Seneca Nation Gets Homeland Security Funding From Us
by Matt at Aug 13th, 2008
This story puzzles me:
The Seneca Nation of Indians Volunteer Fire Department will receive $27,654 in federal homeland security funding for fire prevention and safety, Rep. Brian Higgins, D-Buffalo, announced.
“These resources play an important role in safeguarding the Seneca Nation residents, businesses and the dedicated first responders who work to protect and serve the Salamanca area,” Higgins said.
“This grant clearly demonstrates how our two nations can work together,” said Seneca President Maurice A. John Sr. administered by the Department of Homeland Security in cooperation with the US Fire Administration.
“This grant clearly demonstrates how our two nations can work together, and continue to,” said President John. “This money will have a much-needed good effect on our Nation’s firefighting capabilities and the crucial protection of our people and businesses.”
So let me get this straight… The Seneca Nation, which is sovereign, doesn’t pay taxes to the United States, gets plenty of money from Americans via gaming, gasoline and tobacco sales… and yet they’re getting grants paid for by American taxpayers?
Actually, you don’t have it straight. Native Americans do pay federal income taxes.
I guess you could look at it this way: Seneca “sovereign” territory is located within the boundaries of the United States. American citizens travel to and through the territory. American commerce is done there. A conflagration there could have its effects felt in the neighborhood. Even if they didn’t pay Federal taxes it doesn’t seem out of line to help them keep from burning down. Now, a nasty tire fire started when the Vampire State tries to collect sales tax–that’s another thing.