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Written by Administrator
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Monday, 15 June 2009 |
Open Letter to the Vermont Commission on Native American Affairs
State of Vermont
Vermont Commission on Native American Affairs
RE: Tobacco Tax
Commissioners:
I have decided to bring this issue to you with the hope that you may be able to pass it along to the appropriate people or Vermont state agency. It is my belief that you are able to explain and understand the use of tobacco within the Native American Religion. If I should need to, I will come down there and share my teachings on tobacco personally. I have heard the news refer to the latest excessive tax increase as a sin or luxury tax with the sole intent to do away with tobacco use.
Since when is the purchase of a sacrament of an individual's religion exist in either category? I will also state that, as a recognized minority, we are being discriminated against. As you must know, most of the people who practice our religion are older and on fixed incomes and have to choose between how much religion they can afford while keeping up the rising cost of everyday life. Should we be forced to make those decisions?
We have had no trouble in the recent past to pay a fair and equal percentage of taxes to maintain our beliefs. There must be something that can be done short of creating/organizing our own Native church within the state to do away with the excessive tax on loose tobacco. Please let me know your thoughts and how you have chosen to deal with this issue by email
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or
Richard “Screechin Owl” Pidgeon
P.O. Box 153
W Charleston, Vermont. 05872 |
