Historically, Congress granted specific privileges to Native Americans to help impoverished Tribes off the welfare roles. These privileges were never intended to help wealthy Tribes avoid the tax roles. We hear a lot of reference to sovereignty when it suits our local Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indian’s agenda. Native American Tribes vote in County, State, and Federal elections. They have the privilege to hire lobbyists to work for them in Washington DC, and they are able – like all citizens – to make campaign contributions. However, this Tribe is expecting special privileges that Santa Barbara County cannot afford – both financially and environmentally. (Click here to read full article)
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