Dear Indian Time Editor,

I’d like to address an article that appeared in the Massena Daily Courier Observer dated Nov. 7, 2009 reporting the Washington trip of tribal chief James Ransom. I am glad that we are finally getting attention at higher level of government both in Washington and Albany, I think it is long overdue, but my concern lies in the “trusteeship” of Mr. Ransom. Many people look at him in “awe” and consider him to be the best invention since “sliced bread”.

I am not so easily fooled and consider his record to be somewhat hypocritical. He characterized that the Bush Administration was ‘”anti-Indian” and he authored the most “anti-Indian Supreme Court in history”. I’m not saying that this isn’t true, I just wish that somebody else would have said it. Why? Well, let his record speak for itself.

At the monthly tribal meeting of Oct.. 3, 2009 the topic on the agenda was the endorsing of the Twin Leaf Grocery store within the square mile of our claim area in Ft. Covington. All six members of our elected Council were present and five gave their unilateral support for this family. This was truly a bold and historic move, gaining a foothold on land that is rightfully Mohawk. As of today, Ransom has not gone on record to support this endeavor, in fact, people at the meeting remarked that he looked like he just discovered a maggot on his Swedish meatball. A pictorial in the next issue of the Indian Times after the grand opening reflects the Council’s physical support, was I the only one who noticed someone missing? Since its opening, one of the first things that I noticed is, if I forget to fill up before I leave the Rezz to Malone, I can still get cheap gas. I know one Council member who goes out of their way to patronize their store, I wonder if any employee can verify if Ransom ever bought gas or a soda since its opening.

Now, lets talk about the Men’s Council proactive move to re-claim the MacComb Tract across from #9 Truck Stop in Hogansburg. Let the record reflect the fact that there is a lack of record from “the anointed one”. He has done nothing to support this move, and he’s had ample time to do so. In fact, at a couple of impromptu meetings with this group of Mohawks, Ransom displayed his displeasure by saying “I don’t like this”. Only one now retired tribal chief went on record as admiring their tenacity. I was not there and can only write on hearsay, only the ones there can verify this story so I encourage you to ask around. There’s not too many topics two Mohawks can agree on, but the Macomb Tract being Mohawk land is something that 90% of Akwesasronon can agree with. For this group of Mohawks to launch an offense in the face of a fortified defense, (Oneida Nation vs. City of Sherrill) they deserve better. This act of fearlessness is cultural and historical. Am I the only one that feels like James Ransom is Albany and Washington’s best friend? During his trips to these cities, any conversations would be considered lobbying. Does he speak well for Twin Leafs, the Men’s Council, the plight of Hogansburg residents paying their taxes? His actions are loud and clear and have been the most anti-Indian policies in the history of the St. Regis Mohawk Tribal Council. I can think of six other lifelong residential, enrolled members who have a better perspective and can do a better job. Especially with the financial resources the tribe has. Don’t get me going with the IGA fiasco.

Question: when a candidate is elected by a majority vote he/she takes an oath of office, he/she swears to uphold the laws, traditions, and customs, he/she makes a solemn promise to the Mohawk tribe. If they do not uphold that promise, isn’t that something the ethics committee should be looking into? Is some kind of censure applicable? How about a vote of no confidence? If his policies continue after he reads this letter, then I think it would be impeachable. But then again it’s

Just My Opinion

Keith N. Terrance