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Editorial: Red Lake Nation needs a free press
Thursday, March 31, 2005

"Like a hunter in the Chippewa National Forest after a 100-mph windstorm, the Red Lake Nation faces a path strewn with obstacles. First, there is the aftermath of the terrible murders of March 21. Second, there is the wrenching news of the arrest of the son of the tribal chairman, on federal charges stemming from last week's deadly school shooting.

Third, there is the list of serious social concerns on the reservation - a list that drew national publicity in the last week, and that includes such things as gang activity, a 40 percent unemployment rate and a low high-school graduation rate.

Such obstacles would challenge any government. But America's state and federal governments have a tool that acts like a chainsaw in such situations, and helps leaders and citizens cut a path and see their way clear.

That tool is a free press. The Red Lake Nation should consider learning from other governments' example, and nurturing the institution of a free press as a way to attack and then solve problems."

Get the Story:
OUR OPINION : Why Red Lake needs a free press (The Grand Forks Herald 3/31)

Relevant Links:
Red Lake Net News - http://www.rlnn.com
Red Lake Nation - http://www.redlakenation.org
Red Lake High School - http://www.paulbunyan.net/rlschools/hs.htm

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