new york state (buffalo area and western new york) Break a Treaty Break the Law

As you have probably noticed, I gave up on living in Colorado ... long story ... if you want more details, shoot me an e-mail.

I have moved BACK to Western New York (the Buffalo area) where I grew up.

You know I pretty much usually only want to discuss photography here ... and typically avoid any controversial conversations. But I thought these photos would be interesting.

About an hour south of Buffalo is Seneca Nation land. If you know anything about New York State, you know that there is a tax or toll on just about everything. If you live near Reservation land, you know that you can purchase tariff free gasoline and cigarettes. The taxes are VERY high, so it's often worth the drive to make the purchase....

Once you've entered the reservation property, you see signs everywhere protesting broken treaties.

Thoughts?

A wise old Indian in my book says (in essence), "He who does not think of the past is condemned to repeat the past." And an equally wise man says, "And he who thinks only of the past is also condemned to repeat it."

That said, I have a tremendous sympathy for indigenes everywhere. No question that Indians were victims of physical and cultural genocide. I think if they can get something back now, more power to them.