Throwing Stones

The problem with Lisa Cook is that she disobeys the law with impunity. She gives orders to the police to do harmful things to individuals. Then she writes up a court order later. She frequently makes decisions without holding hearings. Doesn’t that violate the Tribal Code? The Tribal Constitution? The U.S. Constitution? She uses foul and nasty language in Court, such as, “Get the f--- out of my courtroom!” She abuses elder Lakota speakers. She is a nonmember. The question is: Why is Charles Yow banished from the Reservation, while a real law breaker, Lisa Cook, is still on OST payroll, wrecking havoc with people’s lives, creating a huge liability for the Tribe. While for a minor technicality, while trying to bring some measure of justice to the Reservation, by holding the judges accountable for their actions, Yow is banished? Why isn’t Cook banished? Why are they trying to banish Terry Albers? Why are they trying to banish me? They ruined my life, stole everything I own, destroyed my means of income, planting a large garden and selling pickles, produce and beets. I no longer have a place to live because Lisa Cook took my house away from me, the one I built with my own two hands without any help from the Tribe. Many times I did without just to be able to buy a few more board and nails. I don’t understand. It looks like a political dog fight, where the top dog comes out winner by using unfair advantages. I must say, I really felt sorry for Mr. Yow as I drove by the former Red Cloud Law Firm. I hear they will not allow him to even remove his papers. I know of people who have paid advocates at Red Cloud to help them with their legal problems. What happened to their files? Is someone interested in obtaining the legal papers of Charles Yow? Could these papers contain evidence of criminal wrongdoing concerning high level officials? Looks like someone has a lot to hide, and once again, the people are the real losers. The Pine Ridge Indian Reservation is experiencing a new level of lawlessness achieved during the last 4 years. Ever since someone cleaned house in court, removed all the judges and appointed a new slate of judges, there has been no adherence to the Code. Someone gave his favorite judge, Lisa Cook, $400,000 to rewrite the Code!!!!! And the know-nothing Council approved it!!! Unanimously!!! One of the first laws she submitted was to declare officials to be immune from prosecution because they are “sovereign”. The courts can now legally make decisions without hearings or proper notification of hearings. And many other wrong doings. I don’t know why you don’t want to do a little investigating into this, those of you who are running for office. Do we have a bad connection? Or would the know that all those Federal dollars thrown at the Pine Ridge Reservation never reach the people, but are used instead mixed blood party time, rock the political boat too much? Why aren’t the full bloods in office, in charge of their Reservation? Why are all the full bloods sitting in jail or prison? Let’s not have a media blackout on the suffering of the people. Yes, I am right in there with the full bloods, and they consider me to the their voice. But my voice can only go so far. Could that be part of the reason they want to get rid of me? The situation is a potential powder keg. Unlike the ‘70’s, the people, in desperation will all storm the castle, only to be killed and tossed into the moat. The remaining psychologically abused lambs will be the serfs, too frightened to open their mouths, and even if they did, it would only serve to increase their misery and suffering, while the Tribe parties on in mindless oblivion. Don’t take my word for it. You ought to come to the Reservation. Get you own story. Walk into the Tribal building. The air is heavy with political strife. You can almost see the lawlessness. There is no AIM to come in. People and times change. Is this the way the Lakota civilization is going to end? Not with a bang, but a whimper? Janis Schmidt 605-867-2413 or jlschmidt@gwtc.net Lucy Bull Bear605-441-3383