A Carry Over of the Bill was requested on April 27, 2007.
Matt Sherman, a well-known activist in the American Indian community, has been working very hard with prison officials to gain permission for spiritual ceremonies to be held and has been successful. See a recent report on Matt's efforts Native American Indiian Spiritual Ceremonies in State and Federal Prisons At a time in a person's life when they need, more than ever, spiritual guidance, support and direction in making improvements in their personal lives, so that when they are released and return to their homes and communities, they will return as law-abiding citizens, with the help of their spiritual beliefs to support that goal. Only Native American Indians have to fight for religious freedom while incarcerated. The program's employees chose instead to make a joke of it and Mitch English commented they should only be allowed to do what they are permitted in their cells and not be given the right to have a "spa" (in referring to the Sacred Sweatlodge Ceremony. Many Americans are unaware of the fact that it was not until 1978 that American Indians were permitted to participate in their sacred ceremonies legally. Prior to that time, they were subject to arrest for having a Pipe Ceremony or Sweatlodge Ceremony or any of the ceremonies they believe to be Sacred and an integral part of their daily lives. Don Imus was fired from his position for making derogatory and racist statements against Black Americans, as he should have been. There must be responsibility shown by anyone who is using the public airwaves as a moderator or news reporter in how they present particular issues. If radio/tv reporters are given carte blanche to degrade and disrespect the spiritual beliefs of any people, they are only perpetuating the hatred geared toward people who may be viewed as having different beliefs. The Constitution guarantees all men and women the freedom to their religious and spiritual beliefs - and American Indians are no different. A call for action was put out and people contacted the news station, by letter, telephone, fax and email, to express their opposition to what was said during this broadcast. The Daily Buzz is a syndicated program and therefore reaches a lot of people throughout the country. On June 1, 2007 The Daily Buzz apologized for the anchors remarks which were so offensive to American Indians and non-natives as well, who believe in equality in religious rights and spiritual beliefs. A formal apology has been requested in writing, but it is not known yet if this has occured. The program's executives have extended an invitation to a spokesperson for Native American Indians to educate them and the public on the spiritual and sacredness of the Pipe and Sweat Lodge Ceremony. As of this writing, no date or time has been scheduled for this to occur. However, this would be an excellent opportunity to educate the ignorant and for a spiritual leader to hopefully bring about an understanding and respect for our spiritual beliefs. A lot of people put forth a great effort to contact the station's management in response to this outrageous behavior. When we work together we can accomplish a lot to make our world a better place. If you would like to write a letter expressing your opinion on this issue, please contact the people listed below. However, keep your letters, phone calls or emails polite and to the point. Do not go into attack mode or act in a disrespectful manner because this does not help the cause. Speak from your heart and let them know how you feel about such irresponsible and derogatory comments regarding our spiritual beliefs and ceremonies. Please send letters to the Daily Buzz's General Manager and Program Coordinator listed below. WFTVLast updated on June 03, 2007