Love Letters/Hate Mail

Dam Scandal?

Dear Editor:

In County Commissioner Fred Perry's "Back To The Arkansas" editorial in your Nov. 8-14 issue, he made a glaring mistake, and I'd be surprised if others have not caught it as well.

Mr. Perry states that "It is obvious from public statements by all three commissioners (himself, Commissioner Randi Miller, and Deputy Commissioner Terry Simonson) that we are also interested in doing what is possible to make other low water dams happen in the Tulsa area, and if possible, without further tax increases."

It appears that Mr. Perry doesn't know that we, the tax payers of Tulsa County, voted in the Vision 2025 13-year one-penny sales tax increase for additional low-water dams on the Arkansas River. I direct his attention to the Indian Nations Council of Governments (INCOG) Phase II Master Plan for the Arkansas River. Sections 1-8.0 include technical evaluations of the low water dams, and Sections 8-13 include the creation of two NEW low water dams, as well as work on the silting problems of Zink Lake.

Our tax dollars are already committed to these projects through the vote of the people, and I for one stand ready to fight for what has already been approved and is to be appropriated....and WITHOUT FURTHER TAX INCREASES! It is time that we, the taxpayers of Tulsa County, be given what we have already voted for, without delays and broken promises.

Don Davis

"We Rub Off On You!"

Dear Editor:

I love your paper. Every week I look forward to the new issue but, the last three weeks the ink from the paper has been making me very dirty. I have to wash my hands two or three times just to get through it and it's been getting on my clothes. Black ink every where. What gives? It didn't use to do that. It is really, really bad!

But, I still love your paper.

Judy Brooks

Editor's Note: It's called "selective attention." You probably never noticed it until now, but as you have acquired more leisure time, the minor inconveniences of youth have caught up with you. But isn't that part of the charm of an interactive medium such as ours? You just can't help but get some on you.

Correcting the local daily

Dear Editor:

A story by Jim Myers in the October 11 issue of Tulsa's daily newspaper indicated that a newly passed bill in the House of Congress would "save more Americans - including more than 100,000 Oklahomans - from an unpopular tax -- without a single Republican vote". According to the story, there was NO vote for the bill from the Oklahoma delegation, since Rep. Boren did not vote. Mr. Myers goes on to state that the bill is an effort to shield more

Americans from the Alternative Minimum Tax "originally adopted decades ago".

Mr. Myers should know that the last four words above are blatantly false. Perhaps he chose to make this false statement in an attempt to place the blame for this onerous tax on others than those responsible. The Alternative Minimum Tax was adopted in 1993 or 1994 by a heavy Democrat majority Congress during the first two years of the William J. B. Clinton administration as part of the largest tax increase in the history of the United States. It originally was aimed at the top five percent of the incomes of the taxpayers. Over the 13 or 14 years since, inflation has spread it's effect to a much larger group of our overtaxed citizens. It should be completely repealed.

The story goes on to state a quote from Congressman John Sullivan "This legislation would impose $82.5 billion in permanent tax increases on businesses and individuals over 10 years -". Included in their proposals is a plan to let the tax reductions expire in 2010, which would amount to a huge INCREASE in taxes, which of course the Democrats in control refuse to admit is a tax increase, but the effect is just the same. If it looks like a duck, quacks like a duck, and walks like a duck, it must be a duck.

It is unfortunate for the citizens that they were misinformed enough to vote these people into power in 2006. Of course, the Republicans must share their portion of the blame, since the Republican National Committee has refused to take steps to remove the RINOs from office. That is the reason why the National Federation of Republican Assemblies was founded and strives to bring the attention of voters to the true positions of candidates by primary candidate endorsements.

Sincerely,

Robert W. McDowell, Jr.

What Hath Medicaid Wrought?

Dear Editor:

Medicaid is the healthcare version of the projects. Just like the projects, Medicaid has poor quality, no individual ownership, and limited choices. The state of Oklahoma through its "compassion" lumps her poorest citizens in a Soviet style state-run health insurance company.

By so doing it need not compete for its clients, it creates dependency, and it robs an individual of the responsibility of having ownership of their own healthcare. Most physicians say Medicaid is the worst payer and most dictatorial of all health insurance programs. This is why so few take Medicaid.

Many recipients experience limited access and limited choices. The least among us deserve better and here is how to give it to them. Disband Medicaid as we know it and replace it with a state funded health insurance voucher program that allows the poor to purchase their own private health insurance.

