We're Back!

After a hiatus, we are back!

Passing of Eloise Cobell

There have been many changes in our absence.  The face of Indian country's fight for accountability has changed this past week with the passing of Eloise Cobell.  Cobell led the landmark litigation that attempts to hold the U.S. government accountable in its management of Indian trust assets, where a  fiduciary obligation is owed.  Cobell died in Great Falls, Montana at the age of 65; after a long battle with cancer that claimed her life.  The Blackfeet Indian nation gave her final rites befitting a dignitary and hosted several political leaders in a community wide public service, and burial on her family ranch.  The terms of settlement are under appeal by a group of plaintiffs.

Keystone XL  Heats Up

The tar sands protest have focused attention on the planned approval of the Keystone XL pipeline that will run Canadian tar sands oil through several states on a final destination to Gulf Coast refineries.  The U.S. State Department is expected to approve the pipeline although it has received major opposition from environmental groups, celebrities and indigenous activists.  An approval can come in a matter of days.  Environmental groups argue the State Department is viewed as partial to the oil industry after it was revealed a former aide to then-Candidate Hillary Clinton, was the major lobbyist for big oil.

Occupy movement Gains Footing

At long last, a REAL counter movement to the Tea Party astroturf that hi jacked the media for much of 2009 and 2010.  It has been confirmed time and again that the Tea Party has been heavily funded by the Koch Brothers, who are of Koch Industries.  The Occupation movements have quickly spread worldwide; a global rejection of the American Tea Party.  Already, there seems to be some effort afoot this morning of containing the Euro zone debt crisis; banks agreed to take a 50% loss on Greek debt.  Austerity measures have pushed that nation into recession.  International efforts to address economic worries, seem far more responsive than that of the U.S. government.