American Indians flex political muscle

[windansea]

Sunday, February 01, 2004

By Karen MacPherson, Post-Gazette National Bureau

WASHINGTON -- The estimated 1.5 million American Indian voters nationwide is a tiny fraction of the more than 100 million U.S. registered voters, but the concentration of American Indians in three states with Democratic presidential contests on Tuesday -- Arizona, New Mexico, and Oklahoma -- gives them a chance to demonstrate their growing political clout.

Recognizing the opportunity to both showcase and boost their political strength this year, tribal leaders recently launched "Native Vote 2004'' in an effort to persuade more American Indians to vote while keeping them apprised of the latest campaign developments. The National Congress of American Indians has pledged to mobilize one million American Indian voters this fall in eight states with significant American Indian populations: Alaska, Arizona, California, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, Oklahoma and South Dakota.

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/04032/268085.stm

[Catch22Dem]

1. And Clark seems to be the American Indian favorite...

Does anyone here know why?

[Nashyra]

2. He's got a great message of inclusion

[windansea]

4. Clark has a very straight nose

which to native americans means...he doesn't speak with forked tongue

[alittlelark]

8. Interesting.....I didn't know that!

[windansea]

18. I read that somewhere

not sure if true but sounds good!!

[bain_sidhe]

6. He was the first one

to come out with a issue paper supporting Native American treaty rights, including sovereignty, trust reform and the BIA. (The BIA has "lost" over $2.4 BILLION of NA money - money from oil, gas and grazing leases on their lands that was supposedly to be managed "in trust" for either the tribe or the individuals). Besides that, military service is a big thing among most NA... a much higher percentage serve in the military (relative to the general population, that is).

[mikehiggins]

9. It seems they find him honorable and upright

Characteristics that appear to mean a lot to Native AMericans. They seem to feel that when he promises to help them, just like all the other white politicians they hear from, they believe him over them.

Maybe its the warrior thing, maybe its just the fact that he is a general and hearing him say the words means a lot more to people who have been oppressed by whites for three centuries than hearing from a rich lawyer or a rich Senator.

Who knows? The problem is it is hard to run a negative campaign in a community that doesn't believe anything you say in the first place.

Sorry, Mr. Kerry.

[hlthe2b]

3. I'm glad our DEMS are taking Native American Issues seriously

and not taking their voting patterns for granted. I must admit to a twinge of sadness that there is some movement to support Repugs among some Native Americans-- who like African Americans, Gays and Lesbians, and most Hispanics have little to be gained from doing so IMO. Knowing the disdain with which the rank and file Repugs hold these groups, it makes it all the more sad, that some are now supporting Republicans.

Nonetheless, we have only ourselves to blame if we are not (as DEMS) representing their issues.

[donsu]

5. Cheers - american indians have been scammed long enough

more power to them

[bleedingheart]

7. It is disgusting to see how poorly the Native Americans

have been treated.

[windansea]

10. urfffffffffffffff

kick n/t

[knight_of_the_star]

11. More power to them!

They deserve a LOT of back-owed promises that have been broken over the centuries and WE know it. Just look at the BS Ahnuld tried to pull on them. I know that if Wes wins the nom and then the general he WILL do good on ALL his promises. His honour is beyond reproach.

[gate of the sun]

12. Native American's

at Kucinich rally in Santa Fe today giving Dennis a blessing.....was really nice....also some buddhist monks showed up and offered a blessing for him as well. He gave a wonderful speech, I think he will do pretty well here in New Mexico....people will be surprised I think.

[revcarol]

13. Kucinich endorsed by the Navaho Nation.

They have a lot of themselves tied up in their peace courts and DK rings a bell in their souls.

And he recognizes that Native Americans have made disporportionate sacrifices in wars, so respects them as active duty military and vets who are being shafted by the Bush administration.

And DK has been a leader for Native rights, and JOBS,and Native
American community colleges and economic development that the Indians themselves want...for YEARS.He recognizes and honors their nationhood.(a concept most from the East don't seem to get.

[jamesinca]

15. Ira Hayes comes to mind

You know him, he is one of the people that is depicted on the monument of Iwo Jima raising the flag. Ira Hayes a Native American.

[Bhaisahab]

14. that's a great photo windandsea....

.... i just go into depression thinking about how native americans in the USA and south-central america were decimated by europeans. so many cultures, so much knowledge, lost to barbarians.

[Vogon_Glory]

16. Pubbie Of Dem-Free South Dakota Could Disappear It

Pubbie dreams of a Democrat-free South Dakota congressional delegation could disappear if enough Native Americans turn out to vote in this election. What with a declining non-NA population and a stable or even growing population of energized, organized Native American voters, the GOP could find itself in trouble up there.

Now wouldn't that be a shame? (Heh! Heh! Heh! Heh! Heh! Heh!)

:evilgrin:

[Ivote]

17. Not only Ira Hayes

but listen to the words of: "DRUMS" on the "BITTER TEARS ALBUM" by Johnny Cash. Even the whole CD is worth listening to.

www.forclark.com

Reminder meetup tonight Feb 02, 2004
find an event near you

http://www.clark04.com/meetup/

[45th Med]

19. When are Hawaiians going to flex some political muscle? nt

nt