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Time to push back against political racism

| February 23, 2020 2:00 AM

Racism. It is very evident this scandalous plague is alive and well, and even prospering in our country and our state. Any why? Because it is now embedded inside of the politics of victimization which leads to graft and corruption for the sake of political power.

In Montana, this has led to policies which don’t really help our American Indian populations, but are pursued to insure they vote appropriately for Democrat candidates (i.e. Sen. Jon Tester). It’s also produced the highly controversial CSKT water compact, a highly contested and controversial document which continues to promote the insane idea of a separate, race-based, sovereign nation inside of our state and our country. It’s time to pursue creative solutions which bring us together by considering alternatives to what I believe is a racist reservation system.

The politics of victimization is a recognized political phenomenon in our country wherein groups of people are convinced by political figures they are victims by the actions of other segments of our society. Politicians then promise and procure handouts and favors for the victimized group with the inherent understanding these groups vote for and contribute to Democrat candidates, which in turn helps insure victory at the polls and the continuation of political power.

In the case of our American Indian populations, it matters not that policies designed to help them have not been effective, because the elimination of this racist system would be a huge blow to liberal politicians. It’s all about the vote. In my opinion, our reservations have failed hugely. Graft, corruption, alcoholism, drugs, spousal abuse, child abuse and a poor education system run rampant in reservation areas, and they are getting worse. And it won’t change since the Indians vote 98% for the Democrats giving them no real political influence.

This political morass has also spawned the CSKT water compact which has morphed into one of the largest giveaways in the history of our country. And for what? To allow American Indians to further the notion of their sovereign nation status? Don’t go there. We are supposed to be “one nation under God.” Do not set the precedent of a race-based, sovereign nation inside of Montana or the U.S. It will inevitably allow other groups an excuse to follow the same pattern.

For the sake of our state, our country, our future and particularly for the sake of our American Indian populations, it’s time to consider alternatives which, while allowing American Indians to keep all their land and resources, will give them a pathway to true individual freedom, to join with and become an integral part of our American dream, and culture without the need for free money. It may take 20, 30 of 40 years, but it’s time to start the process now.

It’s time to push back hard against political racism in our state. To accomplish this, we must defeat the CSKT water compact and then start the discussions for the elimination of all racist polices in our state, particularly the reservation system. Our children and future generations will thank us.

—Mark A. Agather, Kalispell