Melinda For Montana

In today’s Missoulian, the Montana FWP intends to take public comment until July to reconsider doubling the quota for wolves killed. The current quota in the wolf hunt’s first year was 75; FWP is considering increasing the quota to either 150, 186, or 216 animals to be killed in 2010. The Montana and Idaho wolf hunts are considered a temporary win in the battle, but the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will ultimately lose the war.

The decision by Judge Molloy on September 8, 2009 to deny a preliminary injunction by environmental groups gave a nod that ultimately the issue of delisting the wolves in Montana and Idaho but not Wyoming violates the Endangered Species Act.

Judge Molloy determined that the political lines used by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to delist the Montana and Idaho populations, but not the Wyoming wolves was arbitrary and capricious, repair iphone. I agree. I disagree that the wolf populations would not suffer irreparable harm without the injunction Molloy ultimately denied. The environmental groups argued they would be harmed by not hearing the call of the wolf in the wild; I would add to that. I am harmed by the wolf hunts; the wolf is a cultural and religious resource to me, a traditionalist Ojibwe. The wolf hunts destroy and infringe my religious practices, and the object of my worship. This destroys my ability to freely worship–the wolf is one of my gods.

The delisting and subsequent hunting are the parsing of the law down to the text; contrary to the spirit of the Endangered Species Act. This law was enacted for a reason; and it should be followed.

When we are dealing with a species that was reintroduced, meaning we had wiped them out the first time–we must err on the side of caution. Molloy writes,

Here,the Service has notably taken the past position that DPS boundaries cannot besubdivided. See, e.g., 68 Fed. Reg. 15804, 15825 (Apr. 1, 2003) (“Delisting can occur only when a species (or subspecies or DPS) is recovered . . . .”). The changeof statutory interpretation in the 2009 delisting merits little deference.

I am opposed to the wolf hunts because the decision was a political decision, ignoring established case law that the federal agency had leaned on non-subdivision of the DPS boundaries–meaning they would not parse out specific geographic locations in making a delisting decision, and delist on that criteria. The decision by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife service to delist the wolf, and supported by Sec. Salazar; was premature and not consistent with the spirit of the law–and how their own agency applied this law. Rather, the decision to delist the gray wolf was made by attempting to use an impermissible new standard; and to deviate from the agency’s customary approach.

As with the bison management in Yellowstone, the wildlife of our region have been negatively impacted by human contact; this is true with the affliction of brucellosis in our bison and elk. This is a cattle born disease, it is not a naturally occurring phenomena–it came from somewhere. When weighing out these considerations; for too long, we have only based these decisions on the criteria of the cultural standard of mainstream society. It is time to move toward a standard of fairness. What about my culture, we are aboriginal people to this land?

In Montana, the state fails in its constitutional commitment; the wolf hunts violate the cultural integrity of native people–a constitutional guarantee. This is not a far stretch of the law–the wolf hunts are contrary to our expectation of a healthy environment, and it is a cultural/scientifc resource to native people.

I fail to see where the federal government takes into account the cultural-environmental, religious customs of this continent’s first inhabitants. To many of us, the wolf is the source of spiritual belief, it is interwoven in our cultural religious traditions, it is a part of our ceremonies and belief system.

Contrary to the views of the conservative right; we Native Americans are not a vanishing people. We have survived and our cultures thrive–our tribal belief systems are a part of the mosiac of contemporary life. We native people would hate to see a future without wolves, for me–life would not be worth living. Maheegun is my Keeper.

Don’t Forget to Make A Small Donation!—

We have been working hard to turn out the vote all across this state. The native vote has been impervious to lack of money, and being starved out. There has been a last minute rally across the state. This has occurred in the urban and rural areas.

I would like to point out the strong turnout of Montana women voters, I truly thank you all for your support–it has come from corners I did not expect. Montana voters are making a serious judgment call as to who will best represent them. I am encouraged by the unprecedented turnouts on the Blackfeet Reservation, I have built a strong base of support across the state in the Fort Peck area; my thanks to the Parenteau family–a long time ranch family in the area for their leadership.

I am encouraged by voting in northcentral Montana; there has been high interest, and strong efforts by all in this region to block vote–realizing that we must build on common ground. I thank the Apsalooka, or Crow Nation–for the prayer circle offered in support of my campaign. These are the same tribal nation who adopted our current President Obama as a member of their tribe. This prayer circle was held because all across the state; people recognize a need to bring the humanity I offer to average citizens across the state.

I am encouraged by the lines already having formed early morning voters in Great Falls, and the high voter interest in places like Rocky Boy, and Fort Belknap. I have been encouraged by the unofficial powers that be in Missoula for your support and encouragement. I wholeheartedly thank those that have supported our efforts. This can truly be a historic day in Montana. My best wishes to all my opponents; and I truly would be honored to represent my state.

I had indicated on this morning’s Voices of Montana that I would like to take a wait and see approach to Obama’s deficit commission. Since then, I did a little of more research and wanted to offer some comparison and contrast. I believe both miss the target, while offering very realistic and sound proposals. We need to END THE WARS.

