Navajo, Hopi ready to pick a foe for Bush

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Jim Maniaci
Diné Bureau WINDOW ROCK
http://www.gallupindependent.com/020204navajohopi.html

In a Jan. 15 statement, Navajo Nation Council Speaker Lawrence Morgan said, "Many political candidates are realizing that the native vote can be a strong influence in elections. The Navajo Nation needs to take advantage of this influence at this critical time in American politics. Let us help to elect a United State President who will listen to our needs a president who has the courage to fulfill the requirements of the United States Constitution and the treat obligations."

At the proclamation signing, Morgan commented on the World War II Navajo Code Talkers, about 400 U.S. Marines who used their native language for a code the Japanese never broke.

"They were not afforded all the rights of American citizens, yet they stood tall to defend this country in the greatest time of need. You should think of this ... as an honorable legacy bestowed on you by those who fought to defend democracy before they were even a part of that democratic process," the speaker said.

He added, "In the year 2004, we have the right to vote as Navajo people. Do not take this right lightly. Our own Navajo warriors are at war to protect this liberty for us. ... Voting gives you the chance to do more than complain. It gives you a say in the entire governmental process. By voting, you enter the world of public debate where your voice will be heard by your government. Do not doubt that you make a difference."



John Kerry's wife in Tuba City-

http://www.gallupindependent.com/020204frontrunner.html

[Desertrose]

1. Kucinich has met with Navajo ....

...he connected very strongly with them at the Dinéh Bidziil coalition in Farmington,NM and was endorsed by them as well. It was great to see how he really listenend to the elders...also was blessed by a Navajo medicine man. Norman P Brown is a great leader of this coalition!

Great article from Indian Country
http://www.indiancountry.com/?1075483690

ICT: Of all the candidates vying for the U.S. presidency, you have made Indian issues important. You have a Web site devoted to American Indians. Why?

Kucinich: Throughout my life I’ve been aware of the deficiencies of U.S. government’s treatment of Native Americans … You have to remember the American Indian movement. One of the places where it had a lot of support was Cleveland, Ohio where I am from. There’s been a very active Native American community and over the years I’ve stayed in touch with all the concerns that Native American people have and have never failed to discuss them and to speak to them. When Native American leaders came to Congress a few years ago, I was one of the few members of Congress that showed up to greet them. So, I realize what the U.S. must do. There is a lot we must do to heal this country from the breach that this government has created between ourselves and Native Americans by the exploitation that has taken place with taking land and resources, the breaking of treaties … And so I want to bring a healing hand to that … One of the ways we can do this is to heal the ways of centuries of exploitation and indifference. That will be very spiritually powerful for the U.S. to do that. We must do that.


Dennis also gave an honoring gift to Pres Joe Shirley back in Dec and I believe they dialogued as well.

Dennis is the only one who has said he will offer an apology on behalf of the US Govt...


DK will do well I feel with the N Americans...

Peace
DR

[bigtree]

2. Dennis calls for protection of Indian rights

http://www.santafenewmexican.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=7&ArticleID=38922

"In order to be president of the United States one must remember who was on this land first," Kucinich told the crowd. "Also, there is so much which the United States can learn from the beauty of Native American culture."

[Hell Hath No Fury]

3. This is the last group of people here...

in our country whose grievances have never truly been addressed. They remain the dirty little secret that is hidden away from view.

I think the President who works to right the wrongs that have been done against them will do much to clean up our country's "karma" (for lack of a better word).

[oasis]

4. Unite to run Bush out of the White House.