To the chairman of the Chippewa Cree Tribe:
I openly challenge you to a public debate on the tribal issues and personal conduct of some of our elected tribal officials. I have sat back and read your “feel-good” newspapers for just over a year now and it is time to speak up here. As an American Indian Movement activist and one known in the “best” of circles, you know what I say is always the truth and that I do not speak my mind unless it is that way. Some of what I read in the first “feel-good” issues of the tribal newspaper and the conduct and actions since then, have prompted me to challenge you to tell the world, and our peoples here in Rocky Boy, to answer my questions I will put forth to you.
It is time to see which way the winds blows here, Mr. Houle. There is no escaping what will be happening here in the future, but you can sure get a glimpse of it by accepting my challenge to act as a leader and do this debate. You may even change your ways, but that remains yet to be seen.
People know, and people care, and people are mad. I will not take the brunt of abuse for your actions to be sure, nor will I be silenced by speaking the truth here. I am here for the long run; how about you? The circle is turning and so it is. I have spoken and it is so.
In the spirit Of Crazy Horse and Leonard Peltier.
Russell James Houle North Central Montana American Indian Movement
Child porn charge raises many issues
I bought some gas today. I bought some gas at Heltne's. I have never bought gas there before because I feel I am capable of pumping it myself. I went to Heltne's today to support Doug Heltne.
I cannot believe that charges have been filed against this man under these circumstances. I am disgusted that local authorities have decided to do this after a man was nearly killed in his own home.
Mr. Heltne is accused of a terrible crime. I do not in any way condone possession of child pornography. However, that is not what he has been charged with. According to the Havre Daily News, a felony charge of “sexual abuse of children” was the offense, though no other accusations followed. The article further states the children may have ranged in age up to 19 years. I found it interesting that some of the evidence was on reel-to-reel tape. Wasn't that obsolete in the 1970s? How old is this stuff?
It does not matter whether he is convicted or not. These particular charges stay with a man forever, regardless of guilt. I am guessing his business is done, and his employees probably left without jobs.
I feel a bigger issue was the home invasion and assault of this man. That seems to have gotten lost when the Havre Daily News ran a headline story with key words “child porn,” only briefly mentioning the assault.
One must wonder what would have happened if Mr. Heltne met his assailant at the door and shot him. I certainly hope this was discussed before charges were filed. Local authorities have broken a serious trust, practically stating that if they come in your home, no matter what circumstances, they will be looking in your drawers, etc., for any contraband.
This is in fact a de facto call to vigilantism, chaos and general violence.
People will be afraid to dial 911 during serious circumstances, and may be taking the law in their own hands. Havre just made national news for race issues and it may make it again over this.
Apparently residents of Havre are on their own.
Local law enforcement has decided the best use of the constitution of the United States is for toilet paper. I wonder how soon until Havre police uniforms sport SS armbands.
I have been told that we as a community “own our government.” I do not wish to be a part of the public execution Havre has in store for this man.
Eric Holmes
Havre
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