Cherokee Times

Opinion

September 2, 2008

A Challenge to Our Readers, Express Yourselves

By Joseph Martin

I’ve got to be honest, “Rants & Raves” is not my favorite part of the paper. I realize it’s what’s sells newspapers. What bothers me is the reason why it’s so popular. It really bothers me that it takes the protection of anonymity to get people to speak their minds, to give any kind of feedback about tribal government or what’s going on. No one should be afraid to speak their opinions.

Of course I don’t want to discount “Rants & Raves.” It has its place just as the “Vent” column, after which Mary Jane Ferguson patterned this column for the Cherokee One Feather did. For people who want to get something off their chests, “Rants & Raves” is perfect for that, but I much prefer commentary from someone willing to let their name be known. Not only does it give the words much more credibility, it truly is a demonstration of courage, which is an admirable trait.

I have to extend my appreciation to some individuals.  Nancy Long, who’s never been afraid to speak her mind, certainly deserves some credit here. Blunt and sometimes abrasive, her commentary often gets under some politicians’ skin. She continues to speak out despite some dismissing her opinions as the ranting of a radical. I really have to give credit to Tina Bowers, who sent an open letter to Chief Hicks about her opinions of the alcohol referendum passed by Tribal Council in the August session. No doubt her opinions will be unpopular in some circles, but she was willing to sign her name to her words.

The fear factor is strong, unquestionably, particularly among tribal employees. It also exists in other circles, like those running businesses in fear of their leases being held over their heads or some other form of interference. Others who may not be tribal employees may feel that their family members who are employed by the tribe may be targeted.

Their fears aren’t entirely unfounded. I was ousted from a tribal job after critical remarks over some incredibly bad, and unlawful decisions made by Tribal Government.  At the time of my forced departure from the Cherokee One Feather, I defended “Rants & Raves,” not for “Rants & Raves’” sake. I defended the One Feather from interference by tribal officials, something of which the Free Press Act was designed to prevent.

I also will defend this publication, for which laws protecting freedom of the press and speech actually have teeth. Despite that I haven’t had it easy since being ousted from tribal employment, I feel good about my decisions. I set a good example for my family, and having the weight of punitive actions taken off my shoulders has been incredibly liberating, and I did last through the first four years of this administration despite being critical at times, and despite a willingness to publish criticism, and despite my refusal to compromise the paper’s integrity.

Other employees who’ve been willing to take tribal government to task are still employed. While they have been subject to harassment, they’re still employed. The only other risk you’re likely to face is typical, and childish, name calling from those in power and their inner circles. How’s that going to hurt?

Great things can happen when the people stand up for themselves and speak their minds. That happened in 1995 when the people massed together and defeated a machine. Only two incumbents were reelected that year. This can happen again, despite an uphill climb against a machine that’s more powerful than it was in 1995.

One thing we all must remember, the chief and vice chief, and Tribal Council work for all of us. They answer to us, not the other way around. Tribal employment status doesn’t change that fact. There was once a great president, Franklin D. Roosevelt, who took office during the country’s most troubled times. He said, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” Ask any World War II vet what this country accomplished during his presidency. We all have been given a gift from the Creator to be able to speak freely. Use it.