As President Obama has appointed many deficit hawks to the commission; it will stand to reason these elements may try to hit the social safety net hard. This commission is already being accused of the same kind of secrecy present in the contentious health care reform efforts of the past year. I point out that Sen. Max Baucus is a part of this deficit commission.

Rep. Barney Frank is taking direct aim at the military budget in his own bi-partisan deficit commission. Frank bluntly points out,

“During the Cold War, 26 percent of military spending in the world was American; now it’s 41 percent. So we have fewer enemies and we’re spending more money.”

Frank goes on to state: “If you let them insist that there is a need for worldwide military engagement, we will be at a disadvantage when we fight the specific fights.”

My view is Frank has been too acommodating on leaving de-funding the wars off the table. These wars cost this nation 450 million a day to fight, by some unofficial estimates.

Ending these wars must be part of the effort to reduce the deficit. Our nation cannot sustain this hemorraging of money and human life. This is from the Congressional Research Service:

If the Administration’s FY2010 war request is enacted, total war-related funding would reach $1.08 trillion, including $748 billion for Iraq, $300 billion for Afghanistan, $29 billion for enhanced security, and $5 billion that cannot be allocated. Of this cumulative total, 69% would be for Iraq, 28% for Afghanistan, and 3% for enhanced security. On August 30, 2009, General Stanley McChrystal, Commander in Afghanistan, submitted a strategic assessment and a request for additional troops was reportedly given to Secretary of Defense Gates on September 26 , 2009. That request is unlikely to be vetted either within DOD and the Administration until additional ongoing White House reviews of the strategy are completed.

In a January 2009 update, the Congressional Budget Office projected that additional war costs for FY2010-FY2019 could range from $388 billion, if troop levels fell to 30,000 by 2011, to $867 billion, if troop levels fell to 75,000 by about 2013. Under these CBO projections, funding for Iraq, Afghanistan and the GWOT could total about $1.3 trillion to about $1.8 trillion for FY2001-FY2019 depending on the scenario.

The current and future costs of caring for the returning veterans and their families is staggering. VA claim payouts have doubled, not from the veterans from the current wars. These are the delayed cost of conflict from the Vietnam and Persian Gulf conflicts.

We cannot afford this. Obama’s deficit commission may look at the safety net; this is already shredded. This is one of the most unusual situations this change President can find himself in; he has already kowtowed to Wall Street; he and Baucus manipulated a health industry reform bill–the poor people that voted Obama into office really can’t take much more. It is my hope this administration will not shred what is left of these vital programs–including Social Security.

UPDATED
Roe v. Wade is the law of the land; it is case precedent that has stood the test of time. I am calling upon all American women ensure that our voices are heard in the June 8th, 2010 Montana primary. No one understands more clearly than I; that women need a voice that will preserve their private right to choose. In addition, that we elect a candidate that will work toward achieving economic parity for women. I am that candidate.

Sarah Palin’s view is a dangerous view; her dangerous right wing rhetoric is always couched in violent terminology. She advocates for the pro-life right, saluting women in uniform and ignoring the current situation our brave women warriors face: a coat-hanger, secrecy, fear, intimidation and reprisals are their reproductive health care in the U.S. military.

We want our women soldiers who risk their lives for us, only to be forced into resorting to back alley abortions–to have better, life affirming recourse than what Sarah Palin and Denny Rehberg espouse. Abortion is never an easy choice, it certainly is not the easiest path; but it is a choice secured for women as a constitutional right to privacy. I need your help to ensure we preserve this right to privacy and work on a progressive women’s platform. Your contribution will enable me to continue to be a committed voice for Montana women, thank you.

I participated in two county forums thus far, I felt both were very cordial. I am in the Great Falls area campaigning for the weekend of the Russell Art Auction. I am very happy to be here among family and friends. The campaign for this U.S. House seat in this election year is a very high interest race; it only happens once every 12 years, where this race is at the top of the ticket.

This year is very historic in terms of the social agenda of a new administration. Jobs are a high priority and will remain the highest priority for my campaign. To reiterate my sentiments on the campaign trail: I support the Employee Free Choice Act and I believe the card check bill would have done great things for the average person to advance in their employment and unionize their workplace.

I support the passage of the recent 18B jobs bill, however, I believe more needs to be done. I support the 155B jobs bill passed by the House last December and hope the Senate will move forward with the same commitment to address the high unemployment of our citizens.

This is a fine example of the good will that we are fortunate to have!

Thank you to Bob Woodruff!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/bob-woodruff/families-caregivers-bear_b_352441.html

Glen Gopher is an active organizer and founder of United Native Voters, an informal voting block shaping city politics in Great Falls. He is the Senior Advisor to the Gopher campaign and will serve in the capacity of staff and campaign development as this election cycle moves forward.

He has a strong interest in ensuring that Native American, women, youth, elders, and other similar constituencies in the state make their voice heard in the 2010 Election. He will work to ensure that a broad coalition of constituencies build the strongest platform possible to defeat Congressman Rehberg next fall. Glen Gopher is known for his ability to bridge cultural differences, to build upon common goals, and seek fair solutions to the issues all Montanans face.

