The Lumbee Indians from southeastern North Carolina around Robeson County have been pushing for years to get recognition from the federal government.
It turns out that Republicans in Congress are helping them to make this happen. It has already passed in the US House.
This will open the door to bring yet another casino to North Carolina; and open the federal spigots for more welfare spending.
Yippee. Thanks, Republicans.
Addendum: The NC Family Policy Council comments.
They have not gotten recognition previously because they lack the attributes defining a tribe: Historical dress, language, traditions, lineage, etc.
Just one more “special interest” group screaming for federal dollars.
Thanks for that explanation, JayCee. Yes, I think you have described the situation very accurately.
If the Lumbees are Indians, then they are the most prosperous, least drug-infested Indians in the US. Could that be because they are uniquely (for Indians) untouched by government poison, aka welfare?
Interesting point, J. Sobran.
This is good, old-fashioned vote-buying on the part of the Republicans. Pretty disappointing.
Mark Twain: “There is no distinctly American criminal class – except Congress.”
I guess they had the problem way back then also, Fred.:)
Of course, back then, we were still FIGHTING the Indians. Now, we are buying their votes and showering benefits on them. Ahh, white guilt…