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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2009
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Justice Dept. Opposes Effort to Dig Up Geronimo

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(Newser) – The Justice Department has asked a federal judge to dismiss a lawsuit seeking to unearth the bones of Geronimo from his Oklahoma tomb and rebury them in his native New Mexico, the BBC reports. The Apache leader’s descendants also name Yale University and the Skull and Bones society, which allegedly stole some of the bones to keep in its New Haven clubhouse.

The lawsuit says it seeks to recover the famed Apache warrior’s remains “from 100 years of imprisonment at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, the Yale University campus … and wherever else they may be.” It cites a 1990 law giving Native Americans the rights to the remains of their family members. But the Obama administration says Geronimo’s grave would need to have been disturbed after 1990 for the law to apply.

This April 22, 2009, photo shows Geronimo's grave in the Apache cemetery at Fort Sill in Lawton, Okla.
This April 22, 2009, photo shows Geronimo's grave in the Apache cemetery at Fort Sill in Lawton, Okla.   (AP Photo)
The grave of famed Apache warrior Geronimo is pictured at the Apache cemetery at Ft. Sill in Lawton, Okla., April 22, 2009.
The grave of famed Apache warrior Geronimo is pictured at the Apache cemetery at Ft. Sill in Lawton, Okla., April 22, 2009.   (AP Photo)
A stone eagle on the top of Geronimo's grave is pictured at the Apache cemetery at Fort Sill in Lawton, Okla., April 22, 2009.
A stone eagle on the top of Geronimo's grave is pictured at the Apache cemetery at Fort Sill in Lawton, Okla., April 22, 2009.   (AP Photo)
The grave of famed Apache warrior Geronimo is pictured at the Apache cemetery at Ft. Sill in Lawton, Okla., April 22, 2009.
The grave of famed Apache warrior Geronimo is pictured at the Apache cemetery at Ft. Sill in Lawton, Okla., April 22, 2009.   (AP Photo)
Geronimo, leader of the Chiricahua Apache tribe in Arizona is seen, circa 1905.
Geronimo, leader of the Chiricahua Apache tribe in Arizona is seen, circa 1905.   (Getty Images)
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8 comments
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JonmarkP
Jun 22, 09 12:23 PM CDT
I'll bet the "grave" is empty. This seems an effort to protect scum like the Bush family and their Skull and Bones buddies from having to pay for Prescott Bush's theft. At least they're not bragging about it any more. At least not in public. Reply
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+5
IN RESPONSE:
RobN
Jun 22, 09 12:38 PM CDT
Yes, it's an effort by the Obama administration to protect the Bush's. Now it makes sense.
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0
IN RESPONSE:
Clarke
Jun 22, 09 2:13 PM CDT
Yes, you are right....everything in the world evil is the fault of the Bush's.....you are so wise. Oh, in case you are unable to comprehend...that entire statement was dripping with sarcasm.
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-2
AS1280
Jun 22, 09 2:25 PM CDT
What a waste of taxpayer money. Wonder how many legal system resources this joke used up. Reply
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+2
anchower
Jun 22, 09 4:32 PM CDT
This is such a no-brainer: Give the tribe the bones back. Reply
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+1

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