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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2001

In an editorial, Michael Zuzel of The Vancouver (Washington) Columbian criticizes the Department of Interior for "disrupting the free flow of information between government and citizenry."

"A digital terrorist couldn't have done a better job," writes Zuzel. "But this wound was largely self-inflicted."

Noting the "increasing disgust" with which U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth has viewed Norton, Zuzel says the department has shut down all web and Internet access, but isn't addressing the harm towards the assets of 300,000 beneficiaries to the Individual Indian Money (IIM) trust. "[R]ather than move to correct security problems in the particular systems dealing with Indian trust dollars, the department simply shut down all of its Internet access departmentwide," he writes.

And when the department finally puts its numerous web sites back online, Zuzel doubts the central problem will be solved. "I'm sure the Interior Department will have its Web sites up and running again soon, he says, "and [the American public] will once again have all the information they need at their fingertips."

"Except for information about how, after centuries of subjugating America's Native people, we're still finding new ways to rip them off," he concludes.

Get the Story:
OPINION: NORTON RIPS OFF INDIANS, WEB SURFERS (Michael Zuzel for The Vancouver Columbian 12/11)

Relevant Links:
Indian Trust, Department of Interior - http://indiantrust.doi.gov
Office of the Special Trustee - http://www.ost.doi.gov
Trust Management Improvement Project - http://www.doi.gov/bia/trust/tmip.htm
Indian Trust: Cobell v. Norton - http://www.indiantrust.com

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