivan F. Star Comes Out can be reached at P.O. Box 147, Oglala, South Dakota, 57764; via phone at 605-867-2448 or via email at mato_nasula2@outlook.com.
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