Quote:
Originally Posted by Cowboy89
The term legal recourse doesn't apply to natives, at least they don't see it that way. The legal system is 'white-man's' laws and thus they do not apply to them. I actually heard this during the Caledonia struggle. Of course 'their' laws seem to only stem from oral tradition and have a funny way of magically coming down on all four sides of every issue so that if anything is done by a native against another race it can't be considered wrong.
Also our government is so afraid of the 'R' word that whenever a situation unfolds that can be somehow interpreted by some of the most insane people as racism they stick their tail between their legs and open up the checkbook and write a blank one. In the Maritimes there actually has been treaty disputes resolved by the government accepting terms that they alledgedly set back in the Upper and Lower Canada days orally. In other words native bands squeak and claim something in a despute and mention that it's their right due to some oral agreement pre-dating the British North America act. This 'blockade' is another rediculous attempt at achieving the same goal - milking the cow once again. Whatever pay day they deem acceptable this summer, they'll be back for more in another few years.
|
Can't deny that the intent is yet another payout from the government trough. Also can't deny that the Natives proudly declare themselves as being above the law, due largely to government cowardice and the everpresent desire to be politically correct, regardless of cost.
Difference is, CP and CN are large corporations, and aren't worried about election-type issues such as cozying up to the politically correct. They are worried about losing millions of dollars in an act of political/cultural terrorism. Like the Natives, CP (especially) also holds the nation by the short and curlies, which would lead to an interesting legal battle.
Whether or not the Government signs a cheque, you can expect some significant action from the railroads if this proceeds.