from independent journalist Dennis Zaki (via The Mudflats)
http://www.themudflats.net/2009/02/03/dennis-zaki-on-kudo-today/For those of you who have been following the rural energy/food crisis in Alaska’s rural villages, tune in today to KUDO 1080-AM to hear CC talk to Dennis Zaki! Dennis is the one that Mudflatters and others helped to send to Emmonak to film the situation, and talk to the people who are living there.
Click HERE for a live feed.
He’ll be on at 4:00pm Alaska time (8pm Eastern - 5pm Pacific)
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Dennis is doing a great job talking about how the Natives in Emmonak have great plans for putting in a tank farm to be able to control their own fuel distribution and buy fuel when the prices are low, but all the state is offering is food stamps.
Also, pollack fishing destroys the salmon fishery because anything that isn’t pollack is considered “bycatch” and must be dumped overboard. This includes millions of pounds of king salmon that could be feeding people in Bristol Bay. The boats are from Seattle, and do what they do because of complicated agreements negotiated by Ted Stevens & clan.
Dennis also discussed how when the state officials showed up in Emmonak, they gave less than one hour notice that they wanted to meet. They were already in the air when they called. Also, they showed up late.
It is customary in villages to ask the chief, or elders if you have permission to enter the village. Palin Co. was incredibly disrespectful and got off on the wrong foot with everyone right from the beginning.
Residents of Emmonak and other villages are not looking for handouts, they are looking for long term solutions. The tank farm would cost about $27 million.
Instead, the state sent people “armed with job training, public assistance and food stamps.” Can we say, “out of touch?”
This is not just a Palin issue. This has been happening for a long time. The Native population has been lied to, the land has been exploited, and they have been getting the short end of the stick for many administrations.
State officials are saying “the salmon has nothing to do with this”. The median income in the town is $8,000 but the state has it listed as $25,000 so they say there is nothing they can do.
Why can’t this be a “shovel ready” project in the stimulus bill? Good question.
CNN is on the case. They have his video, and reporters have been calling out there, but he doesn’t know what will come of it. What are they waiting for?
He is only now getting over his own illness from drinking the water in Emmonak, and feels like he is weeks behind on editing and getting finished product available.
We collected $5000 in one night. (bloggers) Why can’t the state be doing anything?
He’s given up on Palin even thinking about this. She talks about having Native Alaskans in her family, but doesn’t do anything. Palin’s Rural Advisor Rhonda McBride quit her position because Sarah Palin NEVER contacted her while she was in the position. She left in October and has not been replaced yet.
What’s next?
Dennis has been pushing this issue. Lisa M. and Don Y. have no intention of doing anything. They talk a good game, but he doesn’t believe they will do anything. Mark Begich wants to do something. He’s spoken with him, and he’s got a lot on his plate, but Dennis thinks he’s the one hope we have in D.C.
After giving $1200 to every man woman and child for energy rebate, why can we not come up with $27 million to do something long term? They just want to be self-sufficient.
Sarah Palin has not said one word about this situation. In Emmonak, they do not like Palin. They don’t expect her to help. She’s got time to blast Obama about the stimulus plan, and all these other things, but no time for her own people.
CC is stunned that not more Alaskans are understanding this situation.
And that’s a wrap.
Great job, Dennis!
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