Gov. Paterson’s unspoken message to NY Indian tribes

I was reading through the text version of the Governor’s State of the State address and found that he failed to deliver one section pertinent to the North Country.

It has to do with Indian tribes, including the St. Regis Mohawk community.

Here it is, as-written:

Speaking of respect, the State of New York and the Indian tribes of this State have suffered for far too long from a debilitating and unproductive relationship. Together we can forge a fundamentally different government-to-government relationship – one grounded in mutual respect and with common purpose. I intend to work together with the tribal nations across this State so that together we can create a brighter future for all of our citizens.

A reminder that Governor Paterson’s visual impairment forces him to deliver speeches — even very long, complicated, speeches — from memory.

So I don’t think his dropping this passage from the delivered speech warrants over-interpretation.