Years ago I traveled in that area of the country. The raw poverty that engulfs the tribes has not changed since then. This poverty is all over the reservations out west, not just Pine Ridge. What most of us would call a grocery store can not be found on most reservations. Many miles must be driven and gas prices today make the trip an even greater drain on slim resources. To grow food for the tribe there would be a need for irrigation and equipment to tend the crops with not to mention strong fences to keep wildlife from eating a free meal. Equipment is not cheap nor is the fuel to operate them. Then there are the dry conditions make veggie farming problematic. Drought has worsened the dry conditions in recent years. I would also be happy to see my tax dollars helping out ALL the needy tribes, if that help included means to sustain themselves. Job training would be great if they also relocate jobs within reach of the res. These problems took a long time making and will need time, resources and tax dollars to fix. But we also need to remember that not all our poor live on a reservation. If just the money spent on Iraq were used for the relief of poverty in this country we could help all the poor here and still have money left to help overseas. We have our priorities all mixed up. Food, clothing and shelter for everyone in need should come before guns and bullets. Eh, I got to clime down of my box now.
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Soapbox
Date: 2006-12-04 10:52 pm (UTC)I would also be happy to see my tax dollars helping out ALL the needy tribes, if that help included means to sustain themselves. Job training would be great if they also relocate jobs within reach of the res. These problems took a long time making and will need time, resources and tax dollars to fix.
But we also need to remember that not all our poor live on a reservation. If just the money spent on Iraq were used for the relief of poverty in this country we could help all the poor here and still have money left to help overseas. We have our priorities all mixed up. Food, clothing and shelter for everyone in need should come before guns and bullets. Eh, I got to clime down of my box now.