Providing a voucher would have the following effects. First, the state would no longer violate the free market as posing as a Health Insurance Company. Next, private insurance companies would compete for these voucher backed citizens driving down cost, improving quality, and increasing access to services.

Finally, and most importantly, it would give dignity, respect, independence, ownership, and freedom to the individual by allowing them the ability to purchase a plan that suits their needs best not trapped in an unresponsive government program.

Perhaps if we the citizens of Oklahoma were to give the least among us a voucher program we could get them out of the project of healthcare and into the palace of responsibility and ownership.

Phillip W. Smith

Too Many Chiefs?

Dear Editor,

The Cherokee Nation Council has passed the Cherokee Nation Arts and Crafts Authenticity Act 2007 in Rules Committee and will no doubt pass it before the full Council in November. I don't think they took the time to consider the impact of the act nor allowed enough time for good discussion and contributions from the communities they will affect.

They are making a solution before the problem has manifested itself. Can the Cherokee Heritage Center (on its own volition and not by order of the Cherokee Nation) and other stores of Cherokee businesses/entities properly label things? Those coming to buy artwork are presuming that it's by "registered" Cherokees, but I wouldn't preclude outright the sale of other artwork.

For instance, what do we do with people who are in fact Cherokee by blood but are also of another tribe? They are eligible for enrollment and they have enrolled with Choctaw or Creek, etc. That person is clearly Cherokee, but arguably not under this act. And then what do we do about Shawnees and Delawares? They are not Cherokee, but they are allowed to be "members or citizens" by adoption in treaty to the Cherokee Nation.

Under this Act, a full blood Delaware person is Cherokee, but a ? by blood Cherokee who enrolls Choctaw, because of other blood is not Cherokee. It destroys cultural decisions of self-identification. Art depicts Cherokee culture, even if done by another, it has value. - Not enough discussion.

Where is a definition in this act of what actually constitutes a "Cherokee artist" -- it does not specifically say UKB and Eastern Band, and the only reference is to the Cherokee curator (which has to be a citizen of the Cherokee Nation (not UKB, not Eastern Band).

Willard Stone has made a positive contribution to Cherokee culture through his artwork. The most famous piece of Cherokee art work in the world -- the Exodus is by Stone -- not Cherokee by the standards of this legislation.

This legislation does not interfere with the display of Willard Stone's art work but who will protect the next up and coming Willard Stone if this legislation is passed? Culture can be taught. A person can be culturally Cherokee, without being legally Cherokee.

A panel that recognizes art as Cherokee even when made by an individual not enrolled can contribute to the culture. Does the art enrich the lives of Cherokees? Pan-Indianism and Cultural Misappropriation does not enrich our culture. A Cherokee that makes dream catchers is making Cherokee Art, but the Art does not contribute to the reinforcement of Cherokee Identity through traditional culture. A dream catcher is another tribe's medicine. Anything a Cherokee makes is Cherokee art but what benefit does it have to our culture.

Skill, integrity, and cultural understanding are not determined by legal definitions of Native identity i.e. CDIB card. Blood quantum is not accurately biological; it is a socially-constructed legal indicator of Cherokee identity. Legal identity is appropriate and necessary in some situations but we need to take care not to weaken the cultural definitions of Cherokee identity. People that have been adopted into and espouse Cherokee culture, our own extended family and friends, should be considered in this legislation. And, they are not.

Also, when the legislation passes -- '...they made the ruling, now let them enforce it." Sound familiar?

Roy Hamilton

Stilwell

(Roy is the President of the Cherokee Arts & Humanities Council, Inc. HYPERLINK "http://www.cherokeehumanities.com/"; \o "http://www.cherokeehumanities.com/"; www.cherokeehumanities.com)

Not a Typical Reader

Dear Editor:

I wonder if you people at this paper understand that the only reason that Tulsans pick up this paper to look at is because it is free and like to look at what is going on around town for the weekend. Nobody cares about what somebody thinks about a movie or what Michael Bates thinks how this city should be run. If he knows so much why doesnt he run for mayor? I have kids and grandkids and we all are homegrown Tulsans and what has he done to make Tulsa a better place to live. I hope him and all the other

hardheaded dumb old okies are glade they voted no to take a free donation of money that would make Tulsa a better place to live. Now we want to know what his game plan is to make Tulsa a better place to stay here and enjoy in our

lifetime.

Danny Ray

Editor's Note: A little more education earlier down that old, dusty road might have done you well. At this point, at least a little "grammar and spellcheck" might help. Next time you write, have your granddaughter proof your letter.

