And now:Sonja Keohane <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes: <http://www.syracuse.com/news/sttuesday/19981208_rpnvero.html> Uproar over Land Claim Verona cries foul over Oneidas' pending suit. By Michelle Breidenbach Dozens of Verona neighbors vowed Monday night to organize a grassroots protest against the Oneida Indian Nation by flooding the governor's office with mail and lighting court papers on fire in front of Turning Stone Casino. "I think what needs to be changed are the feelings of apathy and sympathy for Native Americans," said John Maxey, who owns three houses and a hotel within the 250,000-acre land claim area. "What was done to their ancestors by my ancestors, I don't give a damn." The Oneidas of New York, Wisconsin and Canada are expected to file a lawsuit today against everyone who owns land in northern Madison and western Oneida counties. The lawsuit will ask about 20,000 landowners to give up their property and pay rent and damages for using the land, stripping the minerals and harvesting the trees. The federal government will file a similar complaint against property owners, seeking the same relief. The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that the land belongs to the Oneidas. But the state and the Oneidas have been unable to reach a settlement in 14 years of negotiations. Both the state and the Oneidas say their proposed settlements have been ignored. Both sides say the other is unwilling to come to the table. -----end of excerpt------
