Copyright © 2001 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved

Morgantown, WV - July 10, 2001 - Blessings to all. In this past week Creator has blessed us in ways we couldn't begin to predict. Our July 8 vigil at the Sacred site brought an outpouring of individuals who spiritually connected in our efforts to save the sacred site. Anyone who was there felt the undeniable presence of our ancestors that have walked this sacred land generations before us.

Their presence was again with us as we sang, danced and prayed prior to the Army Corp hearing July 9th. The hearing surpassed our expectations tenfold. For almost 5 hours a parade of enthusiastic speakers strode to the podium and spoke with dignity and eloquence in demanding Walmart leave this sacred site to those to which it belongs...the spirit of the 500 Nations. No one spoke on Walmart's behalf with the exception of Walmart themselves and their paid agents. The hearing was fair and there is no way the Army Corp can do anything but follow the WV State Highway Dept. and deny Walmart the opportunity to destroy this sacred site. To do otherwise would deny rational thought.

Today (July 10) on WAJR's "Morgantown Today" talk show, Keith Morris, Walmart's Spokesperson (who was not at the hearing) dismissed the speakers as a small group without factual info. In typical fashion, talk show co-host and apparent Keith Morris fan club President, Jim Stallings bolstered and supported Morris' grand leap from reality. We consider ourselves fortunate that Stallings is one of Walmart's supporter.

As a side note, Mr Stallings declined my invitation to debate the Walmart issue face to face.

West Virginia University Foundation (owner of the sacred site) is in a position to act in a responsible manner and deny Walmart the opportunity to decimate and destroy yet another community. We urge everyone to contact the West Virginia University Foundation and demand they terminate their contract with Walmart.

They have a moral responsibility to the community to do so. Please contact WVUF at 3168 Collins Ferry Rd Morgantown, WV 26504 and demand they act responsibly.

Additional contact information for WVUF is as follows.

Phone: 304-598-2700 or 304-293-7000
Fax: 304-598-2708 ~ E-mail: wvuf@wvuf.wvnet.edu
Please make the contact now.

Thanks to all who have supported this sacred endeavor.

Matt Sherman, Madadje Moniga

Rep. National Field Office
American Indian Movement
Dennis J. Banks, Director
E-mail: AIM4JUSTCE@aol.com

Date: Wednesday, July, 11 2001
From: Jim Stallings JStallings@WVRadio.com
Subject: Matt Sherman Fabrications

Apparently, anyone who questions Matt Sherman's side of the Wal Mart issue is "President of the Keith Morris Fan Club". Matt did challenge me to a face-to-face debate at Monday's public forum AFTER I said I would not be attending Monday's public meeting. I stated that I would not attend because people on both sides, spouting half-truths and exagerating their points-of -view frustrates me. That's just MY personal reason for not attending. I really don't have a fight in this issue like many of you do. I understand your passion. I'm not going to fight FOR Wal Mart or it's opposition.

When I said I wasn't attending that night's meeting, I also had JUST found out my Mother was in the hospital with congested heart failure. I really wasn't in the mood to attend any public meeting at this time and I stated so!. So Matt, you sound like a real tough guy. Like you issued a challenge and I backed down.

If you need to use me and my name to make yourself bigger, then I guess that comes with the territory. But I think it makes you look smaller. AND YES, I AM bringing this issue up on the air. If you want to continue to use Kay's and MY show to espouse your opinions, we may LET you continue to do so, but you may not want to bite the hand that feeds you. And why don't you accept my invitation to debate on the air so that so many more people can hear it?

Jim Stallings, Wajr Radio
JStallings@WVRadio.com

Date: Wednesday, July 11, 2001
From: Matt Sherman AIM4JUSTCE@aol.com
Subject: Reply: Matt Sherman Fabrications

Jim: Thanks for your letter. I did not have your email address or I would have cc'd you. I am back in Ohio to take care of personal business. Connie was kind enough to tape todays show and play it for me over the phone.

First, I welcome the opportunity to debate the Walmart issues, Face to Face. I think a venue which does not put you in a home field advantage would be appropriate including an impartial moderator. If your irrational rantings today on the show are any indication of your debate style you have already lost.

I have the highest respect for WV Public Radio reporter Jeff Young. Maybe we could ask him and his station as a venue for a debate. That way we could take the commercial aspect out of it and your station would not benefit financially from a debate.

Regardless, since it was I who initially invited you, I will take your request into consideration.

I would like to address your points both in your email, the show today.

First, as I indicated on Monday my thoughts and prayers go with you and your family during this difficult period. However, I find it shameful that you continue to make reference to a family members personal illness. I remember your main objection to a debate was your inability to control yourself, as obviously you displayed on todays show.

Regardless, what I wrote was true but not intended as a slam against you as you have apparently interpreted it. It was intended to let you know how Walmart works. They tell the truth in ways to let people draw conclusions that may not be true. Frankly, you're making this way to easy.

My statement "you declined my debate" was true. What you choose to attach to it is on you. Obviously, you suffer from insecurity issues if you allow a statement like that to bring you to a full blown rage. I hope you consider taking advantage of the many anger management classes offered in the area. From what has been explained to me this is not the first case of you losing control.

You mentioned "biting the hand that feeds you". We are most appreciative of the time WAJR has permitted our cause but we are in no way beholding to you. This cause helps your ratings and draws advertising revenue. Any success enjoyed is due to our Creator not you or WAJR.

Again...Thank you for the time you have alloted us. Also, please bear in mind your show reaches less than .05% of the residents of Monongahlia County.

Now regarding Keith Morris, who by the way is excellent at his job. His job is twisting the truth and manipulating the press. He is a Wal-Mart spin doctor and he is good at it, just like you are good at what you do. However, you came across as a groupie yesterday. Rubber stamping everything Morris said, and by the way, you tossed my name around in a less than positive way: you have been doing it for months. Maybe the fan club Prez statement was a bit of a jab back, I admit it.

Jim, you are a talk show personality. By choosing that position you voluntarily put yourself in a position for pot shots...I receive them all the time. My statements were not against your character as a man, as apparently you have assumed. I have challenged your positions and statements as a talk show host.

Finally Jim, I question if you understand what my job really is...As well as a defender of Indian interest, it is my position to manipulate the media to get optimum exsposure (hopefully positive) for our cause. The other media reps in the area know and understand that, its unfortunate you do not. We use each other, and understand it or not, you're playing the game magnificently. You can threaten to cut me off WAJR if you choose, (however I have been advised if that happens you will be overridden) because WAJR would be the loser not us. You know what, a full blown fued between you and I would be beneficial for us both... you get ratings - we get exsposure, but I dont want to do it like that.

If need be I can be back in town on Friday, however, I would prefer to wait till next week, Oh, and by the way, Morgantown is my community. I have made personal committments to volunteer my services as therapist in your community and I am reviewing housing options. I am also working in other areas that I cannot divulge due to confidentiality concerns.

The community has welcomed me and I am greatful and humbled. So there is no misunderstanding, I am eager to debate the Walmart issue, if as you ndicated you are not aligned with them obviously there is no need for it.

Please give Kay my regards,

Blessings to all,

Matt Sherman
Phone: 614-443-1330

P.S. In light of your statements on the air I would hope you would consider reading this verbatim as my response. Thanks