Love Letters, Hate Mail

Dam Scandal?

Dear Editor:

In County Commissioner Fred Perry's "Back To The Arkansas" editorial in your Nov. 8-14 issue, he made a glaring mistake, and I'd be surprised if others have not caught it as well.

Mr. Perry states that "It is obvious from public statements by all three commissioners (himself, Commissioner Randi Miller, and Deputy Commissioner Terry Simonson) that we are also interested in doing what is possible to make other low water dams happen in the Tulsa area, and if possible, without further tax increases."

It appears that Mr. Perry doesn't know that we, the tax payers of Tulsa County, voted in the Vision 2025 13-year one-penny sales tax increase for additional low-water dams on the Arkansas River. I direct his attention to the Indian Nations Council of Governments (INCOG) Phase II Master Plan for the Arkansas River. Sections 1-8.0 include technical evaluations of the low water dams, and Sections 8-13 include the creation of two NEW low water dams, as well as work on the silting problems of Zink Lake.

Our tax dollars are already committed to these projects through the vote of the people, and I for one stand ready to fight for what has already been approved and is to be appropriated....and WITHOUT FURTHER TAX INCREASES! It is time that we, the taxpayers of Tulsa County, be given what we have already voted for, without delays and broken promises.

Don Davis

"We Rub Off On You!"

Dear Editor:

I love your paper. Every week I look forward to the new issue but, the last three weeks the ink from the paper has been making me very dirty. I have to wash my hands two or three times just to get through it and it's been getting on my clothes. Black ink every where. What gives? It didn't use to do that. It is really, really bad!

But, I still love your paper.

Judy Brooks

Editor's Note: It's called "selective attention." You probably never noticed it until now, but as you have acquired more leisure time, the minor inconveniences of youth have caught up with you. But isn't that part of the charm of an interactive medium such as ours? You just can't help but get some on you.

Correcting the local daily

Dear Editor:

A story by Jim Myers in the October 11 issue of Tulsa's daily newspaper indicated that a newly passed bill in the House of Congress would "save more Americans - including more than 100,000 Oklahomans - from an unpopular tax -- without a single Republican vote". According to the story, there was NO vote for the bill from the Oklahoma delegation, since Rep. Boren did not vote. Mr. Myers goes on to state that the bill is an effort to shield more

Americans from the Alternative Minimum Tax "originally adopted decades ago".

Mr. Myers should know that the last four words above are blatantly false. Perhaps he chose to make this false statement in an attempt to place the blame for this onerous tax on others than those responsible. The Alternative Minimum Tax was adopted in 1993 or 1994 by a heavy Democrat majority Congress during the first two years of the William J. B. Clinton administration as part of the largest tax increase in the history of the United States. It originally was aimed at the top five percent of the incomes of the taxpayers. Over the 13 or 14 years since, inflation has spread it's effect to a much larger group of our overtaxed citizens. It should be completely repealed.

The story goes on to state a quote from Congressman John Sullivan "This legislation would impose $82.5 billion in permanent tax increases on businesses and individuals over 10 years -". Included in their proposals is a plan to let the tax reductions expire in 2010, which would amount to a huge INCREASE in taxes, which of course the Democrats in control refuse to admit is a tax increase, but the effect is just the same. If it looks like a duck, quacks like a duck, and walks like a duck, it must be a duck.

It is unfortunate for the citizens that they were misinformed enough to vote these people into power in 2006. Of course, the Republicans must share their portion of the blame, since the Republican National Committee has refused to take steps to remove the RINOs from office. That is the reason why the National Federation of Republican Assemblies was founded and strives to bring the attention of voters to the true positions of candidates by primary candidate endorsements.

Sincerely,

Robert W. McDowell, Jr.

What Hath Medicaid Wrought?

Dear Editor:

Medicaid is the healthcare version of the projects. Just like the projects, Medicaid has poor quality, no individual ownership, and limited choices. The state of Oklahoma through its "compassion" lumps her poorest citizens in a Soviet style state-run health insurance company.

By so doing it need not compete for its clients, it creates dependency, and it robs an individual of the responsibility of having ownership of their own healthcare. Most physicians say Medicaid is the worst payer and most dictatorial of all health insurance programs. This is why so few take Medicaid.

Many recipients experience limited access and limited choices. The least among us deserve better and here is how to give it to them. Disband Medicaid as we know it and replace it with a state funded health insurance voucher program that allows the poor to purchase their own private health insurance.

