"I have never seen more egregious
misconduct by the Federal Government," the Judge said. "The
Government has engaged in a shocking pattern of deception of
the court and the people." Now, you are probably
thinking Monica and Bill here, but no. This time it's Geronimo
and Crazy Horse. Nearly A century ago, America Indians, in an
organized and formal request, asked the American Government for
a "simple accounting of land and money held in trust for
them since the days of the treaty signings." And, this is
no joke. The lawsuit and the judge's decision, now coming to
fruition was like a bolt of lightning hitting the government
unawares, yesterday. The Judge held in contempt of court, two
of the highest and most prestigious Clinton Cabinet officials
there are: Robert Rubin and Bruce
Babbitt. The order citing official deceit, involves billions
of dollars in money and land held in trust for as many 500,000
Indians for a century or more.
Back in the 1880's, when the Government tired to break up the
tribal system by awarding individual allotments of 80 to 160
acres per Indian. These lands were managed by the Government,
and usually leased out to gas, oil, mining or timber companies
for exploitation. The income from these trusts is due to be passed
on the descendants of the original recipients. Hence the Indian
request for an accounting of the land and the money, now a century
old, without response from the Government. No response other
than cover ups, deceit, delay, and outright lying. And all this
with money compounding and growing.
These contempt orders carry no personal penalties for the Cabinet
members, since they are not directly responsible, but the Judge
did say that further delays could now lead to criminal charges
against both Babbitt and Rubin, and now the government must pay
the plaintiffs legal fees. "I think this is the beginning
of justice for the victims who have had years and years of abuse
at the hands of the United States Government, " said Eloise
Cobell, a member of the Blackfeet Nation which is the chief plaintiff
in the lawsuit.
The Clinton Administration states that it has inherited this
mess and that it has done more than any other administration
to straighten it out. The President has requested $150 million
to begin an accounting. The Government estimates that the "accounts"
generate around $300 million per year, but the exact details
will be difficult, at best, to assemble. Ms. Cobell stated that
if a private banking concern had handled the money they the Federal
Government did they would certainly be closed down and the officers
sent to prison.
The Government has been ducking this situation for decades and
as the Judge said, "The court cannot tolerate any more empty
promises."
So, as we round the bend into the 21st Century, there looms on
the horizon one of the largest battles ever between the US Government
and the American Indians. And this time, the Indians may just
have the upper hand. Custer's last stand may look like a day
in the park compared to this situation.
![](../../../../Photos/Downloads99/custerslaststand.JPG)
"Run for it boys, here come those Injuns with their lawyers!
Now, we've really got trouble!"
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