To the Editor,
In the last election, fewer than 10 percent of the enrolled eligible voters of the Lumbee tribe cast a ballot. Yet the members of the tribe who don’t vote and don’t have anything to do with the Lumbee Tribal Government are constantly being judged by stories on the front of newspapers that have nothing to do with them.
The voters let their thoughts and beliefs be known by remaining silent. If the voters would have believed in the tribal government, the Tribal Council and the administration, there would not have been enough staff at the polls to handle the turnout.
However, the numbers speak for themselves. To achieve, first you must believe, especially when it comes to federal recognition.
The tribal government has no effect on me; I am a U.S. citizen first and forever. They can sit down there and bicker like children, serve their certain client lists and operate their non-profits. If the first holders of the Lumbee housing funds, the North Carolina Indian Housing Authority, would have the funds transferred to them, more work would get done, more people would be helped and more elders would be served. Everyone would have HUD certifications and more than a high school diploma.
Mr. Editor, when you print another story about the Lumbee Tribe and its government, just remember 90 percent of the eligible enrolled voters of the Lumbee Tribe would rather read something that they will not be judged for by the public.
But, if 90 percent of the voters in the Lumbee Tribe won’t even vote, could you please put the stories on page 2A or 4A?
The Robesonian is not just about the Lumbee Tribe, it is about Robeson County and the wonderful people who live here. There are many wonderful stories yet to be told other than some Lumbees fighting over funding that those who need it, will never see.
Vinita Cookie” Maynor Clark
Pembroke
Find me the verse where it says to "take from one and give to another" based on a membership in a particular club.
I have been at the pickup point where the delivery van drops the papers for the carriers and boxes.
I can tell you that the following day the carriers back seat was full of papers that had the story about the NCICC on it.
I do know that the newspaper box at the Pembroke Walmart was NOT filled up 3 times but only once!
THEY DO NOT GIVE them enough PAPERS TO FILL UP ANY BOX 3 TIME.
YOU NEED TO GET OVER YOURSELF, QUIT SMOKING YOUR CUBAN CIGARS AND GET A LIFE.
She won't lie for the tribe and she won't lie to the people. That is what makes a good PR person. And Buckdog, if she would have gotten Senior Miss Lumbee, you could not keep the media away from her.She would have gotten down there and worked with the people and would have been for the people, not for herself.
"She wont pull any punches" but she'll pull the whool over the rest of us who don't go to these "kind" of meetings. Yep, sounds like just the kind of PR person the tribe needs......
I have to admit that all the Indian bickering is not making The Robesonian any money.
Buck: When you seen the paper machine 3/4 full, it was the third time it was filled that day...
Ever heard the saying "don't judge a book by it's cover?" Well, don't JUDGE the Lumbees by the story about a government they don't support and are not required to by law.
The people who can't attend those mettings, THE TAXPAYERS, are concerned how these people are handling their money. Remember, they won't let you in unless you have a card. Oh, and our new Govenor, Pat McCrory, reads the Robesonian daily, so does the BIA, and Washington...........
Wont be much longer now.
These storys need to and will continue to be printed. And the Lumbees do need to be judged!!
To think that this so called self contained unit(the Lumbees) need to be down played to page 2a or 4a and not put on front street (page one) because of their lack of turnig out to vote isn't news...is nonsense.
It has everything to do with each and every Lumbee...registered or not.
The Robesonian just prints what's going on. The Lumbees make their own news.
The over 90% that didn't vote is a staggering number and should be published. If checks were to be handed out or it was time for the Pow Wow or a parade there would be a 100% turnout then.
The Lumbees have been laughed at a long time because of their Council now their being laughed at because of themselves as a unit.
If the Lumbees don't believe in their own government as you stated..why should the United States Government believe in them? And give a whole bunch of nonbelievers money!!
I totally agree Vinita, there are thousands out there that can use the help but will never see it. And I know they will never help you again or let you in their Senior Pageant. Why? Because you can bring a sense of unity to the tribe. You are right "to achieve, you must believe." And many people down there only want a paycheck. Some of the Tribal Council and even the Chairman are already millionaires. They do not care about the people, they only care about the title.
I remember when you ran for office Vinita one candidate's helper was talking to you who did not know you and said to your face "That woman who is running Cookie is mentally retarded and in a wheelchair." If that is true, more people need to be like you! Their brains would work a whole lot better.