Narragansett Indian Tribe gets screwed? (1120 hits)
Category: PoliticsRating: 0.69 on 17 reviews (Rate this item) (V)
Submitted by kim t <kim_terceira.at.yaho.com> (View user info) at 2003-07-14 16:17:23 EDT
CHARLESTOWN -- Smokers, your haven waits.
In a move that Narragansett Indian Tribe Chief Sachem Matthew Thomas said "had to" be done, tribal leaders opened their much-anticipated tax-free smoke shop on Saturday morning. Without any advertisement, the facility bristled with business throughout the day and provided a preview of the possible cash windfall that tribal members could soon reap.
While only cigarette cartons were available to the public, the reduced selection didn't seem to matter much as customers continuously left the smoke shop, located along Route 2, with unavoidable smiles permeated across their faces and several cigarette cartons in their possession. Once outside customers were met by appreciative tribal members, several who throughout the day stood in the parking lot and took in the busy nature of a facility that may provide the tribe with an average of $10 million a year.
Rhode Island officials recently stated that at least 10 percent of the state's expected $100 million yearly cigarette sales tax revenue might be lost to the tax-free smoke shop.
"We just did a projection and we had to figure out what areas we may have to have cut and what areas we may have to lay people off. So we had to open, we didn't have a choice," said Thomas. "The state says we're going to get 10 percent and I'll take that any day."
The smoke shop officially opened its doors for business around 11:10 a.m. on Saturday, as a sign in the facility's window declared a welcoming for customers. This was followed by Domingo Monroe, a tribal member, climbing a ladder onto the roof of the facility and removing a sheet that covered the smoke shop's eye-catching sign. The sign stated Narragansett Smoke Shop, in black lettering, and included a pair of pipes, turtles and feathers.
Once inside the building, a customer was greeted by an enthusiastic staff and immediately got a bird's eye view of hundreds of cigarette cartons, situated by brand on a series of shelves. Those brands ranged in price from Move, which cost $9.99 a carton, to Newport, which cost $31.99. There were over 15 other brands that cigarette smokers could choose from, which on average cost $25 a carton. A typical tax-free $20 carton of cigarettes sold at the smoke shop cost almost $50 at most statewide convenience stores.
Employees of the smoke shop stated that individual packs of cigarettes as well as cigars would be available for purchase next week. They also confirmed that the store would be open from Monday to Saturday between the hours of 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Minutes after the official opening, Thomas and tribal councilman Randy Noka each began to smoke a pair of cigars, seemingly in celebration of a substantial and very notable step forward in the history of the tribe.
"We welcome this opportunity because it is a positive step for the tribe and it doesn't take away from our efforts to work with the state," said Noka, specifically the state's economic development commission, who the tribe had a cordial meeting with in early July. "At times those efforts have not been met with the same desire or the same courtesy extended that we've gone to and we've done. This is a big day for Narragansetts. We are doing what we feel we have every right to do by opening today."
But that feel good atmosphere surrounding the smoke shop's historic opening was soon dampened by comments made by Gov. Donald L. Carcieri on Saturday evening.
"The sale of cigarettes without charging sales and tobacco taxes is illegal under both state and federal law," said Carcieri. "The appropriate departments of state government have been notified and we are in the process of responding to what appears to be an illegal act."
The governor's contention to the facility's opening wasn't a surprise to tribal members, who throughout the day fully expected that the state would find fault with the smoke shop. That differing of opinion, tribal members assured, would also result in a fast approaching legal battle, which could come early this week. But the tribe's lawyers maintained that the Narragansetts didn't have to tax the cigarettes because they are sovereign nation and haven't given up that right.
"They (the state) can try anything, it is our opinion and our position that we have a right to be open and remain such until we feel we can't anymore," said Noka.
The governor's critical stance towards the smoke shop's opening was echoed by Deborah A. Carney, Charlestown town council president, who stated that she was worried about the facility's lack of parking, especially being located along the narrow Route 2. While Carney stated that the council had not taken a formal position on the smoke shop yet, she said, it wasn't something that she could see them approving.
"This is not something that we would welcome," said Carney. "There is clearly no parking there. You are going to have people spilling over into Route 2 and that is not a very wide road."
But the concerns from politicians didn't see to bother the tribe on Saturday, as they relaxed in the parking lot in clear appreciation of the smoke shop and the abundance of possibilities and opportunities it could soon bring them.
