One conversation I had recently with a reader from Chamberlain illustrated generally the position of many folks in that community. The following is repurposed from several emails and edited lightly. I found it enlightening on a couple levels. You can read it and make your own judgment.

READER: Make sure you ask Brandon Sazue about how many people are supporting him in his reservation. Not too many from the people I talk to. I know this is your job, but most people including Native Americans have already forgotten about this. Why don’t you!

ME: Because that’s how bigotry festers.

READER: You really need to get a clue and get your facts. You and people like you are why this county is in the state it is.

ME: So you’re defending bigotry then?

READER: Wow, you really are an idiot. Why don’t you come to Chamberlain yourself and find out how thing really are and stop listening to Brandon Sazue. Let me know when you come, I would be glad to show you around.