Why is the Oklahoma Democratic Party holding a fundraiser for Chad Smith, the Republican (and proud of it) Cherokee Chief who masterminded the ouster of the Cherokee Freedmen from the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma?
My name is Marilyn Vann I am a citizen of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma. I am descended from Cherokee Freedmen and Cherokee by Blood ancestors. My citizenship status was stripped March 3, 2007. By the vote of my people under the urging of my government, my Nation has violated the Treaty of 1866 and placed the government-to-government relationship with my tribe as odds with the United States. In doing so, my nation has stated it had the right to violate treaties, placing the powers of all Tribes in peril of judicial precedent that could reduce tribal sovereignty. My Chief, Chad Smith has defended the actions of stripping my citizenship and that of other Freedmen based upon a number of untruths for the purpose of gaining support in Indian Country.
And why are they having this fundraiser to support Chad Smith's administration even though the Congressional Black Caucus has called for an investigation into the actions of this very administration and an overturn of this vote?
Okies and other concerned Dems, please take action! It's very late here and I've had a very long day, but tomorrow, I will post telephone numbers and email addresses for the high ranking state Dems who are not simply supporting, but hosting this event.
For now, be aware that among those hosting it are Governor Brad Henry, Superintendent of Education Sandy Garrett, Lt. Gov. Jari Askins, State Treasurer Scott Meacham, Commissioner of Insurance Kim Holland and Senate President Pro Tempore Mike Morgan. In addition, numerous local reps are planning to be in attendance.
Telephone numbers and email addresses tomorrow. Please add more info if you have it. I have more but am unable to substantiate it in print.
And ask yourself this: if sovereignty were really the issue, then why is the state of Oklahoma and a non-Native political party funding a Cherokee campaign?