As is often the case, unanswered questions give rise to more questions. Yours truly, Rusty Gates, then entered the fray, asking the same and several new questions around the 638 healthcare program. The issues of incompetent management, unqualified staff, nepotistic hiring practices, continual scandal, and constant cover ups, were all discussed in a two-part series of articles entitled "Addressing Grievances", and "Addressing Grievances: How Healthcare Dies". Both of those articles were deemed to be “fake news,” by the group's administrator JT Trosper, who then removed the articles. For context and historical accuracy, those articles can be accessed at CommonTater.net.
A pattern has emerged...one of deflection and cowardice. Again, this is an increasingly popular tactic utilized within certain circles of American culture. This tactic does great damage to public discourse, and sets society in a tailspin of ignorance and self-delusion. Rather than address uncomfortable questions...claim that the forum is incorrect and hope they go away. Rather than hold an honest discussion of issues surrounding a system that affects us all...hide behind a claim of “fake news” and forget about it all together. The Ostrich buries his head in the sand, thinking he cannot be seen; like the Ostrich, we still see you, and the issue lives on. Once rung, the bell cannot be “unrung.”
This claim of “fake news,” is perhaps the most compelling condemnation of current American culture; one that, if accepted, chills the discourse that strengthens culture and promotes societal success. The tyrant need not address the issues of the day; merely waive his iron fist, claiming that there is nothing to be seen here. By claiming “fake news,” the tyrant asks us not to think for ourselves, not to think about the greater good of our community...just accept his decree and move on. The tyrant will think for us all. History has answered these attempts over and over again, and tyranny always loses. This will not be an exception. The questions addressed by Dino and Rusty Gates remain, and they must be answered.
As one might glean from these writings, Rusty Gates is not a single individual; rather, Rusty Gates is the nom de guerre of a growing vocal movement that demands answers and accountability. Like a rusty gate that is left unattended, we will not stop squeaking until there is action. We have identified certain issues that must be answered, and until they are answered, we will squeak. We will not be placated by pats on the head, or "This is not the correct forum for this discussion..."...nor this is "fake news". The issues will be addressed.
If this is “fake news” as the tyrant suggests, show us the resumes and qualifications of the people who were hired. If this is “fake news” as the tyrant suggests, show us the legitimate reasons for terminating otherwise competent people. If this is “fake news” as the tyrant suggests, show us how the bidding process on the 12th Street Clinic and Wind River Cares were not fatally flawed. If this is “fake news” as the tyrant suggests, show us how Indian Preference laws and TERO regulations have been followed to keep economic opportunity on the reservation.
Address the issues, not the process.
The previous articles can be read below; the issues addressed in those articles remain unanswered. The longer we go without answers, the more questions arise and the less trust and respect we have for our supposed "leadership". While these questions remain unanswered, the healthcare of the Arapaho people remains at risk, and with it, the well-being of the Arapaho people. Like rusty gates that swing in the wind, we will continue to squeak. The time for accountability is now; address these issues, open up a dialogue so that we may save our healthcare and improve our community together. The time is now for King Rick, Trosper, and the rest of their tyrannical cohorts to grab their cans of WD-40 and stop these "Rusty Gates" from squeaking.
Rusty Gates
rustygates@commontater.net
