Failure to collect taxes sends wrong message
So let me get this straight. The governor of New York, because of admitted fear, is not going to continue the process of taxing products sold on the reservations throughout the state. Each and every time non-Indians purchase tobacco products and fuel on a reservation, they are engaging in tax evasion. I know that sounds harsh, but that is what is going on. Every other citizen is forced into paying more than his or her fair share because of the countless friends and neighbors who refuse to pay theirs. Enough is enough!
I have read most of the treaties in regard to taxing the Senecas. Nowhere does it state that they have a free ride and can do whatever they want. The leaders of this state do not want to tax the Native Americans who make their home here, our officials only want those non-Indians to pay their share.
To listen to Gov. David Paterson’s aides say he is not going to continue with this is an insult to all of us. He is more than willing to go after soft and easy targets, but is too spineless to make difficult decisions or fight the tough fight.
The only lesson that I can learn from this is simple, when we do not like what the governor and the Legislature call for, we need only to threaten violence and they will back down. What ever happened to the days when our elected officials had backbones?
Daryl Widebeck
Kenmore
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