The Voices of Courage

TOBACCO WHOLESALE

2010-07-29T02:53:00Z

New Topic, as requested by Lighthorse Larry - 7/28/2010 5:36PM
Administrator: How about a new topic?

Creek Wholesale Loses Again

MCN members should take note that the Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled against the MCN Wholesale operation. The entire case can be found at this link:

http://www.oscn.net/applications/oscn/deliverdocument.asp?citeid=459915

Please note, when you first look at this case it appears that the MCN Wholesale operation is not a part of the case. That is not the case,however. You have to read the entire case to see how it impacts the MCN.

As a summary, removes in the entirety any tribal sovereignty for tribal members. It is the biggest blow to sovereign nation status in 300 years! It will have deep and serious impact upon gaming and fuel issues.

There will be a few unschooled legal "experts" that say it has no meaning because this is a State court. That is not true!This case survived a removal from Federal Court. In essence, the Feds washed their hands of the issue and said (again) that Oklahoma courts were a proper forum. That ALONE was a huge loss to Indian sovereignty;on a nationwide basis!

In this case, the courts said the State of Oklahoma could pursue anyone who is selling cigarettes that are not compliant with the State's Complimentary Cigarette Act. It appears the MCN Wholesale operation is selling cigarettes that are not in compliance. I will be the first to admit I'm not an expert about this State Act and the requirements under the Act. It deals with something referred to as the "MSA".

This case will allow the State of Oklahoma to not only sue tribal members for non compliance but will allow them to be arrested as well - just like any ordinary citizen!

For ANYONE involved with the sale or distribution of the cigarettes the State will now have the right to pursue civil and criminal charges. As I read the case about the only person left that is protected is the Chief. Store managers, employees, and potentially even council members are now at risk from State prosecution. This is true for not only sale of cigarettes but for any action or act that is in opposition to State law!

People. Do ANY of you realize what this has done to the tribe? Is there ANYONE out there who is smart enough to see that Indian sovereignty is nearly non existent thanks to this, and a few other former ruling over tobacco?

I am told the other 4 big tribes have already held a meeting regarding this ruling and the effect it has upon gaming and fuel compacts. They are LIVID that Chief Ellis could allow this case to move forward to such an unconscionable result.

And, yes, the case is FINAL. Because it is a State ruling it cannot be appealed! Not even to the US Supreme Court.

I can hear our ancestors sobbing at the idiocy of our rulers and the lack of adherence to our trusted constitution!

(VOC: This affected company is not MCN, but we think it is a supplier to T & C. We have had previous ruling on our site under another topic and the State Court has now remanded this case to previous court.)

VOC's Reminder: Intent of our WebSite

2010-07-26T04:06:00Z

To those who are finding fault with our topics, deletions and how we monitor our website. To our knowledge, VOC has not lied to anyone.

VOC periodically posts these reminders. We will remove this topic in a couple of days.
VOC is again posting it’s request. We are making attempts to monitor comments, and deleting, which are simply complaints, although we have been very liberal in this. As we have suggested previously, please offer suggestions to remedy your situations, and that will benefit us all. You have submitted suggestions for topics, and we have created new topics, and we are again requesting co-operation from everyone.

Sorry some of you are disappointed in our intent and comments. From the beginning, it has been to inform the citizens of how the council has performed and the problems they have created by not adhering to our tribal laws and Constitution, especially the Constitution. Since you are aware, you know that most of the problems which are plaguing our nation are directly related to Council's actions, and that is the reason VOC opened this website. We don't belong to the Chief, Council or the A. G., and some of us are employees, but we're all Creek citizens doing what we can to help inform other citizens, and we do this with our own money, doing this because we believe in our original intent.

This is a forum offering MCN citizens the opportunity to explain his/her side of the story or to state their opinions, and is intended to focus on the facts. Some of you are all losing sight of the purpose of this blog and have been using mean-spirited names in your comments. Don't let your emotions get the best of you and become accusatory. Feel free to voice your thoughts or opinions on the actions or inactions of any elected official/employee. You can rise above the fray if you remain professional, respectful and diplomatic. This forum is a tool for all of us to use in such a manner to reach logical conclusions when civilly presented with fact-based evidence. Mudslinging, on the other hand, simply appeals to the emotions and seeks no intellectually based response. It’s time for us as a politically conscious nation, to move beyond our habit of name-calling and engage in real meaningful, intellectual debate.

