Don't OK tribes' water compact

Yeah, CSKT water compact again.

Back in 1924, Congress passed an act making native tribal members in the United States citizens thereof with the exception of those members not born within the country’s borders. I once saw, in an old newsreel sans sound, President Coolidge sign the bill while wearing a warbonnet in the presence of several native tribal members in ethnic garb. None present seemed to object, and since then even the Salish and Kootenai are included.

As U.S. citizens, said tribal members are subject to the U.S. Constitution (as well as to federal, state and local laws), including the 14th Amendment’s “equal protection” clause (as are we all), when beyond reservation confines. However, to extend provisions of the moribund 1855 Hellgate Treaty beyond said confines, to include non-tribal members, strikes this homesteader as inviting chaos. Likewise, the enablers of the treaty and CSKT water compact, and they know who they are, are also flirting with disloyalty, not only to the U.S. Constitution, but to the Montana Constitution also. Oath breakers all.

Perhaps it’s time for Western Montana well owners to investigate rainwater cistern systems before the water well meter-installers descend, or merely brace for the rip-off. One hopes, however, that this nation’s judiciary will exhibit the courage and integrity necessary to stem the rip-tide/ land grab.

Civil asset forfeiture, eminent domain, CSKT water compact— Is there no respite? —Kenneth “K.C. Smith,” Frenchtown