What is your opinion on the Native American trial against the U.S. government?

Question

The trial [Cobell vs. Kempthorne] was filed by a Native American, Elouise Cobell (a member of the Blackfeet Nation), in 1996 to take on the U.S. government, because of money not paid to Native Americans by the Government for leasing their lands for oil, agriculture, timber, homesteads, etc., industries. The plaintiffs and the defendents are now arguing a payout of either $46 billion or $58 billion to approx. 500,000 Natives. The judge expects to conclude the case in August. =)

My family is in on this too...we have an oil company, homesteads, agricultural leases, and I think timber leases, on our land in New Mexico (we live in Choctaw Nation in Oklahoma). And we've been receiving a combined total of about $00.60 every 3 months or so, which is not right.

So, what are your opinions?

If ya wanna read more, go to http://indiantrust.com

Answer 1

Sounds like an exercise in futility, if any settlement is seen, which is unlikely, the little guy won't get a dime. Sorry but thats the way I see it.

Answer 2

they have a good case.

Answer 3

Let me be totally honest with you. I am for you 100%.But there is a slight problem. The US stole the land from the Indians, the oil, the gold, the timber,and everything else under the sun. Here's the problem- the US has broke every treaty that was made with the Indians since the white man came to our shores-To rule in favor of the Indians on this one, would open up litigation on every treaty that has been broken, starting before the times of George Washington- The people of this nation are not aware of the gigantic mistreatment of the American Natives, mistreatment that is still going on even today. in the form of American businesses robbing the profit of the timber and oil resources from the Indian land- and congress does nothing because the same businesses have lobbyist that have the congress in their back pocket. It's a shame and a sin that this is still going on today

Answer 4

It's a racket.  Will never go away.  Best to ignore.

Answer 5

good luck

Answer 6

Just like any other contract, you have every right! These companies probably have made billions so they should be held accountable, it's not like they think twice when it comes to money.

If these same corporations can sue, you can too & you have a very reasonable demand. I hope you are paid a lot more than $58 Billion but I'll doubt Judge will order anything near that amount.

Good Luck!

p.s. I would be expecting 0.001% of that money(your share at least), you know good will gesture.  ;-)