What Gorton’s Doing Is Wrong Letter Of The Week From Sept. 8

Re: “Gorton targets Indian sovereignty” (Aug. 28).

My husband and I are Republican and we generally support the conservative view. We are not American Indian. However, we are shocked and extremely disappointed with Sen. Slade Gorton for the riders he attached to the Senate Interior Appropriations Committee Bill last month, which would do damage to American Indians.

We took this country from the Indians by force and scurrilous methods. We broke treaty after treaty. They deserve more than the pittance they receive in exchange for a country. The tribes are struggling to raise their people’s standard of living and become self-supporting. They deserve encouragement rather than road blocks.

Are there any treaties or promises of the United States that are held sacred? Haven’t we taken enough from the American Indian people?

Cleo A. Clark Spokane

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