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I write in regard to LD 1626, “An Act Implementing the Recommendations of the Task Force on Changes to the Maine Indians Claims Settlement Act.”
There are times in history when doors open to the possibility of writing significant historic wrongs, wrongs that have inflicted great pain — and continue to inflict that pain — on other human beings. The televised murder of George Floyd, sadly and unfortunately, was a gift to America. A gift, because only such a blatant, visible and egregious event could wake us white folks to the reality of everyday lives for those whose skin is not white.
While one might note the differences between what Black Americans and Native Americans have endured, the most important element is the insidious idea that those with non-white skin are somehow less than those of us with white skin. The continued wrongs are entrenched within, and protected by, our laws. Presently our laws don’t support the sovereignty of our Native American fellow citizens, unlike other 570 federally recognized tribes in America.
While we have become more of a social creature since our cave dwelling days, we obviously have a long way to go, as we continue to struggle to be decent, kind and thoughtful of each other. There are many chapters in this writing of wrongs. Won’t people please ask their representatives in Augusta to support this chapter, moving us towards a more humane and just Maine, by supporting LD 1626? Thank you.
Chris Wright
Belfast