Response to Ryan deleting comments

So now we're a Nation concerned with "damaging our reputation?" When did that happen? Was it when I signed a petition to oust Tracy? Was it when we cut the budget and fired people? Was it when we decided to stuff our pockets full of percap instead of sharing it? I understand Ryan's predicament and applaud him for the freedom he allowed us all on his coat-tails. I think it's a shame he's being bullied to step away from his mic...."This is a blog that is the opinion solely of Ryan Dyer, and in no way reflects the official opinion of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation or individual Council Members." Now why can't TC just do that at Gen. Council meetings?

I'm all for keeping the peace, but not at the cost of my voice. However, I gotta admit that I think it's a good thing that Ryan isn't our sole platform anymore. I'm happy giving name to my thoughts without hiding behind an anonymous post.

I think TC should be more concerned with the viability and sustanability in the morality and ethics of this new Nation of ours than about how we look to outsiders because, let's face it, gone are the days of the whole second cluster sharing a single car and a bag of sugar. Gone are the days of picking up the stray walkers. Gone are the days of living hard, but strong. I think that's the thing that people are missing, I know I do. I'm not saying my life was peachy and cotton candy when I was a child of my rez....but I knew my community stood behind me. I knew that if I fell, it would be ok. Now, I'm afraid that the only thing that would cushion my fall are those thin percap dollars that line my fat butt.

I've gotten flack from people for leaving. I've gotten flack for coming back. Either way, though, it was my choice. These people that were here in the time of B.C. (before casino) might not have gotten it all right, but they got us this far. The men and women of my generation, the men and women the B.C. people reared and instilled upon, are varied in personality, criminal record, scholastic record, political involvement, etc...but one thing can be said of all of us: we're strong, opinionated, brave, and troubled. We're troubled because we were prepared for a second shoe that, when it fell, looked a lot different than the one that hit us on the head.

This blog is not going to be a Prairie Band Potawatomi bitchfest. I'm not political enough for that. I have no aspirations towards that arena and refuse to claim the knowledge it would take to run such a blog. I know enough to vote to the best of my abilities. However, this is a space for all of us who wish to find a format that is anonymous, free, and set towards positivity.....