Providing a voucher would have the following effects. First, the state would no longer violate the free market as posing as a Health Insurance Company. Next, private insurance companies would compete for these voucher backed citizens driving down cost, improving quality, and increasing access to services.

Finally, and most importantly, it would give dignity, respect, independence, ownership, and freedom to the individual by allowing them the ability to purchase a plan that suits their needs best not trapped in an unresponsive government program.

Perhaps if we the citizens of Oklahoma were to give the least among us a voucher program we could get them out of the project of healthcare and into the palace of responsibility and ownership.

Phillip W. Smith

Too Many Chiefs?

Dear Editor,

The Cherokee Nation Council has passed the Cherokee Nation Arts and Crafts Authenticity Act 2007 in Rules Committee and will no doubt pass it before the full Council in November. I don't think they took the time to consider the impact of the act nor allowed enough time for good discussion and contributions from the communities they will affect.

They are making a solution before the problem has manifested itself. Can the Cherokee Heritage Center (on its own volition and not by order of the Cherokee Nation) and other stores of Cherokee businesses/entities properly label things? Those coming to buy artwork are presuming that it's by "registered" Cherokees, but I wouldn't preclude outright the sale of other artwork.

For instance, what do we do with people who are in fact Cherokee by blood but are also of another tribe? They are eligible for enrollment and they have enrolled with Choctaw or Creek, etc. That person is clearly Cherokee, but arguably not under this act. And then what do we do about Shawnees and Delawares? They are not Cherokee, but they are allowed to be "members or citizens" by adoption in treaty to the Cherokee Nation.

Under this Act, a full blood Delaware person is Cherokee, but a ? by blood Cherokee who enrolls Choctaw, because of other blood is not Cherokee. It destroys cultural decisions of self-identification. Art depicts Cherokee culture, even if done by another, it has value. - Not enough discussion.

Where is a definition in this act of what actually constitutes a "Cherokee artist" -- it does not specifically say UKB and Eastern Band, and the only reference is to the Cherokee curator (which has to be a citizen of the Cherokee Nation (not UKB, not Eastern Band).

Willard Stone has made a positive contribution to Cherokee culture through his artwork. The most famous piece of Cherokee art work in the world -- the Exodus is by Stone -- not Cherokee by the standards of this legislation.

This legislation does not interfere with the display of Willard Stone's art work but who will protect the next up and coming Willard Stone if this legislation is passed? Culture can be taught. A person can be culturally Cherokee, without being legally Cherokee.

A panel that recognizes art as Cherokee even when made by an individual not enrolled can contribute to the culture. Does the art enrich the lives of Cherokees? Pan-Indianism and Cultural Misappropriation does not enrich our culture. A Cherokee that makes dream catchers is making Cherokee Art, but the Art does not contribute to the reinforcement of Cherokee Identity through traditional culture. A dream catcher is another tribe's medicine. Anything a Cherokee makes is Cherokee art but what benefit does it have to our culture.

Skill, integrity, and cultural understanding are not determined by legal definitions of Native identity i.e. CDIB card. Blood quantum is not accurately biological; it is a socially-constructed legal indicator of Cherokee identity. Legal identity is appropriate and necessary in some situations but we need to take care not to weaken the cultural definitions of Cherokee identity. People that have been adopted into and espouse Cherokee culture, our own extended family and friends, should be considered in this legislation. And, they are not.

Also, when the legislation passes -- '...they made the ruling, now let them enforce it." Sound familiar?

Roy Hamilton

Stilwell

(Roy is the President of the Cherokee Arts & Humanities Council, Inc. HYPERLINK "http://www.cherokeehumanities.com/"; \o "http://www.cherokeehumanities.com/"; www.cherokeehumanities.com)

Not a Typical Reader

Dear Editor:

I wonder if you people at this paper understand that the only reason that Tulsans pick up this paper to look at is because it is free and like to look at what is going on around town for the weekend. Nobody cares about what somebody thinks about a movie or what Michael Bates thinks how this city should be run. If he knows so much why doesnt he run for mayor? I have kids and grandkids and we all are homegrown Tulsans and what has he done to make Tulsa a better place to live. I hope him and all the other

hardheaded dumb old okies are glade they voted no to take a free donation of money that would make Tulsa a better place to live. Now we want to know what his game plan is to make Tulsa a better place to stay here and enjoy in our

lifetime.

Danny Ray

Editor's Note: A little more education earlier down that old, dusty road might have done you well. At this point, at least a little "grammar and spellcheck" might help. Next time you write, have your granddaughter proof your letter.