"For the past 14 years we've tried to work with the state to get the casino issue passed. That has been a tribal initiative. It has failed. It failed only be the decisions of the leadership of the state. There comes a point where the tribe as a government has to make a decision and that is where we are at today," said Eric Wilcox, tribal planner. "It wasn't a difficult decision (to open) and it wasn't even close to being one."
http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=9765095&BRD=1718&PAG=461&dept_id=74409&rfi=6
Listening to the radio right now and heard that this place got raided this morning. They fucking shut them down (I knew I should have made a trip there over the weekend). What do you think of that? They are receiving special treatment for a reason, I think that they deserve this. If they are a sovereign union how is this right? I thought that sovereign means self-governing?
User Reviews
Submitted by Robin at 2003-07-15 16:41:31 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Thumbs up to zoidbergs post.
Submitted by jimmiss (user info) at 2003-07-15 15:33:36 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
You see, the money goes to throught the corrupt band leaders. We all know what your opinion is, so why don't you do some research. Man I love fueling the fire.
As far as money goes, i'm pretty sure that has atleast SOMETHING to do with the low graduation rate. I'm sure there are more graduates above the poverty line than non graduates.
And finally, I agree with you that they are NOT doing great. I don't know why they don't have as much money. They are NOT discriminated against. I actually haven't heard anyone say they had a problem with them beyond all this government hooplah.
So what is your solution? What else can we do "for" them. They don't pay taxes and tribes get money from the government. They're education is free, including rent and food. What else can they ask for? Cash? How much cash? How much should each indian get? Maybe 50k in total. No wait, the taxes and education things adds up to much much more than that. Not to mention the raping of our natural resources (this is not common mind you, but how many huge corporations that indians have SOLD these rights to on an individual basis does it take to strip the forests and seas beyond repair?). Maybe we should just give them a couple hundred a month? Nah, that's not enough. Say... a thousand a month. Tax free of course. Why not make it two?
By the way, I'm not trying to convince anyone of anything. My best friend is not black. My best friend is not an indian. However you have seemed to miss my point entirely so I will repeat it:
It's not the indians fault! It's not the indians fault! It's not the INDIANS FAULT! It just makes me sick that our government is so soft on such a straightforward issue. Yes, they SHOULD GET whatever it is they get now. The education, everything else. That is A LOT to get for free. More than 99% of the rest of the population will ever get. Let me tell you if my education was free I probably wouldn't be working in a chemical factory to pay for school. And even if it wasn't, since I would make 30 to 50 percent more than everyone else for the same job due to no taxes, I wouldn't worry about student loans IF I even had them.
How much more do they need? I want a specific Number.
Submitted by Manfre (user info) at 2003-07-15 12:13:53 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
"Also native americans have lower median incomes and higher poverty rates (the median family income of american indians in 1990 was $21,750 compared to $35,225 in the total U.S. population and 31% of american indians live below the poverty line, compared to 13% of the total U.S. population) than the general U.S. population"
Wouldnt this be alright being they dont pay taxes and shit? I mean a lil over 10 grand less is a lot but wouldnt it be much worse if taxes were taken out? I mean how much is $35,225 after taxes and everything?
Submitted by Manfre (user info) at 2003-07-15 12:05:18 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Buy em online. Saves you the time of going far and you can get an unlimited supplu for cheap shit... Plus you get a free lighter with a bottle opener on it.
Submitted by Zoidberg (user info) at 2003-07-15 11:59:12 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
"By the way, this does not make me racist. I have no problem with indians, i have many indian friends"
Again, sorta like, "I'm not racist, my best friend is black"
Who you trying to convince Jim?
And yes, you're right, native americans are just ROLLING in the money. All those beads we gave them for their land after slaughtering them must have finally matured. Fuck 401K's right?
Odd but when I look up native american statistics I find that only 63% have completed High School, compared to the average of 75%
Also native americans have lower median incomes and higher poverty rates (the median family income of american indians in 1990 was $21,750 compared to $35,225 in the total U.S. population and 31% of american indians live below the poverty line, compared to 13% of the total U.S. population) than the general U.S. population
So tell me, where is all this money they're rolling in? Has it occured to you that these great hunting benefits you're raving about are all that keep some families fed?
