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John Andrews of Paris represents District 79 in the Maine House of Representatives. He is a co-sponsor of LD 2004.

Now Brothers never let the Kings Wicked Councilors turn your Hearts Against Me and your Brethren of this Country.

These words were written byGen. George Washington on Christmas Eve in 1776. Washington took the time to write to the chiefs of the Passamaquoddy Tribe before he faced what looked like certain death in crossing the icy Delaware River and fighting the Hessians at the Battle of Trenton. Our nations first president was a friend of the tribes and respected them.

Gov. Janet Mills should follow suit.

Ive taken the time over my five years in Augusta to meet with chiefs and tribal representatives. Ive heard them and listened to them. Their battle for liberty and respect is something that I will never know. However, I can see the struggles of my Irish ancestors in their eyes. Everyone wants to be free.

I would be remiss as a lawmaker if I did not see the equivalency of cause in the Maine tribes fight for dignity. I swore an oath to the Constitution, the Constitution that Washington signed. I intend as a legislator to hold fast to the friendship that Washington showed our states tribes. Its good policy, and its the right thing to do.

Together as a state, we can reforge the bright chain of friendship that was crafted centuries ago between the People of the Dawn and those American rebels fighting for their own independence on the banks of the Delaware River. The tribes had our backs then, and its time we had theirs now.

LD 2004would allow Maine tribes to directly communicate with the federal government to access laws and programs that would benefit their communities. LD 2004 passedthe Maine House and Senate with unanimous consent votes for enactment. This should be seen as a message to the governor.

At its core, LD 2004 is a piece of legislation that would get state government out of the way. Maine tribes would be put on the same level of access with every other federally recognized tribe. Just like they are in every other state in the nation. Maine tribes and their communities would no longer have to beg permission to plan their lives from lawmakers, and a governor and her legal counselors.

This necessary piece of legislation was vetoedFriday by Gov. Janet Mills. I believe this action is on par with every intolerable act that King George III levied against the American colonists. The game is the same, but the players are different.

LD 2004 is an issue of basic liberty. Liberty for our tribes is long overdue. That is why I am proud to be a co-sponsor on this bipartisan bill that would help people live free and have the certainty to plan their future endeavors with regard to prosperity and economic development.

Because of the 1980 settlement act, the Wabanaki tribes health, educational and economic outcomes have lagged far behindthose of other population groups in Maine and other tribes throughout the country. President Ronald Reagan was a proud supporter of tribal self determination. In 1983, the Republican said: Since tribal governments have the primary responsibility for meeting the basic needs of Indian communities, they must be allowed the chance to succeed.

Those words ring true today. Maine Republicans need to live the values of one of their iconic presidents. We as Republicans were founded as an abolitionist party. We need to get back to our roots and core values of fighting for the freedom of all people.

I believe the governors veto of this bill is out of bounds and just plain vindictive against Maines tribes. Even some of the governors most ardent supporters did not want her to veto this bill.

Now, in the spirit of liberty, Maine Republicans must override her veto of this bill.This week of July 4 we have a real chance to fight tyranny or support it. I suggest that my fellow Republicans in the 131st Legislature walk in the footsteps of Washington and Reagan. We do not need to have our hearts turned against our states tribes by Mills and her counselors. We as Republicans should be fighting for the freedom and liberty of our Indigenous brothers and sisters.

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On tribal rights, Republicans need to declare their independence ... - Bangor Daily News