Editorial: Common sense in Freedmen dispute

Tuesday, September 11, 2007  

"Rep. Mel Watt, a Democrat from North Carolina, is the latest to wade into the affairs of the Cherokee Nation, following the lead of California Democrat Diane Watson. Thank goodness for a little moderation from our own Rep. Dan Boren, who often finds himself at odds with the more progressive members of his party.

Boren brought a little common sense to the discussion with an amendment to let the tribe continue to receive the federal housing funds until the matter is settled in court. (After the March vote, a tribal court said the freedmen descendants may remain on the tribal rolls pending adjudication of the case, something the grandstanders in Congress apparently fail to realize or recognize.)

Boren pointed out that "in this country, we have a judicial process in place that should be honored before Congress steps in to act.” His concern about Congress' meddling is on target, as is that of a Cherokee official who worries about Congress punishing tribes "on a whim” whenever it disagrees with something they do."

Get the Story:
Nice save: Maneuver by Boren buys tribe time (The Oklahoman 9/11)
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Cherokee-Related Legislation:
H.R.2786 | H.R.2895 | H.R.2824 | H.R.3002

BIA Letters:
August 9, 2007 | July 11, 2007 | June 22, 2007 | May 21, 2007 | March 28, 2007 | August 30, 2006

Sovereign Immunity Court Decision:
Vann v. Kempthorne (December 19, 2006)

Cherokee Nation Judicial Appeals Tribunal Decision in Freedmen Case:
Allen v. Cherokee Nation (March 7, 2006)

Relevant Links:
Cherokee Nation - http://www.cherokee.org
Freedmen Of The Five Civilized Tribes - http://www.freedmen5tribes.com
Freedmen Conference - http://www.freedmenconference.com

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