SUPREME COURT'S Response Letter to NATIONAL COUNCIL

2010-07-24T16:43:00Z

New Topic as Requested
Maybe for a new topic...
A response letter from the SC to the NC...

http://premium.fileden.com/premium/2008/2/18/1765574/Ltr%20n%20Resp%20t%20o%20For%20Aud%20%20Doc%207%2023%2010%20FINAL.pdf

A must read for everybody...Im really having a hard time understanding the NC...one of the problems is the lack of knowledge on Creek Nation civics...how good government works...

For 7/31/2010 NC Session - Possible Agenda Items

2010-07-22T15:15:00Z

Almost a certainty the following will be on agenda.

From 7/20/10 T. A. Committee agenda:
NCR 10-008   (Ridge) Declaring no confidence in RON QUALLS to serve in his capacity as Housing Dir.
NCA 10-142   (A. Jones) Amending Title 16, ss4-106.B For LightHorse Chief to be an MCN Citizen. (This is because they are under the false impression that Chief Jack Shackelford is a non-citizen and they're trying to get rid of him, using a new requirement for re-confirmation. Why doesn't this same type of law written for the NC counsel G. StandingBear?)
TR 10-057   (Bruner) Confirming nomination of JACK S. SHACKELFORD to serve as LightHorse Chief - postponed from 6/8/10. (NC needs to check his record. Remember when the LH was the laughing stock of everybody, was even ridiculed by citizens before Shackelford took over. He made a point to do without officers who were slackers or just plain whiners. Indications are that they're trying to clear the way for Bill Fife's son Jeff Fife to be named. They're using un-documented complaints from a FORMER female officer who did quit some time ago, and has done nothing but complain directly to NC members.)

From 7/22/1- B & G Agenda
TR 10-068   (Jennings) Confirming nomination of JACOB NARCOMEY to serve on Citizenship Board. (They may not like him personally but this person is very intelligent and knows the MCN Constitution, and honest to boot.)
NCA 10-138 (Hufft) Amending Title 21, ss 4-102.F Stipend/Mileage - to adjust stipend rates.
NCA 10-139   (Jennings) Amending Title 19 entitled ELECTIONS. (Don't know what this is all about.)
NCA 10-129   (Jennings)   Funding for TWIN HILLS COMMUNITY ($1,949,110.73) (Wonder if TH has come up with their 50% funding contribution like every other community has to.)

CONTINUE TO CHECK MCN's WEBSITE FOR ALL AVAILABLE INFORMATION.

CREEK NATION CORRUPTION - LET'S WRITE LETTERS

2010-07-16T18:19:00Z

New topic as requested.

VOC: Our MCN is now rampant with corruption, from the Tribal Attorney General and the National Council leaders and their partners on the NC, including their attorneys. If the feds should contact us, we know what names and facts to supply and that will be done.

They have made a mockery of the Executive Branch and the Judicial Branch. They have stone-walled our Chief from attempting to keep our tribe solvent, and his attempts to keep everything legally above board.

Corruption leads down to some Communities and their leaders/constituents. We all know about the protection they're getting. How else can they steal tribal money and not a whisper of any lawsuit against any of those individuals.

We have even heard that the NC is corrupting the Supreme Court with certain contacts. This is wrong and ethical in which the Federal officials should be very interested. By and large, we know the NC has absolutely no respect for our courts. All they're interested in are judges who might hand down friendly decisions on the lawsuits already filed and those other lawsuits that will be forthcoming from the NC.

This all boils down to the NC not wanting to abide by our MCN Constitution. Even when citizens have said what they want, the NC continues to ignore all legal aspects, by simply trashing our votes. They have tried to subvert our votes, are trying to keep us from voting on properly passed Constitutional Amendments. In short, the NC leaders want to run the whole show even when they don't know how but will do anything to keep duly elected Chief and appointed Judges from performing their mandated jobs.

