Not buying snake oil
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Editor,
So, OK, Mary Stranahan, Susan Lake and et-all others who wish us in the community who “are not so sure” about the pluses you list of the CSKT Water Compact, to roll over, paws in the air and admit defeat. We don’t think so, and please, don’t threaten us with your aghast remark that “if this issue” should end up being litigated, “oh my how very terrible” inference. Not buying that “Boogyman” threat here at all. We who know for fact that this “oh so necessary” Water Compact is anything but. What it really is (along with the Kerr Dam purchase) is a ripe opportunity as you see it in the era of friendly entities in Washington, for your overt power play. Most of us with an iota of spine aren’t buying your snake oil; even with you folks very possibly having our governor on your side. Time will tell on that. But you go right ahead with your plea for more letters to the editors and we’ll do likewise in writing them. But in the interim, the usually quiet general public is now finally realizing that what you are running here is a mega-sized scam or ruse, the likes of which cannot and should not be in any way tolerated, or allowed to be successful here in Montana. The CSKT etcetera business ventures need to stop right at the boundaries of the CSKT reservation. And what needs attention — land, air and water — off-reservation is our business, the non-Indian taxpayers. And those needs, especially the water, is none of the tribes right or need to tamper with. So to think that tribal water control and management should extend off reservation and into regions not theirs because of the “fishing clause” mentioned in the 1855 treaty is totally preposterous, or in today’s vernacular “off the wall.” But nice try, CSKT and et-all other entities — no cigar.
Will Elliott
Polson
