Point of View

"The Montaukett Indian Nation has again been denied official recognition, with Gov. Kathy Hochul on Friday vetoing a bill that would have restored the tribe’s status as a sovereign Indigenous nation and that had been approved unanimously earlier this year by the State Legislature." 

The East Hampton Star, 22-11-23. 

This is puzzling. The local Unkechaug and Shinnecock Nations have that recognition. 

In fact earlier this month the Shinnecock Nation opened a "tax free" cannabis dispensary in a prominent position on a major local highway. Because it is on their land they do not have to charge New York sales tax. 

These folks were neighbours when I lived around there (South Fork of the East End of Long Island). Today is National Day of Mourning for Native Americans.  

In more local news, I took Junior for lunch and again he helped out with some of my outdoor house maintenance chores. He had a short break in Athens earlier this month and was kind enough to bring me back some goodies... hence the Blip.