So, when Indian chiefs denounce the state's plan to collect taxes on their cigarettes as an act of war, one Indian nation takes the Governor to federal court to block tax collection, and the Governor predicts a violent "uprising" when the times comes to collect, what would you predict would happen on Indian reservations when nobody is looking? Is it that they would continue to sell untaxed cigarettes? Surely, you jest. more ›

With Bloomberg already besieged by protests and angry letters calling for an apology over his offensive "cowboys and Indians" statement, Governor Paterson says he is worried about possible "violence and death" over the state's plan to collect taxes on cigarettes sold on Indian reservations. Paterson said, "There will be quite an uprising and protest to this, but I am going to maintain this policy...The state police tell us over and over again that there could be violence and death as a result of some of the measures we're taking." more ›

A State Supreme Court judge has blocked a state law that enforces the collection of taxes on cigarettes sold on Indian reservations. Earlier this month, Governor Paterson signed the bill to make sure reservations collect the $2.75 state excise tax, pointing out the law has always stood, it just hasn't been "adequately applied for far too long," not to mention it gave non-Indians "easy access" to tax-free cigarettes. The judge wants government officials to explain themselves next month, noting that the state hasn't even, the Buffalo News reports, "set up a process for providing rebates to Native Americans who pay taxes on cigarettes bought in reservation stores." Justice Margaret A. Murphy also thinks the state hasn't been respectful of the tribes, "You can’t point to [reservation] retailers and wholesalers, call them criminals, then expect them to come to the table." more ›