[princessbelle]

Originally Posted by Kobi

(Reuters) - A Native American Indian tribe sued leading beer makers seeking $500 million in damages and accusing them of knowingly contributing to "crippling" alcoholism rates on one of the nation's largest reservations in South Dakota.

The suit, filed by the Oglala Sioux tribe, alleges the brewers are "engaged in a common enterprise focused on assisting and participating in the illegal importation of alcohol" onto the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, where the sale, possession and consumption of alcohol is illegal.

Story

Thank you so much for posting this Kobi. It reminds me of something that has been on my mind for years.

I'm not sure if we comment in this thread, or if it is just for news so forgive me if this should go elsewhere.

About 10 years ago i took a nursing job assignment on a reservation in Farmington, NM. It was a Navaho reservation and 90 percent of the residents were Native American. I have never in my entire life before or since then seen or been in a place that had more alcohol for sale. I mean it was everywhere. In gas stations even. In Wall-greens...every single store had not just a few things for sale, i'm talking about huge rooms that had been added on that sold everything and anything with alcohol in it.

It was no wonder the hospital that i worked at had three entire floors dedicated to cirrhosis and alcohol rehabilitation. Almost every patient that came through there went into DTs and some docs would even order the alcohol on the drug list so they would not go into DTs or ween off.

It has always bothered me. Now, it was not illegal there as it is in this story, but, my gosh, no wonder so many were alcoholics.

Leads me to two thoughts....supply and demand vs. exploitation of minority groups for the almighty dollar. I believe even the liqueur/beer makers have some responsibility and should take the responsibility when they cram things, literally, down someone or some "people's" throat. It really angers me and it really is upsetting to see something like that.

I just wanted to share that and get anyone's take on it. I'm sure it is not a new thing by far but it is the first time i ever witnessed anything like it and it has bothered me for 10 years.

Just wanted to share.