WE NEED TO WRITE LETTERS, ALL OF US, TO GET OUR STORY OUT. I think certain news agencies and people all over the country read these pages, along with all of our absentee voters living outside our local boundaries. We need help.

NC EMERGENCY SESSION --- 7-13-2010 @ 6:30PM

2010-07-13T21:09:00Z

On agenda for 7/13/2010 Emergency Meeting at 6:30PM

NCR 10-007 (Fife) Resolution approving forensic audit consulting services agreement between Muscogee (Creek) National (?) and Sartain Fischbein & Co.
(Is this the one that Fife is slobbering over for the audit of the judicial branches?)

TR 10-074 (Nichols) Resolution of the MCN confirming the nomination of MONTIE DEER to serve as D. C. Judge of the MCN.
(It will be a surprise if Mr. Deer is voted down, because if they do, then Judge Moore will remain on the bench and they certainly don't want that, do they?)

NCA 10-132 (Nichols) A law of the MCN amending Title 26, ss3-205 entitled "Full citizenship required".

and Four different political donations totaling $6,000.00, which includes $2,000.00 to D. Edmondson's campaign for OK Governor.
(This one kind of stinks, doesn't it?)

HAVE NEW CAMPAIGNS ALREADY BEGUN?

2010-07-11T19:46:04Z

Already, we are receiving many comments about election 'wannabe' possibilities, so we're setting up a new topic for the present. I'm sure this will be changing as election time approaches, but we can still inject our current opinions.

PLEASE contributors, we request that you stay within topics. If one doesn't fit what you want to comment on, you can request a topic and we will probably set one up. Thank you.

CREEK RELATED NEWS - And FLA. SEMINOLE TRIBE

2010-07-10T16:04:00Z

Seized Smokes: Fed Court Sides with State

Posted: Jul 09, 2010 4:52 PM CDT Friday, July 9, 2010 5:52 PM EST Updated:Jul 09, 2010 7:32 PM CDT Friday, July 9, 2010 8:32 PM EST

Associated Press

"OKLAHOMA CITY -- A federal appeals court in Denver has agreed to dismiss a lawsuit brought by the Muscogee (Creek) Nation against the Oklahoma Tax Commission over cigarettes seized by the state.

A three-judge panel of the 10th U.S.Circuit Court of Appeals issued its ruling on Friday that upheld a lower court decision.

Commission agents directed state troopers to stop tribal trucks and seize $107,000 worth of cigarettes without state tax stamps in May 2009.

The tribe argued the trucks were stopped and searched illegally and that the seized cigarettes should be returned or the tribe compensated for their loss.

The state argued it would have lost tax revenue if the cigarettes were sold.

The tribe is one of only two in Oklahoma without a tobacco compact with the state."

**********************************************************************
Dated 6-3-2010 NOTICE OF VIOLATION (Check it out on NIGC website.)
"The Chairman of the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) hereby gives notice that the Seminole Tribe of Florida (Respondent or Tribe), headquartered in Hollywood, Florida, is in violation of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA), NICG regulations, and its tribal gaming ordinance, because the Tribe used net gaming revenue for purposes other than those permitted by IGRA, NIGC regulations, and the Tribe's gaming ordinance."

(VOC: Reasons are almost identical to the problems created by the Creek Casinos/Communities, and carry the same fines and penalties as we have heard. XMas party, Credit Card Exp., Jewelry, Electronics, Restaurants, Pd over $55,000. for GMC Denali truck & resold the 7-mo old truck to tribal member for $10.00, and several other situations - most classified as "per capita".)

CITIZENS' "GATHERING OF UNITY"

2010-07-02T15:33:00Z

REQUEST FOR NEW TOPIC

Gathering of Unity...
Please join other citizens of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation on Tuesday, July 6th from 5pm until 7pm for a gathering of unity in front of the administration building parking lot.

If you are indeed concerned about the latest decisions that our government has made and the path that seems to have created confusion and division within our political system, come out and join us in a moment of silent protest and prayer. Please bring your children. They are the next generation to inherit our tribe and they should know if they are going to inherit a healthy prosperous tribe or a disaster.

