A native man asks Democrats [View All]

[Iktomiwicasa]

I originally posted this here in the fall of 2005, and I feel it is time to let it be seen once again. Recently, I was accused of being some "freeper" or otherwise a republican in disguise due to my skepticism that any politician, democrat or republican, actually gives a rip about any legitimate native issue. Nothing could be further from the truth. The fact is, we have been lied to over and over, and fed empty promises by both parties, without exception. You want me to vote democrat? Then convince me that any one of the current crop will actually have the honor and the courage to stand up and treat us in an honorable way. Forgive me if I say that I can't hold much hope that any of them actually will do that. Liars and snakes, all of them. That is why I do not consider myself "American" in the sense that most of you do. I have a nation already, that was here long before there was ever a thought of a thing called "America". I know who MY leaders, my traditional chiefs, are, and they damn sure aren't a the pack of thieves that inhabit Washington. So, convince me, if you can....

Here is my original post from Sept 2005

"I'm opposed to the Bush administration, I do not like what they are doing in the world and to other people of color.

I am Oglala Lakota, and I'm from the Pine Ridge reservation in S. Dakota. What I want to ask you democrat people is why you have not put restoration of our treaty rights, our land claims, and freedom of our political prisoners at the very top of your agendas. Your track record in these areas is no better than the republicans. We do not want your government programs, your handouts, your funding. We do not want a "seat at your table" We have our own table...time long past for you to give it back. Your party is more than willing to be an advocate to the Palestinians, to black people, and to most any other oppressed people in the world, but you run from us. Why?

I will tell you why. It is because it is easier and more comfortable to ask someone else to give something up than it is to give it up yourselves. Restoring land claims would mean plenty of democratic voters might lose land, homes, businesses. This must not be acceptable to you, yet you have no problem asking the Israelis to do the same thing.

We as native people are the legitimate keepers of this land, not the US government and your people as a nation will NEVER have national honor regardless of who you elect and how you change the current foreign policy. You cannot have honor unless and untill you deal with us, and live up to the obligations that you have agreed to long ago.

I say this not to make enemies, not to anger or alienate, but to send a voice so YOU can force your politicians to make this a front and center issue, so you will know the right thing to do. Your nation is doomed unless you listen to us."