Should Ron Paul issue a statement recognizing Lakota sovereignty?

[pikerz]

http://readerrant.capitolhillblue.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=44184

Could be a media coup...

What do you guys think?

[fortilite]

Shouldn't comment on it.

[dircha]

The Lakota nation people have not renounced their U.S. citizenship or seceded or anything of the sort. This was a stunt done by an activist and some of his supporters. He does not hold any official position and has no authority to make such a move.

[pikerz]

Im thinking if he even demonstrates that he understands what indian sovereignty means, the resulting buzz at the street level could be priceless.

[lynnf]

http://readerrant.capitolhillblue.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=44184

Could be a media coup...

What do you guys think?

it's a minefield - stay away


lynn

[Corydoras]

Im thinking if he even demonstrates that he understands what indian sovereignty means, the resulting buzz at the street level could be priceless.

Seriously, just how many people do you know who talk about First Nations sovereignty?

[DrNoZone]

The Lakota nation people have not renounced their U.S. citizenship or seceded or anything of the sort. This was a stunt done by an activist and some of his supporters. He does not hold any official position and has no authority to make such a move.

Actually, you're wrong. Check out their webpage: http://www.lakotafreedom.com/

[pikerz]

Seriously, just how many people do you know who talk about First Nations sovereignty?

those who care about it, care deeply.

[literatim]

Actually, you're wrong. Check out their webpage: http://www.lakotafreedom.com/

Actually, he isn't wrong and that site is bogus.

[LibertyForAll]

We haven't even made it to the primaries yet. It's not the time to get side-tracked on other issues, unless it is a relevant question asked to him by the press. He should give his opinion if asked, but at this point it isn't something that the average citizen is going to base their vote on.

[DrNoZone]

Actually, he isn't wrong and that site is bogus.

Sure, okay, whatever you say. No proof of his position, and I offered plenty of proof for mine.

[dircha]

http://www.newsbusters.org/blogs/warner-todd-huston/2007/12/21/msm-exaggerates-american-indians-claims-seceding-usa

[pikerz]

OK, after thinking about what you guys said--- Maybe WE should reach out to them, and show them that Paul is an acedemic that honors his word, believes in freedom and self-determination.

What do you think?

[dircha]

http://www.badeagle.com/journal/archives/2007_12.html

[DrNoZone]

http://www.newsbusters.org/blogs/warner-todd-huston/2007/12/21/msm-exaggerates-american-indians-claims-seceding-usa

That's great and all, but I didn't see ONE reference to Means on the Lakota Freedom site. So this authors speculation is just as ridiculous as the MSM he's slamming.

[DaneKirk]

it's a minefield - stay away

I agree, this would give an opening to all of Ron's critics. I do not think that he would advocate seceding from the Union. His revolution is that of ideas and I doubt he would like to see parts of the Union brake off.

[DrNoZone]

I agree, this would give an opening to all of Ron's critics. I do not think that he would advocate seceding from the Union. His revolution is that of ideas and I doubt he would like to see parts of the Union brake off.

Actually, I bet he would, considering that it's a perfectly constitutional thing to do. He supports the Constitution 100%, even secession. Though I don't think he'd see that as a first step to take by any means.

[pikerz]

I agree, this would give an opening to all of Ron's critics. I do not think that he would advocate seceding from the Union. His revolution is that of ideas and I doubt he would like to see parts of the Union brake off.

if they are recognized as soveriegn by treaties that we signed but do not honor, its not quite what you'd suggest.

[Grandson of Liberty]

it's a minefield - stay away


lynn

+1,000,000,000,000

[literatim]

That's great and all, but I didn't see ONE reference to Means on the Lakota Freedom site. So this authors speculation is just as ridiculous as the MSM he's slamming.

You do realize that anyone can make a website, right?

[DrNoZone]

You do realize that anyone can make a website, right?

Wow, I'd never thought of that before! Count me skooled (and I take back everything I said in this thread).

:rolleyes:

[Jobarra]

I hope he would say something along the lines of:
"Well, they speak of government abuses as to why they wish to secede. Government abuses are exactly why I entered Congress in the first place and are why I am now running for the Republican nomination for President. Should I get into office, I would hope to reverse these abuses. Let's see what they think of the Federal Government when I'm in office advocating for the Federal Government to get out of everyone's business."

[jeff_from_VA]

It is a fake.

[pikerz]

fake or not, a great deal of them care about it.

might be worth letting them know about Dr Paul on our own, no?

[free.alive]

hell no. Not something he should be discussing, and its nothing that's relevant to this presidential campaign. However, I'm sure it's going to come up....

[eldeeder]

http://www.newsbusters.org/blogs/warner-todd-huston/2007/12/21/msm-exaggerates-american-indians-claims-seceding-usa




Read this page and understand this thread shouldn't even exist. MINEFIELD....

Go nowhere near it...

[Alex Libman]

The Lakota story will take years to develop. The only ones to recognize them ASAP will be the likes of Hugo Chavez!

If you're looking for a real LIBERTARIAN political migration / possible secession movement already endorsed by Ron Paul - try the Free State Project!

[ProBlue33]

Two words

BIG MINEFIELD

It is an unwinable issue, stay away.

[ErikBlack]

I don't think Ron Paul should get involved, but on a personal level I can empathize with the native American people. They never asked to be a part of this country. They were conquered and imprisoned within the walls of this nation against their will. I believe they should have the right to succeed if they wish, as should all states. Only voluntary associations are valuable and the federation of these United States should always remain a voluntary act for mutual benefit. Finally, it should be understood that the tribal governments do not typically represent the interests of the people very well. They are often corrupt puppet governments run by "westernized Indians" wtih loyalties are to the United States government and the Bureau of Indian Affairs, not the people of the tribe.

[dircha]

I think it would be great if this were true, but everything I am reading indicates that this is being done by a small group of activists who do not hold leadership positions are not authorized to speak on behalf of their people.

It appears to have been a media blunder that it even got the coverage it did.

[ThomasJ]

This is a minefield because of basicly dual ownership of property around the Lakota nation. Meaning the U.S. Government sold land to citizens that it did not actually own. On the other hand those individuals who bought land legally should not be punished for the wrong doing of the government.

Means is not a official tribal representative. The way he sees it though is that the chiefs are puppet representatives of the US government.

On the other hand alot of the tribe do not like him because they think he is only in it for his own financial gain.


Honestly in my personal opinion all the tribes should stop taking government money and start being free. They could be some of the most prosperous country's in the world especially if they devote themselves to true free markets with no restrictions in place. The double edge sword though is that if they went to a gold standard currency US citizens would not be able to afford much on the Res... Which would be an ironic twist.