Lakota Indians Stand Up

[El Cid]

As you may have read the Lakota Indians on 20 Dec 2007 declared
previous treaties with the United States nul and void, essentially
declaring independence from the United States.

This is significant for those of us interested in secession,
independence and devolution in our own communities for one significant
reason. American Indian tribes never surrendered their sovereignty,
their relationship with the United States is via treaty.

We can, and do, argue that the original 13 states in addition to Texas
also retained their sovereignty and merely entered into a compact but
this argument falls generally on unhearing ears - despite the
historical and legal truth. The circumstances of Hawaii, Alaska and
Puerto Rico are similarly arguable for residual sovereignty but here
too there are difficulties in applying the philosophical truths.

We have an opportunity here and now with the actions of the Lakota
Nation, if they remain true to their bold statement on 20 Dec, if this
was not a mere play for attention, if they intend to try and make
their separation a reality then they have a legal and historical basis
upon which to do it that only a dishonest regime could argue against.

If the Lakota can leave, or at the least force the United States to
renegotiate treaties that the sovereign Lakota people freely choose to
accept or decline we will all win a massive victory. Establishing
that sovereignty has not and will not be usurped perpetually by the
Federal Union opens the door for all groups with a legitimate claim to
pre-existing sovereignty to regain their rights.

Watch these events carefully. If over the next days and weeks this
action is proven to be for real we must all provide support. The
legitimacy of a sovereign people determing their own destiny is not a
universally accepted notion in our culture (sadly). If this movement
is for real we must let our Federal officials know that we expect the
United States to honor the sovereignty of these people. We must write
to our local papers to let our fellow citizens know that the
"American" way is the way of self-determination.