I recently read an historical account of the previous residents of our state, the Sioux Indians, and their plight to maintain and protect their lifestyle. Their motto was "Peace without Slavery" as they were forced to deal with an ever infringing push westward of the current civilization. Although the Sioux were not without fault, the broken treaties between our government and the various Indian tribes cannot be justified.

As I contemplate various Federal actions relating to our State and the economic well being of the current residents, I wonder how much has changed since the broken promises of the past.

Garrison Diversion is a prime example of a broken promise. North Dakota was promised massive irrigation, recreation and urban water projects if we would allow a dam to be placed on the Missouri River. Broken Promise.

Remember the drought of 1988 and 1989? Our farm program at the time stipulated we needed production to collect payments. When most of the farmers in the state collected both disaster and deficiency payments on the same barley bushels, we were asked to repay the excess plus 18% interest. The North Dakota Barley Council correctly protested, to no avail, that the repayment formula was in error. The mistake cost North Dakota producers in excess of $30 million. Another raw deal that showed Federal authorities do not listen to State complaints.

More recently, in 1999 the Federal Crop Insurance authorities changed the terms of valid policies after the policies were in effect. Many policy holders sued and are now, after a years delay and $l.3 million in legal fees, going to collect their $40 million.

Do these examples constitute a similar pattern of broken promises that the former inhabitants of our state experienced over 100 years ago? I think it does.

As I write this, CARA, the Conservation and Reinvestment Act (Better known as the Condemnation and Relocation Act) is being reintroduced in various forms in Congress. Can we trust that this will be in the best interest of our state and nation? History would suggest not.

Thank you for your support of LAND with your memberships and sale of raffle tickets. See you in Devils Lake on Dec. 1 for our Annual Meeting.