If you didn't vote, don't complain

Editor,

Happy Holidays to all. I was so disappointed with the recent Tribal election results that I have not written.

I feel, as one writer put it, "it's the same old, same old." Maybe there are only a "dissatisfied, vocal few;" the primary election results would seem to indicate this.

Or, the problem may be, we have people who like to complain, but won't get off their lazy behinds and vote. If you didn't vote, you have no right to complain. By not voting you have basically said, "I'm so happy with the Tribal government that I don't need to vote."

We had lots of talent appear in the primaries, and good Lord, look what we did to Ronan.

While I was appalled at the Ronan results, I got to thinking, "maybe this is Grandfather's way of providing alternative solutions." With Wyman not a candidate for Ronan, he is a natural to draft for the Executive Secretary position.

This is the main position, after St. Ignatius, Ronan and Elmo council positions, that needs new blood.

With or without change in the Tribal elections, I know several things for certain. You will be hassled by Tribal Council representatives, administrators, boards and programs for speaking out; I know you can protect yourself somewhat through establishing your business as a State corporation on fee land.

And, most importantly, it is worth being hassled to know you have said what is on your mind and relayed this information to the Tribal Council, the Executive Secretary, the Governor and your federal and state senators and representatives.

Because if you accept the unacceptable, it will not change.

If you challenge and ask for assistance with your challenge, you may see results, you may not. But you certainly won't see change if nobody knows what's on your mind.

Let people know what is on your mind. Vote!

C. Douglas Morigeau

Saint Ignatius