Ready . . . aim . . .

As Election Day grows closer, the Navajo Nation Capitol is a buzz due to the three branches of the Navajo Nation firing away at one another.

First, the Navajo Nation Council is going after the Supreme Court. A referendum was placed on the November ballot which has Navajo voters decide whether they would like to elect their judges, including the Supreme Court Justices. President Shirley attempted to block this, but had his injunction declined by the district court. Then, the Council’s Judiciary Committee voted against permanent appointment of the two Associate Justices. Get the stories here and here.

The Supreme Court shot back by disbarring the Council’s main attorney. Me, I was scratching my head questioning, “What Supreme Court?” Friday because Justice Grant retired and Justice Shirley is being fired. Apparently the Supreme Court can meet and issue a two Justic opinion (very, very rare though) and Justice Shirley has her job until President Shirley (no relation) gives her the axe (which few think he will do before he leaves office). Get the story here.

On top of this, Shirley’s camp is cleaning house right before the elections. Business stood still Friday as delegates ran around like chickens with their heads cut off after the special prosecutor filed criminal charges against many, including presidential candidate Ben Shelly, for fraud, corruption and using the Council’s discretionary fund as their family’s personal piggy bank. Get the stories here and here.

I kept saying, “Why, oh why am I in Flagstaff today when the circus is in Window Rock? Ha, ha.” But really folks, life has been rather interesting here in the Navajo Nation lately.

-Carolyn