Proponents say the plan would duplicate the legal scenario set up for Native Americans, but the Akaka bill carves out new territory. Unlike Indian tribes made up of tightly knit populations that have lived together continuously, participation in the new group would be available to nearly anyone able to trace their roots back to a Native Hawaiian ancestor, no matter where they now reside. U.S. Civil Rights Commission member Gail Heriot told Congress in June that, "If ethnic Hawaiians can be accorded tribal status, why not Chicanos in the Southwest? Or Cajuns in Louisiana?"Why not indeed? The Democrats are going to have us all living on some kind of reservation one of these days, even if only a metaphorical one, with group rights and privileges clearly defined. In anticipation of which, I hereby declare myself to be Paco Ten Hats, tribal chief of all the native-born inhabitants of the lands between the Pee Dee River and Dutch Buffalo Creek. Pay up, Great Black Father!
H/T: Jeff G. at Protein Wisdom.
The Indian tribes have a pretty sweet deal with the Federal government. There's some justification for that, based on the original treaties, but there's overcompensation as well (largely due to a guilt complex that spans several generations). On the whole, though, I don't have a lot of problems with the set up. Some specific problems, though.
ReplyDeleteHowever, this Hawaii bill is blatantly racist. Even the Civil Rights commission doesn't like it.
Me, I'm waiting for the inevitable question from the racists on the left side of the aisle: "Should we view the French, Swedes, Brits, Irish, Norwegians, German, and all the other European nationalities as separate ethnic groups, or just lump 'em all together as 'Northern European Colonists' to keep the book keeping simple?"
Surely, everyone supporting the Akaka bill will support the creation of a free and independent nation of Milquetoastistan? (hopefully, I'll think of a better name before its formal debut)
ReplyDeleteOnly a hate filled bigot intent on oppressing and persecuting me because of my minority status would oppose my need for a territory to call my own (I'm the smallest possible minority : an individual).
Colonel: Maybe we can become blood brothers.
ReplyDeleteI'm just a dumb wal from Oz. I would like some explanation as to how this idea might effect the inhabitants of States 51 to 57 (or was it 59?)
ReplyDeleteThat's a plan, brother Paco. I'll start shopping for a fedora.
ReplyDelete