As to tribal casinos, if you look it up, I believe there is only one tribal casino that is actually owned by the tribe. The rest are owned by corporations so very little money goes back into the tribe.
But no, you're right Jim. Native Americans are doing great! When was the last time you saw a Native American family out for dinner at Red Lobster? Just last night, right?
fucking idiot.
Submitted by LondonBroil at 2003-07-14 23:49:58 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
Damn Injuns aint gettin' nuthin outta me, I order my cigs online for $14.95/carton + $2.00 s&h.
Submitted by jimmiss (user info) at 2003-07-14 23:17:14 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
oh, and maybe the government smartened up on the casino issue where you are, and decided they didn't need to give you any more money, and didn't want the crime that goes along with one. Idiots.
Submitted by jimmiss (user info) at 2003-07-14 23:16:15 EDT (#)
Ranking: -2
Well... it's not over cigs, it's over money. Which means it's over jobs. What the fuck do the indians need more free money for? They can open casino's, don't pay taxes (and the only thing's that are supposed to be unaviodable are death and taxes), they get a COMPLETELY FREE EDUCATION, and they can hunt and fish without limits in any way (nothing like stripping the land of resources so the next generation has nothing eh??!!). You fucking bleeding heart liberals make me sick. Why don't you get informed for once.
By the way, this does not make me racist. I have no problem with indians, i have many indian friends. They all agree with me, and I tell them to take the money if they can (we just laugh at how stupid you all are anyways). The people I'm pissed at are people like YOU, and the GOVERNMENT for not getting a fucking backbone. Oh... and the corrupt tribal leaders. FUCK EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU.
Submitted by loki (user info) at 2003-07-14 21:37:47 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
This is on MSNBC right now and it is rather shocking. What the hell, the police are busting in there for force, over cigarettes? This is unbelievable.
Submitted by loki (user info) at 2003-07-14 19:31:13 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
What do you say for ole times sake (or times that never were, but that's a side rant), anyway just for ole times sake, let's go take over Alcatraz. We'll figure out once we get there what all we're protesting, but it'll be a hell of a party.
Submitted by RetardedCrow (user info) at 2003-07-14 17:50:07 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Jmg114, yeah, Rhode Island does suck the big one... But we have Johnson and Wales, one of the best cooking schools in the country, and RISD one of the best art schools in the world. Yeah, Family guy is the really only good thing going for us though. Does any other part of the US have this indian bullshit problem? God damn, if you don't want us taking your land don't just sit there and smoke a peace pipe.
Submitted by JMG114 (user info) at 2003-07-14 17:05:02 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Cheap butts, eh? Take a walk down 11th Avenue in the meat-packing district near midtown Manhattan. Those are some cheap butts.
Incidentally, it sucks that we're still screwing the American Indians over. I hope there's a riot. It would serve Rhode Island right. The only good thing RI has going for it is Family Guy.
Submitted by kimmy02721 (user info) at 2003-07-14 17:00:43 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
did you guys notice the bottom of my post. What is crazy is that Bush had this place closed down this morning. There was a big raid and it's all over the radio here. I dont know how it went from being a publicly announced opening to be shut down by the federal government. There's probably going to be a freakin riot. The people have spoken and they want CHEAP butts. This seemed like a great opportunity for the Cherokee.
Submitted by JMG114 (user info) at 2003-07-14 16:54:14 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Good. I hope American Indians rise up and conquer the white man. What we put them through was despicable.
Submitted by loki (user info) at 2003-07-14 16:51:38 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Take that for trading them land for shinny beads. I'm not up on my res - US relations. They opened a casino here, but they won't let them put in table games. I'd much rather play table games than friggin video games - the no fun zone.
Submitted by kimmy02721 (user info) at 2003-07-14 16:36:18 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Right now in MA the typical price is 5.05 or so for a name brand pack. It's ridiculous. We can buy them online and over the phone from some place in W.Virginia (illegal???) but the Cherokees here in Charlestown can't sell them tax free? I haven't researched this enough but I have issues with this. will be back.
Submitted by Insanethemind (user info) at 2003-07-14 16:29:06 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
There is a store down the street that has piles and piles, literally thousands of packs of cigarettes for sale very cheap. They sell (almost any brand you like) 1 pack for 3.89 and it comes with another pack, labeled not for retail sale. So I guess it comes out to about 22$ with tax for 10 packs or a carton.