Rocky Boy needs a new generation of leaders

It's a disgrace to hear all about the fraud on the rez. It was a wonderful thing to receive all of that money for the water projects. The tribe has come a very long way. I remember when I/we used to haul water. My brother Duncan was more like my parent to me, and he still is, as I turn to him to listen to my woes.

He used to be a tribal council member at Rocky Boy. I recall when the tribe was awarded millions to start up a judicial system on the rez. That's even coming further in life.

It's also understandable when someone has been broke for many years then suddenly come into large amounts of cash to lose themselves a bit. They go shopping. But in the end, you have to put it back somehow to get it covered. It’s like rags to riches. But this affected an entire community.

The community shouldn't have to pay for one's greed. We are all in the same boat. It's called choices and how we make them.  

Forgiveness comes much later. For all those involved in this fraudulent scandal must be replaced by a younger, smarter, educated, motivated, ambitious group of people to take charge where our elderly messed up. Unraveling this process will take time and money.

Surprisingly, a paper trail was left. A clumsy criminal leaving fingerprints behind. Still someone had to answer for it all. It's publicly displayed as a disgrace.

Materialistic, but in the end, you can't even take it with you. We always wish and desire for the best but not this way. It doesn't feel good if you don't work hard for it. Hard work is good and the tribe did so for many years to earn such an opportunity to be handed to them/us. Now, I feel let down and a bit ashamed. Having a home, good health, family life, kids/grandkids, a good job, that's all good. That alone is priceless.

Talk about another recession to regroup from. The recession alone was a difficult task for the United States to deal with. Does the tribe now need a new tribal chairman? Perhaps, a tribal chairwoman should step up and do it right. To whomever it will be, I say "You go girl." I will get out the vote for her and register people to vote. Also, allow the wandering urban Natives to vote for someone new. Looks like a "get out the campaign drive" has started now.

Ruby Well-Off-Man

Seattle