Offensive Letter/My Response

In the Wednesday, June 10th edition of the Sheridan Sun, a lady from Sheridan published the following letter to the editor:

Memories on Memorial Day - When I was growing up I learned that God Almighty created us...that we are to know Him, love Him and serve Him, and then to be happy with Him forever in heaven.
Further I learned that our Constitution was formed primarily to protect us from all enemies, foreign and domestic... that we are all created equal in our needs and rights... one nation, under Almighty God... with liberty and justice for all.
The deceased heroes and the living military heroes are still honored, especially on Memorial Day, and rightfully so.
But our government, especially here in Oregon, starting with Senator Hatfield, has created domestic enemies among us and indulges them with unequal, anti-constitutional and unjust powers government created.
Do the citizens of Grand Ronde remember that in the year 1951 the Tribe requested termination of the federal wardship? They were proud of themselves then - could stand on their own, could drink alcoholic beverages - removed the last vestiges of discrimination against them by paying taxes like everybody else. Do they remember and memorialize that?
There is no more equal treatment for the rest of us now wherever tribal reservations exist. HUD monies go by the billions for tribal housing, etc. ODOT monies go to close off direct access into 25 year old Ft. Hill Restaurant, gas station and mini mart now. If you can figure out before you arrive in front of these businesses just how and when to get in there, they may survive - we all know that closing off is unfair devised by Oregon government, Polk County and ODOT - and that the new four lane Highway 18 that closes off those businesses bottlenecks unsafely down to a two lane Ft. Hill bridge. Then for more than half mile it's two lanes. Coincidentally, there is only one place to get anything to eat, or gasoline, between Salem and the coast... the casino!
Also look at the Hwy. 18 entrance to Grand Ronde Road and see that ODOT/Polk county/Tribal government, without permission from Bonanza Antiques owner, have stolen the Bonanza's "grandfathered in" first entrance to their store.
There is a banner of protest by the Franzen's Bonanza, a 16 ft. long sign. While our tax dollars pay for the closure of the entrance by government , the Franzens are to pay themselves to have the closure removed.
Several of our government people will be in Grand Ronde on Memorial Day. They are to represent all citizens. Will the ungodly power of the Tribe keep them from seeing Bonanza's sign? Or doing anything about it?
Now I am growing older, Almighty God is still the creator of all of us, but the Constitution is not government's pride anymore. The casino unequally pays no taxes, yet most employees do. We should memorialize with pride the tribe's 1951 action.

Kathy Thole
Sheridan

In the Wednesday, June 17th edition of the Sheridan Sun, I responded to Ms. Thole with the following to the editor:

Dear Kathy Thole,

In 1951, there were many governed laws that kept the Indians of Grand Ronde from acting as a member of society. There were many laws that prevented them from doing what non-Indian people could do. I ask you, Ms. Thole, in 1951 were you there supporting those Indians and publically stating your position for them to be able to act as the other members of our community? Since you take such a strong stance on equality, was it fair for the Indian people of Grand Ronde in 1951 to be treated differently than you were treated?

I found your letter to be offensive and full of inaccuracies. But that should not come as a surprise as you have been in opposition of the Tribe’s success for a long time. You opposed the Tribe’s Restoration, you opposed the Tribe acquiring Reservation land and you have verbally attacked many Tribal members through the years. I will choose to take the “high road” and not verbally attack you. However, I think your letter was hypocritical.

I believe that our Creator did create us all equal and would never be in support of prejudice. If you truly believe that our government officials are being discriminatory or behaving with prejudice, I suggest you send a letter to them. Your actions are no better than what you are accusing them of.

In closing, I would like to say that my ancestors would be proud of where the Tribe is today, just as I am. I hope one day, Ms. Thole, you can find pride and a sense of belonging. It’s a peaceful feeling.

Sincerely,
Toby McClary
A proud member of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde