I am speaking from my own experience and as an indivivual enrolled member of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes in Idaho. I am a former tribal leader, I served (2) years on the Fort Hall Business Council, Shoshone-Bannock Tribes. My observation is that as a result of recent negative (against tribal sovereignty) Supreme Court rulings States are now assuming jurisdiction in "Indian Country". The key word assumption. The Bush administration is quiet but support these efforts on infringing on Indian Rights. States are now moving toward and assuming more control over Tribal Governments. The reason being is money. It is the application of the "power conflict" theory playing out at it's best. They see they can take advantage of tribes since from the policy level there is this quiet support. We in Indian Country know what is going on. When you do go to court the federal government will fight the tribes all the way (Cobell Case). Over the years many civil rights fighters have lost their lives. The work they fought so hard for has been turned back over by white judges. "Generals in the cultural wars". We are no better than we were prior to the termination era. Where is the integrity in this great nation. From this point, only tribal people have the integrity. We've lived through hell, we know the existence. We have our spiritual practices which have sustained us over centuries. Indian people will continue to be strong. People with good hearts keep the prayers going.........
Thank you. Wesley Edmo, Fort Hall, Idaho

In my experience, the first ones to scream "sovereignty, sovereignty" are these old greedy tribal leaders who simply abuse their own people's civil rights and then scream when the feds interfere with their corrupt regimes. There are plenty of young native individuals who want the feds or even states to get involved and they don't give a damn about sovereignty. Why? Because some people abuse the privilege. I've been to tribal courts in navajoland and I can honestly say these courts are kangaroo courts. The tribal council themselves act like they are above the law and don't listen to the people. If these leaders don't get their act together all the screaming won't do any good at all and no one will have sympathy.