Again if you are really concerned for our beloved nation and its direction, please join us...this is a grass-root effort so please pass this message on...
My email is eligrayson@gmail.com
My cell is 760-534-1632

I would especially ask the ceremonial ground leaders to come join us and speak their minds.....
Mvto

A. G. ROGER WILEY, GIVING MEMORANDUM as ORDERS.

2010-07-01T20:51:00Z

What is a memorandum worth to citizens? Or even to the Chief or Supreme Court Justice, et al.

"As of today, "since we will no longer have a sitting D. C. Judge", that will have serious consequences. (Duh!)

Especially in the area of child protective services: his office will issue emergency orders:
1. When necessary to seek an emergency order, OUR ATTORNEY (who might that be?) will contact a S. C. Justice for issuance of an order & also request a setting for a show cause hearing.

2. If no S. C. Justice will consider request for emergency order, I have directed our attorneys to contact the STATE OF OKLAHOMA DEPT OF HUMAN SERVICES & ASK THE STATE to proceed with the matter in State District Court. (He will give away our sovereignty along with the take-away of our children by the state.)

It is unfortunate & quite alarming that we should ever have to consider surrendering our jurisdiction to the St of Oklahoma, however our 1st responsibility & obligation is to the children & families of this Nation (blah blah), Without any adequate forum to proceed in within the MCN, no alternative (blah blah)."

This is the direction of the thought process of the AG, with the advice of the NC. Not even a care or concern for the Nation. If the AG is that concerned, he should proceed directly to the Federal Courts. But NO, he knows where that trail will lead. Still protecting his behind and that of those rogue Council Members. Or else, he now knows that he hasn't a snow-ball's chance in Hades chance to be the Judge he so wanted to be. (Revenge?) Is this the advice of the NC or NC's Counsel? We regret that we don't believe that the Speaker has that type of far-reaching mind.

They are directly disobeying and disregarding the Supreme Court's directive of 6/30/10, which stated that Judge Moore is to stay in place UNTIL a formal replacement is made pursuant to the MCN nomination and confirmation process. The NC and the AG are going to proceed as if to spit on the Supreme Court.

Roger Wiley --- (Tele) 918-295-8720 FAX: 918-756-2445) Tell him he has been overstepping his boundaries for quite a while, but now he has sold the Creek Nation down the proverbial river. NC needs to hear this too.

A NATION WITHOUT A JUDGE - WHAT ARE CONSEQUENCES?

2010-06-29T15:43:00Z

At the end of this day, we will have no District Court Judge. No cases can be filed, heard or decisions rendered.

We have way over 100 pending cases. All are important, but many children will be involved too.

This is a direct consequence of the NC and its meddling out of their Constitutional boundaries, and making laws strictly for getting even with the Chief and Judge Moore because the NC has lost all their lawsuit decisions.

Some on the NC have already stated they will not confirm anyone's name submitted by the Chief, the sole branch with the responsibility for nominating Judges, and that's according to the NC Constitution.

Where does the Supreme Court stand on this? Should they bring in a Special Judge? Who has any authority over this renegade Council?

I bet the NC is abiding by the advice of G. StandingBear because this is pretty much what happened when he was advising the Navajo Nation, when that Nation's citizens rebelled and the Feds came in. Their Chairman ended up going to prison, and in our case, it would be Roger Barnett and Roger Wiley. Both have become partners and have abandoned our Constitution. Not identical issues, but identical actions.

Citizens: We are now in a state of ANARCHY: A state of society without government or law.

Thlopthlocco Disaster?

2010-06-29T15:18:00Z

New topic requested by Anonymous 6/30/2010 9:22AM

What is the “Thlopthlocco Disaster? “

The “Thlopthlocco Disaster “has the potential to go down in Creek Nation history as its most defining moment. Few citizens are aware that sometime in the next few months the 10th Circuit Court is poised to rule on a decision that has the potential to shake the foundation that establishes the Creek Nation’s Nation to Nation relationship with the U.S. Government.