He is a life long community activist, powwow and sundance singer. He as the eldest child of the late Robert Gopher believes that cultural values and practice lead have enabled him to be an effective Native American leader in his own right–and to seek a balanced approach to build a better future for all Montanans.

If you have questions about the Gopher campaign, contact Glen at 406-761-4871. He welcomes scheduling inquiries for the candidate and he is building a statewide campaign staff.

Just out today, one of the first high-level U.S officials, Michael Hoh, has resigned due to this administration’s handling of the war in Afghanistan. Hoh has based his resignation, not on a question of how the war is being handled; but why the U.S. is even in the country.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/26/AR2009102603394_4.html?hpid=topnews&sid=ST2009102603447

Obama inherited an intractable war in Afghanistan upon his inauguration. He was well aware before he took office of the growing perception and impatience of the American people with the manner in which the U.S. was becoming bogged down in Afghanistan. There had been growing dissatisfaction with the increasingly evident corruption in the Karzai government for months. There was a perception that the Bush administration condoned all of this with a wink and a nod.

Secretary Gates, a hold-over from the Bush adminstration; insisted in late January on a sharp rise in troops, and prepared the American people for what he termed, “a long and difficult war.” The early weeks of the Obama administration saw airstrikes into tribally controlled areas of Pakistan. Secretary Gates rationalized American presence to counter Iran’s intentions to develop and maintain influence in Afghanistan.

Retaining Secretary Gates on the heels of such a sweeping national effort to heed his own call for change; has proven to be Obama’s strategic blunder. This blunder now seems to be plainly as each day passes; an appeasement of the Bush-McCain group think. The new administration and ultimately the people of America, Afghanistan and Pakistan would have been better served had President Obama approached this region with a “new set of eyes.”

The Taliban, derived from the word “talab” means student of the Koran. The talab culture arose largely due to the effects of British colonialism in the Pashtun tribal regions since the 1800s; talabs focused their energy on religious learning to counter profound poverty and unemployment. The interference and after effects of historic colonialism has impacted this tribal society profoundly. Their experience is not any different from tribal cultures throughout the world that were very negatively impacted by colonialism. Obama has inherited this problem; it is not of his own making.

Obama is responsible for the outcome that occurs under his watch. There is a greater responsibility for all Americans to better understand the Pashtun culture and their land where our troops are being sent to die. The after effects of the post 9/11 invasion has created poverty, hopelessness and despair in Afghanistan. The narcotics trade has exploded under American occupation. The American promise of access to world markets for impoverished Afghan farmers to grow legitimate crops never materialized. This is the seeding of a destructive cycle that will certainly last beyond the current generation. This economic failure; coupled with the continued support of a fragile and corrupted U.S. backed government is a recipe for disaster, and that is what we got. The question is; how do we course correct misguided U.S. military response?

The Pashtuns are reeling from over a century of foreign occupants and disruption of their way of life. The nation of Afghanistan is a far flung battlefield where wars of ideology have been waged and lost. This is just the latest mortal wound scarring Afghanistan and its people. The tribal lands are divided by an arbitrary boundary of two nations asserting rule. Pashtun tribal experience again, is not unique or uncommon, but the implications of U.S. military occupation are economically, psychologically and morally devastating to all nation’s affected.

The leadership of this nation must retract its militistic views and engage regional and local diplomacy. No amount of troop build-ups will restore American honor or humanity in the eyes of the people in the two nation region. The very existence of what Michael Hoh describes as valley-ism illustrates the region has adapted to an “every man for himself” survival credo. This is no building block for lasting peace, and it is time for the American people to consider withdrawal from this region entirely.

We must ensure peace can be achieved in some measure to the region; the questions remain, has Obama bore the taint of dishonor and distrust of the previous administration? And can he effectively achieve peace? The answer at this point is probably no. The U.S. must draw upon an international coalition to rebuild and stabilize the AfPak region to counter the effects of eight years of war. I would encourage U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan, extend foreign aid for an Afghan reconstruction, and press for international diplomacy to achieve lasting peace and human rights in the region.

Rebuilding Afghanistan and restoring peace will occur from the jirga, or tribal council–up. The Pashtuns are the largest ethnic group in Afghanistan. Their civilization is a strong one; Americans cannot and will not remake their civilization into a reflection of our own. They have their own form of governance and culture. They have bore the brunt of U.S. wrath for giving Bin Laden sanctuary according to their tribal code.

A deeper look at the troubled region, known as the FATA–reveals a century of corruption and lack of human rights that seem to have originated and then were perpetuated under British colonial rule. In Pakistan, the corruption-laden federal system developed under and carries over from British era. The region, according to the Council on Foreign Relations website–has become a breeding ground for Islamic extremism due to its substandard living conditions, low literacy rates, and poverty conditions. U.S. engagement in Pakistan post 9/11 have in turn destabilized that nation. The U.S. is exacerbating conditions that will only increase terrorism and delay the need for human rights restoration.

It is my hope Obama will take a new tact. His recent policy on Afghanistan was criticized this past week by former President Cheny as “dithering.” If this is so, it is only because he kept Secretary Gates on board. We can never know what could have been achieved had we had the benefit of a “new set of eyes” to see this now intractable war with an end in sight.