Comments on: Man Sentenced In Federal Feather Selling Case

By: Just Somebody

Just Somebody — Thu, 31 May 2012 04:06:17 +0000

Sometimes in life people make bad choices, But that doesnt mean that we should be ridiculed for them. I agree it was something that should’nt have been done. But that doesnt make him less of a person. I have had the honor of being one of Mr.Alex’s students, and he is one of the most God fearing people I know. As a teacher, Mr.Alex can explain things to his students in a way that makes it easy to learn. I have seen the possitive infulence that he has had on the people around him just by taking an interest in their lives and by helping them to set goals for themselves as to what they want to be in life. More youth has stayed out of trouble and kept good grades in school because he has helped motivate them. When I met Mr.Alex four years ago, I had no clue what I wanted to do with my life. It is from him teaching me about my culture and encouraging me to use my skills and be a better person, that I have decided what I want to go to college for. Mr.Alex has been through alot in his life and uses the obstacles he has overcome as a teaching tool and testament to those around him. And I am sure he will use this to better himself and those around him. And I know he already has. Some people may say he is a bad person for this one mistake, but no matter what he will always be a great teacher, a great person, and a mentor to many. Throughout this whole situation he has stayed possitive. And that in itself shows his character. He has only tried to make a difference in peoples lives. What does it say about our character when we tear someone like this down? One day God will judge us exactly how we judge others. God knows the intent of Mr.Alex’s heart and that is all that matters. Just as God knows the intent of everyones heart that has commented.

By: Trish

Trish — Thu, 31 May 2012 02:16:18 +0000

I agree that Alex has done some wonderful things. My problem comes from the fact that if he was a registered tribe member it would have been ok because they, the feathers, are used in the culture. So just because he is not registered he gets arrested. Just does not make sense to me, granted anyone can say they are native american but if you have seen the work he does (or did) for the Poarch Creek tribe, saw him dance at the PowWow’s, you would know he has a heck of a lot more native american blood than just your regular john doe county resident. Just saying I have a problem with having to be registered to make you legit.

By: David Huie Green

David Huie Green — Wed, 30 May 2012 23:16:48 +0000

REGARDING:
“but I believe it’s what you do in life that makes you a good person.”

Or bad? Surely it would depend what those things you did in life, yes? no?

David thinking you are what you do,
therefor what you do should make some difference

By: Unknown Friend

Unknown Friend — Wed, 30 May 2012 15:35:30 +0000

I have worked with Alex a few years ago. He works well with children and they love him. I’m not sure if he belongs to a tribe or not, but when it comes to the Native American heritage, he truly supports it. Yes, we all do wrong because we don’t live in a perfect world, but I believe it’s what you do in life that makes you a good person.

By: cw

cw — Wed, 30 May 2012 12:13:22 +0000

ya,ll keep saying the bear was killed well if people had not feed the bear thin they could have taking the bear dipp in the woods and seat it lose but he was so us to people and there food that he was a danger .the apartment was close to a school full of little kids and he could have kill one of those kids thin what wood you have said thin kill the bear people don,t no what there doing win they feed wild animalsthey can tern on you but killing wild bird for profit is so wrong he should have got more time al law are to lean if he had done that in fl he wood have got alot more time and still been jail

By: Ken

Ken — Tue, 29 May 2012 20:43:22 +0000

There are several good points on both sides of this story! It is a shame that we sometime protect our wildlife and domestic animals more than we do our own species, but we do need to protect these creatures.There are laws in place to do both so if you dont want to pay the penalty, then obey the law, Its as simple as that!!!

By: Bell

Bell — Tue, 29 May 2012 15:25:20 +0000

@ Don’t Know:
“Indian people” really? How about Native American. Do you say African people too? Your call sign fits you well.

By: Trish

Trish — Tue, 29 May 2012 15:13:24 +0000

To Don’t Know:
You said he is not a member of any tribe. There are plenty of part native americans that are not “official” members of any tribe. Some choose to not be official members for whatever personal reasons they have. Tribes have the same problems any other group has and some individuals just don’t want to get that politically involved.

Have to agree with “Huh”, sell bird feathers and pay 31K fine, kill a bear because you are an “official” who is paid to protect wildlife and that is ok.

How many of us are going to go to jail when they make the Eastern Diamondback Rattle Snake a protected species? Just don’t skin it and sell the skin, or take it to a taxidermist to have it stuffed, or even pick it up off of the ground after you run over it with your car or truck!

By: joe

joe — Tue, 29 May 2012 14:49:00 +0000

he should be doing time for his crime…….
no amount of money will bring the birds back to life. there is a reason they are protected. once again my government has let me down by not delivering appropriate justice to fit the crime.
the courts and the elected officials have become a joke an nothing more than puppets.
this is a sad sad day…….

By: EMD

EMD — Tue, 29 May 2012 14:47:46 +0000

To Huh:

God created a perfect world. Man made it strange.