Tribal sovereignty

I am outraged by the decision of Judge Robert Crowley to find three tribal governors in contempt of court on Thursday. Separate from the legal and political issues, his harsh decision was way out of proportion to the situation. It can only inflame people, both native and non-native alike.

In my opinion, the whole issue of tribal sovereignty is being brought up by the paper companies in an attempt to destroy whatever influence the tribes have on water quality regulation. It appears to be harassment and intimidation by large corporate interests.

And, by the way, the tribal governors should not be facing this situation alone. The rest of us should be just as concerned about the question of wastewater discharge permits as the Passamaquoddy and Penobscot people. It affects water quality for all of us.

Before white Europeans arrived in this place we now call Maine, native people weren’t having any problems with water quality. For Maine to be strong-arming native people who are taking a stand to try to protect what little water quality they (and we) have left is unbelievable.

The tribes and their governors will have to decide what response makes the most sense. If they choose to refuse to comply with the judge’s order, they will have my complete support. I am contacting my legislators and the governor’s office to express my outrage. I hope others will do the same. Karen Marysdaughter Monroe