Home > News > Narragansett Smoke Shop Feud
July 28, 2003Column: Police not to blame for smoke shop violence"The state police raid two weeks ago on the Narragansett Indian Tribe's smoke shop in Rhode Island has caused almost as much interest and controversy in Connecticut, with the state cops generally branded as the heavies for the ruckus that made national headlines and fodder for television news. I beg to differ. I thought the police were doing what they were supposed to do when they showed up with a warrant and told the Indians, per orders from Gov. Carcieri, to shut down their cigarette business because of questions about its legality." Note: The following comments were posted at the time this story was published. Future comments have been disabled.
The blatant disrespect towards natives from whites has gone on long enough. The Narragansett tribe has resided in the general vicinity for 30,000 years. If anyone owes anyone money it should be the state of R.I. paying the Natives. Posted by: ndnlady at July 28, 2003 03:23 PMI can't believe Mr. Foley commented the way he did in (The New London Day) 7/28, Warrant Mr. Foley - Legality - the only crime was the officers setting foot on Indian land and acting like would be John Waynes! The only reason the law enforcement was their in the first place is someone/somewhere got pissed due to the fact someone was making money and they weren't getting a cut of it! If the white mans law really wants to clean up crime and injustice perhaps they should start in theor own back yard. Posted by: Robert Miller at July 29, 2003 02:06 AMWith the onset of Indian business, often with the support of the tribal government, white amerika is now concerned with the power that comes with revenue. For centuries, white people have been the ones who "take" from the Indian. Now that Indians are doing the "taking" from white people(money), white people are attacking back with their governors, selected presidents, sheriffs, and state police. When white people take, they call it "justice" or "legal." Now that the tables have turned with casino's, smoke shops, and other forms of business, white folks are stumped on how to deal with Indians with money, or Indians making money. Expect new laws from this state which will criminalize Indian business. The hell with the police over there. Kick their asses when they invade Indian land. Stop them from stealing from the tribe under the auspices of "law." By any means necessary!!! Posted by: R.Thomas at July 30, 2003 08:05 AMNote: Any comments seen above were posted at the time of publishing. Future comments are disabled.
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