Interesting page on Bruce Brading
http://theruraldemocrat.typepad.com/the_rural_democrat/2007/03/index.htmlFletcher draws criticism from Native Americans
I was contacted last night by a dear Native American friend of mine from Oklahoma. He is planning on moving to Kentucky this summer but he is rethinking his move because of appointments made by Governor Fletcher in regards to a little known state commission called the Kentucky Native American Heritage Commission. The only official link is here.
Apparently Fletcher was tricked into making some new appointments to this commission. Fletcher also left off some names that has apparently pissed some people off. Some of the prominent names on this commission is Former First Lady of Kentucky Judy Patton, Rep. Reggie Meeks (D) Louisville and Dr.David Pollack Director of the Kentucky Heritage Council. A Native American Blog called the Kentucky Native American Politics claims the new chairperson Bruce Brading is a shady character that may be in some big trouble. Fletcher sure looks like he may have screwed up big this time.
This story could blow up in Fletcher's face if the allegations made by the Native American Blog is true. Fletcher is apparently making some more appointments to boards and commission over the next month. I guess that's what they call 11th hour and mid-night appointments. He is apparently so desperate for votes he is willing to turn the screws on Native Americans in Kentucky for votes. I hope this does blow up into a big deal and I will laugh my ass off when Fletcher tries to explain his way out of it. I am starting to believe Fletcher just can not do anything right.
I will follow this story for a while and see what happens.
From the Kentucky Native American Politics
New Heritage Commission Chair involved in alleged illegal activity
In a widely circulated E-mail Mr. Brading and others (presumably Marty Martin as COWUC president)were alleged to have been involved in highly illegal activity that goes directly against all Federal, State, and Local Laws. It also violates the sacred trust we have with our ancestors. If this is even partially true then it is time to make your voices heard at the state capital!
The e-mail reads in part
"Bruce and his group are currently receiving human remains from folks throughout the state, transporting these remains, and reburying them. All of these activities are in violation of current Kentucky statutes. One of my concerns is that while many of these remains may have been found at prehistoric archaeological sites other may have been found at historic cemeteries and still others may be recent murder victims. A good way to get ride of the remains of someone you killed years ago would be to contact Bruce, and tell him that you found them at an archaeological site. He would then take the remains and rebury them somewhere else.
I want to assure you and others that neither I nor anyone else at the Heritage Council would have ever designated COWUC as the sole representatives of the native american community in Kentucky.
David Pollack
Kentucky Heritage Council Site Protection and
Archaeology Program Administrator, and
Director, Kentucky Archaeological Survey"