Tannishblog

Is this blood money? Jack Abramoff, now famous for screwing Native Americans, has inadvertently given them a windfall. As congress sheds the ill-gotten gains of American-styled, high stakes governance. As Rome learned long ago, greed drives republics: More so in this, the worlds richest economy. Just as white America cannot rid itself of the stigma of slavery and its attendant racism; neither can it rid itself of the taint of genocide of indigenous populations. Fully aware of white man’s disgusting histories in America, our congressional leaders react with automatic guilt and try to rid ourselves of questionable proceeds as fast as possible.

Some of the Native American leaders show confusion by our response, feeling a return of their campaign contributions would undermine their voice in government. Some take a more practical approach: take the money and run. Now, that’s a truly American reaction. Although the unscrupulously diverted funds would provide no benefit to native tribes while in the coffers of officials, the return of them may indeed help the many struggling poor on our reservations. Let’s all praise the Law of Unintended Consequences, for providing justice beyond the reach of American law or judiciary precedence. The irony is as thick as the benefits are clear.