Professor of Law, Timothy Pleasant, in a lecture at the 8th Annual Muscogee (Creek) Nation, "Doing Business in Indian Country" on May21st, 2010 in Tulsa, outlined a troubling scenario, that should it come to pass, spells disaster for the Creek Nation and for other tribes in Oklahoma.

For background read: thlopthlocco township v. nathan anderson. A DVD is available from the District Court containing the complete lecture delivered by Timothy Pleasant. Professor Peasant’s passionate presentation raises troubling implications for Creek Nation sovereignty.

What began as an internal dispute among members of an obscure Indian tribe and the Creek Nation’s involvement in it has now spiraled hopelessly out of control. Our biggest concern is that powerful political interests are gaining sway with the courts. Our sovereignty,once firmly embedded in federal law hangs tenuously in someone else’s court to decide, and that is what troubles us the most.

Note of Appreciation

2010-06-28T15:07:00Z

(PER YOUR REQUEST FOR A NEW TOPIC)

New Topic Please

Note of Appreciation:

There is one thing about which most Creeks will agree: You steadfastly braved the forces arrayed against you and prevailed, and in the process saved our bacon. You are the example of what we can be when people of integrity serve society and not the powerful. You showed fairness and reasonableness in the way you treated all citizens, and that will be remembered forever.

Godspeed, Patrick Moore

(Judge Moore leaves this week after more than two decades of service to the Creek Nation as Judge of the District Court)

IS THIS SO?

2010-06-22T03:22:00Z

In all different departments of our Nation, we are sensing Policies and Rules that are unclear and misinterpreted.

1.   For employees, all managers and directors should have a clear understanding of the Policies and Rules.
      a.   Employees should all have copies.  IS THIS SO?
      b.   All the Policies & Rules are to be enforced fairly and equally.  IS THIS SO?
      c.   Employees should all have an avenue to voice problems, whithout fear of retaliation.   IS THIS SO?
      d.   Employees should all have the talent and training on how to deal with clients.   IS THIS SO?
2.   The MCN needs to issue clear policies on nepotism, which should be uniform throughout the Nation.   IS THIS SO?
3.   The MCN needs to clarify who is in charge of FUA's for Communities?   We have been advised that this responsibility was
      removed from the Chief, and taken over by the NC. At this time, there are no FUAs.   IS THIS SO?
4.   We need a fair wage & salary policy, with allowances for longivity, experience, education, etc.   IS THIS SO?
5.    We must retain our Creek Preference throughout the Nation, which is one of the ways our tribe will remain the Creek Nation.
       However, this policy should not be abused. What it means is if there are 2 or more applicants for a position, 1 who is Creek and
       all are equally qualified - then you hire the Creek.   This applies to all departments and all enterprises for promotions too.
       IS THIS SO?
6.    We should be knowledgeable on our MCN government, which includes the Executive, Legislative & Judicial branches, such as
       which branch is responsible for certain issues.   IS THIS SO?
7.    MOST IMPORTANTLY - All of our Creek employees should be registered to vote, and should VOTE.   IS THIS SO?

There are many more issues which need to be addressed by all of our leaders but it could be a start. Give us some input. Together, we can improve anything.

Tribal Construction

2010-06-18T02:04:00Z

(VOC: per your request for a new topic)

New topic on tribal construction.

How much longer will the creek nation have to continue to pay a premium price for a tribal construction department that cannot finish a project or produce a project that doesnt leak. Will this be the fourth or fifth year in a row that we wont have bathrooms for our festival. Hopefully the roof doesnt collapse on the bathrooms like it did on the main structure.

TRADE & COMMERCE -- TOBACCO

2010-06-16T01:48:00Z

New topic as requested by Lighthorse Larry - 6/15/10 8:29PM
Hey Admin, how about a new topic?

Trade and Commerce Losses Continue, Truck Seized.

Most MCN citizens probably have not heard the news but on Tuesday, June 15th the State of Oklahoma seized another truckload of illegal cigarettes. The loss is estimated to be about $150,000. They were headed to the Casino smoke shop in Tulsa.

