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THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2003

Racial tensions in Martin, South Dakota, will only get worse unless Indians and non-Indians come together to talk over their differences, The Sioux Falls Argus Leader says in an editorial.

The paper refers to a growing controversy over the small city's decision to withdraw from the county law enforcement. The county sheriff happens to be a member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe.

"No matter what Martin City Council members say, there always will be suspicion they're breaking with the Bennett County Sheriff's Department because of race," the paper says.

The paper says the city's decision will likely result in lay-offs at the county level but it also says a boycott of Martin businesses won't help anyone either. "If anyone wins with this, it's difficult to see who that would be," the paper says." "So far, everyone's a loser. It's time to talk and work out the problems, instead of creating more."

Get the Story:
Editorial: Who really wins? (The Sioux Falls Argus Leader 7/17)

Related Stories:
Oglala Sioux Tribe supports business boycott (7/10)
March to support S.D. county's first Indian sheriff (7/9)
Native voters in S.D. county make history (01/08)
S.D. county elects Native leaders (11/08)
Indians mobilize to defeat white leaders (10/31)