The Thunder From Up Under

Now, I'm not so sure where I stand on Native American sovereignty. On the one hand, they most certainly got f-ed over 20 ways to Sunday in the whole land-grab of the early U.S., and are rarely getting better today, casinos aside. On the other hand, I recognize that long-term, the notion of nations-within-nations is probably going to cause major headaches, legally. But for now it seems to be a balancing act both sides are ready to handle.

That said, I'm all for Native American soverignty in this case:

Giago: Oglala Sioux president on state abortion law
Tuesday, March 21, 2006

"When Governor Mike Rounds signed HB 1215 into law it effectively banned all abortions in the state with the exception that it did allow saving the mother’s life. There were, however, no exceptions for victims of rape or incest. His actions, and the comments of State Senators like Bill Napoli of Rapid City, SD, set of a maelstrom of protests within the state.

Napoli suggested that if it was a case of “simple rape,” there should be no thoughts of ending a pregnancy. Letters by the hundreds appeared in local newspapers, mostly written by women, challenging Napoli’s description of rape as “simple.” He has yet to explain satisfactorily what he meant by “simple rape.”

The President of the Oglala Sioux Tribe on the Pine Ridge Reservation, Cecilia Fire Thunder, was incensed. A former nurse and healthcare giver she was very angry that a state body made up mostly of white males, would make such a stupid law against women.

“To me, it is now a question of sovereignty,” she said to me last week. “I will personally establish a Planned Parenthood clinic on my own land which is within the boundaries of the Pine Ridge Reservation where the State of South Dakota has absolutely no jurisdiction.”

Strong words from a very strong lady. I hope Ms. Fire Thunder challenges Gov. Rounds and the state legislators on this law that is an affront to all independent women."

Yeah. Oh, yeah. (That said, what is the Sioux take on abortion, anyhow?)

via Very Big Blog.

Related: Boycott on South Dakota tourism works, leading to the state deciding on an ad blitz to bring it there. (Okay, maybe that second half isn't quite true.)