I, for one, am tired of seeing the MCN pump millions into Trade and Commerce so that a few, select individuals can profit by millons of dollars. I do not care who you are, but one hundred and fifty thousand dollars is a lot of money! That money could be used to buy clothes for children when school starts. It could have been used to educate your Creek tribal members. There are many ways the money could have been spent. Instead, you find people like Wisner and a few, greedy smoke shop managers that care more about free trips to Las Vegas and millions of dollars in ill-gotten profits.

Today they did not arrest the drivers of the truck. It is only a matter of time before they begin arresting MCN citizens. Do you want YOUR family member to be in prison because of a few greedy people?

It is time to stop this insanity and listen to Chief Ellis. Either stop selling cigs or get a compact with the State and stop putting millions of dollars into the pockets of people who already have millions of dollars!!!

6/1/10 - Chief's & Council's Editorials on Special Appropriations

2010-06-11T02:24:00Z

Please read the MCNN dated 6/1/2010. The explanation of the new laws (changes) takes up en entire 2/3 of a page --- No acknowledgement of article's author. It was released as a MEDIA RELEASE.

Previously, the Chief urged all citizens that need financial assistance for medical, rental, vehicle repairs, travel expenses & other such needs to call your NC Reps and demand assistance. This was because the tribe was basically running out of funding, but the NC continued to pass many special appropriations bills, because they can, even when there were no funds available. The Chief made attempts to slow the process by using his VETO powers. NO, that didn't slow or stop the council. They have been giving away money left & right for causes that didn't help the Nation in any shape or form. They can give Hundreds of thousands of dollars to Michael Wiesner and to the Trade & Commerce where we will never see a dime from "our investments", and instead of trying to get our money back using laws for embezzlement, fraud, theft, and spitting on our MCN Constitution, they feel justified in changing their laws for the citizens. Instead of that, they chose to have the A. G. Roger Wiley file a lawsuit against the Chief over the T & C. Just remember their phrase "SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS". I think that's the real reason - NO FUNDS.

Citizens did call the NC & the reps. So many that it appears that the NC has seen fit to re-work their rules with amendments to the Appropriation Law. It says "please note the the Law was enacted based on actual need for citizens, and only those who have established the basis for need will be considered subject to availability of funds." This is so contrary to how they've been giving away money. What really happened to make the NC institute new laws to keep from giving anything to us citizens, now I don't mean as individuals?

Travis Scott acknowledges himself as the sponsor of the amendments to the Appropriations Law.
As we suggest, read the new laws, and give us your comments.

Geoffrey Standingbear

2010-06-10T19:02:00Z

VOC: new topic as requested

New Topic maybe? Geoffrey Standingbear, how effective can he be for our National Council now that he has been elected as a congressman for the Osage Nation? Not sure that he can serve two (2) masters at one time. What do you think?

Give Chief List of Qualified Citizens for Certain Positions

2010-06-08T14:26:00Z

Our tribe needs names of qualified citizens who are willing to serve. It appears there are going to be many positions to fill.
We should give this input since we seem intent to disqualify any one the Chief appoints or suggests. It's impossible for him to know all who would come forward and work for our Nation.

Let's give the Chief some names. Or call the Chief and submit your own name for consideration. I guarantee we can come up with better names than the NC's G. Standing Bear.

No, the Chief did not ask for this information. But collectively, we know a lot of people and about a lot of people. and we can be contributors.

(VOC: Please stay within the topic with your comments. We are deleting those not complying. Thank you.)

NEW CASINO in CREEK NATION --- RUMOR?

2010-06-04T03:14:17Z

We have heard rumors for weeks that one of the 3 tribal towns is working on setting up a casino in the middle of our Creek Nation, somewhere near Tulsa.

It may not be a rumor as we have found out which Council members may be assisting them. At this time, we will not name any names, but we have received information that there are three involved. Do the tribal towns have a right to land outside of what they now occupy? Tribal towns are: Alabama-Quassarte, Kialegee and Thlopthlocco.

By law, they cannot acquire any land within the Creek Nation without the consent of the Creek Nation.

If anyone else has heard about this, we would like to see some comments.