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Osage Tribal Council Report Card |
Concerns
| General Concerns |
REPLY:
I myself find it interesting that your name is suddenly appearing in meeting minutes. As you can see by re-reading your own post, I was serious about not editing the concerns and articles submitted for posting on this site. As far as mentioning of names is concerned, my name is not important. Whether or not it is known who I am has nothing to do with, nor would it affect, the actions of those who were elected and are being paid (not to mention "trusted") to be the Leaders of this Nation and its representatives to the world. Nor would it affect the information placed on this web site in any way. I did not require or even ask you to reveal your name either. If you did so in your comments, that was by your choice and out of a wish to be argumentative, something that does not interest me in the least. The purpose of this site, as stated, is to bring information in front of the people who should be aware. If you are one who would choose not to do this, then you are a part of the problem, not part of the solution. I do agree with you that it is too bad that this web site or at least the ability to publicize, was not here 4, or for that matter, even 8, 12, 16, or 20 years ago. The Osage people and all concerned about the welfare of the Osage Nation have a right to know what their leadership is doing be it good or bad. To make an informed decision and either re-elect a member to our esteemed Tribal Council or replace him or her, requires a knowledge of that Council member's performance while in office. OTC Reports is not here to judge but to make public that which should be. Explanations and interpretations of information freely found is not necessarily a judgement but rather food for thought. Electing our leaders, those who make choices for us and the future of our Nation is the most important decision we have to make and one that cannot be taken lightly. Those who follow blindly without ever questioning deserve that which they receive, yet the opportunity to view and think about as many viewpoints to an issue before making up one's mind can only be considered the wisest decisions made and have never hurt anyone who intended to do what they promised while campaigning for any public office. Criticism is also the best form of self introspective, allowing one to look at our own actions and beliefs and challange even ourselves to do better. This in itself has never harmed anyone either. Things former Council members did wrong are also irrelevant now however, this is now, the present, not the past. We must look to the future. The present Council, just like past and future Councils, must remember where they came from and why they are there, Put aside personal agendas, payments, and self gratification, and do what is right for the people who are entrusting them to do just that. This is not too much to ask, or to be expected of, of any elected leader. Just because supposed misconduct and misrepresentation may have been done in the past by former Councils or Council members, does not change the fact that the members of this 31st Council got where they are by campaigning for change. Let's "Change" then and perform our duties as is best for the Osage Tribal Nation, a proud people who are not yet ready to wither into extinction the way of so many of our Native American Indian brothers and sisters have before us. Lead us to a new day in a manner that we may hold our heads high and once again be as proud as our grandfather's grandfathers were. This is too much to ask?
In actuality, I am pleased that the 31st Council freely shares the information they do and respect them for having the courage to do so. As public officials however, they must understand that public life is full of second guessing and criticism, or have you never watched the news? Together, all Osages, let's give not only OTC Reports, but also the 31st Tribal Council the opportunity to fullfill their potential and see how high we all as a Nation can rise. But remember, both. that eyes are watching.
Thank you for standing up and posting your opinions. All are welcome whether they agree with mine or not.