Letters to the editor

Feb. 12, 2009

Believe in Barack

We have a new president, a man of integrity, wisdom, vision and fine leadership qualities who has entered a Washington system fraught with greed, dishonesty, shifty politics, bloated egos and fat-cat wallets. This goes with the territory when you are dealing with a body of politicians who have had their own way with greed, dishonesty, shifty politics, bloated egos and fat-cat wallets for decades.

 It is my firm belief that he knew exactly what he was getting into. Events have not changed his vision for a changed system in Washington. They have only further energized him in carrying out his vision for America and the world. And I’m sure he did not think that every appointment was going to sail through, nor that with the vetting process there might not be surprises and disappointments in some appointments. He knows he and his advisers are not perfect. But he listens, he adjusts, he compromises where prudent, and he has supreme confidence.

 I believe President Obama believes every word he said when running for president, and that his was going to be an administration of change. He also, no doubt, did not expect it to happen overnight, nor happen without bumps in the road and without sniping and attacks from disgruntled opposition members of congress and sharp tongued political commentators. He also knows that, in time, their harsh rhetoric will fade away, as well thought out and well executed programs begin to show results.

 When you walk into the colossal mess, which Obama inherited as president, you know it will not be cleaned up in one fell swoop. It takes setting priorities, it takes lots of elbow grease, it takes lots of patience, and it takes oodles of confidence and constant communication with all sides.

 We are so fortunate, I believe, in this time of crisis to have Barack Obama and a host of thoughtful and wise people around him in positions of leadership. Leadership skills is one of President Obama’s greatest gifts. I believe we will see this demonstrated over and over in the ensuing years.

 Bob McClellan, Polson

Change in attitudes needed

Change is coming to America. President Obama is leading the change away from a culture of corruption that threatens our country.   But one man alone cannot bring the type of change needed to correct America’s shortcomings. People need to empower themselves to make this era of reform ripple into every corner of the landscape.

For those of us who are dismayed by the continuous wrangling over management of the National Bison Range, it is time to bring about a change in how we view the Bison Range. There should be a change befitting the realignment of American politics and a rededication to principles of justice for all.

For too long, right-wing malcontents have stymied the legitimate efforts of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes to be involved in management at the Bison Range. Frivolous lawsuits meant to derail agreements between the National Wildlife Service and CSKT represent wasted resources. These disputes soil the fabric of society by dividing tribal and non-tribal residents of Western Montana.

Responding to the new climate of change and rejuvenation I encourage the CSKT leadership to assert a broader vision toward permanent resolution of Bison Range bickering. That vision entails the rightful claim of ownership to all lands contained in the Bison Range.

Tribal ownership of the Bison Range is supported by both the Hellgate Treaty and historical record. The Bison Range is situated in the heart of reservation lands. The original transfer of title back to the federal government represents a gross miscarriage of justice. The carving out of lands for the Bison Range is tainted by another era of corruption. It occurred at a time when federal agents were awarded trusteeship of tribal interests. These government agents flagrantly violated their trust responsibilities in order to enrich themselves.  Contemporary parallels can be found in brokerage, banking and mortgage industries that have bankrupted our economy and threaten our national interests. In addition, Indian people were not even given the right to vote in national elections at the time of this land heist.

I call for repatriation of lands contained in the National Bison Range to the CSKT. This act alone can guarantee full resolution of on-going disputes that undermine the mission of this national treasure. As President Obama stated, our “ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience’s sake.” We can remedy historical injustices and move forward toward solving the problems facing our nation. We should devote our energies and resources toward ending political partisanship at the Bison Range.

To this end, I encourage residents of the Mission Valley to enlist Senators Baucus and Tester to support repatriation. Every six years, these guys ask fair-minded people, and particularly Native Americans, to vote for them. Their backing of repatriation will demonstrate whether they deserve voter support and can be agents for the change that America needs.

Other people in leadership positions must also do their part to support repatriation, particularly on the Tribal Council.  But the most important agents of change are everyday people ready to make visionary changes to move America forward.

David Daniels, former resident of Ronan, Berkeley, Calif.