I am writing to ask, no beg, the Cayuga County Legislature to re-think it's decision to accept the Cayuga Indian “Land Trust” proposal. It's a bad deal!

In May of 2006 the Cayuga Indian Land Claim went down in defeat when the U.S. 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals refused to hear the case. The tribe was awarded nothing because it was entitled to nothing. Circumstances have not changed, the tribe is still entitled to nothing. Unwilling to accept the court's word as final, the Indians are determined in their plea for trust land (a back door attempt at another land claim). If the counties allow that to happen, it is no more “The Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave.” It will be the place where a bunch of cowards reside. Explain to our battered and bloody veterans that the equality and justice they fought for in foreign countries, they will not have here at home.

We are being asked to believe that the Bureau of Indian Affairs is sure to accept the tribe's application for trust land and unless we accept their proposal, we are doomed. If the Cayugas are so sure of winning their trust application, why are they trying to lure us into a quick settlement? Unless there is dirty politics going on behind closed doors, how could they know that?

There is a chance that the Indians will get their trust land but by standing firm and refusing to accept their proposal, we will win the right to have the matter settled in the courts. Please join Seneca County in a united front and reject this offer. The best deal is no deal so just say “no.” Fight like hell.

Eleanore Casey

Ovid