Native American Times Endorses Clark

[Jerseycoa]

Citing his strong belief in tribes as sovereign governments and stellar military credentials, the Native American Times has endorsed General Wesley Clark in the Democratic Primary. The editorial will appear in the January 1, 2004 editions of the Native American Times, the Native American Times New Mexico edition and the website www.nativetimes.com. The Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arizona and North Dakota primaries will all be held on February 3, 2004. Those states have significant Native American populations who are traditionally registered as Democrats.

An editorial explaining the decision states that Clark has “…proven to be a remarkable leader. If words are a person’s bond, and actions are even more telling, then Clark is the clear choice from a Native and non-Native American perspective. If our country truly desires peace, it will need a proven peacemaker. Only Clark fits that role."

"Indian people share a common ground with Clark and his military service. Native Americans have volunteered for service, during peacetime and wartime, in greater numbers than any other racial group. Most of us know a Native friend or relative in the armed services right now. Clark appreciates the commitment Native Americans have displayed in defending their country and has expressed it on numerous occasions.

"Like most United States citizens we want a leader who takes serious consideration before sending our young men and women to war. Clark has a deep understanding of the dangerous world we live in and is best prepared to win the war and win the peace. Sometimes it takes more courage to negotiate than to simply fire your weapon. It was clearly evident during Clark’s management of the crisis in Kosovo.”

Source: Native American Times 12/30/2003




This is from the Native American Times Editorial

The United States’ obligation to Indian country covers many areas that are essential for the well-being of Indian country. Clark is solid on health issues and shares our views on increased funding for the Indian Health Service and stands for increasing the quality of education in Indian Country. Clark has a plan that includes working directly with tribes on these issues because he believes they have the best understanding of how to help their people.

Clark has talked in poignant detail about the depressing statistics facing Indian people on crime. He understands the unique and shameful way Native American men, women and children are victimized in Indian communities. With overlapping jurisdictions and a critical gap in understanding by federal and state authorities, tribal courts and police officers must live with an unfunded mandate that neither acknowledges the source of the problem in Indian country nor the solution.

If Clark brings that same respect for international sovereignty to the sovereign Indian nations, he is not only the best candidate for Indian people; he is the best candidate for all Americans.

Four states (Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arizona and North Dakota) with huge Native American populations will hold their primary elections on February 3rd. Indian people have been the margin of victory for many high profile races across this country and this race promises to be close. This time, Indian voters can literally help determine who will be the next President of the United States.

This is a historic opportunity to make a difference for yourselves and your children.

The Native American Times without hesitation endorses the candidacy of Wesley Clark.

[last1standing]

1. "If our country truly desires peace, it will need a proven peacemaker."

That's a damn good endorsement.

[TorchTheWitch]

23. indeed it is

That's an endorsement we can be really proud of.

<On Edit: clarity>

[Tom Rinaldo]

2. That is an endorsement I am proud Clark was able to win.

Yes, it will help him in some primaries, which of course is great, but that particular vote of confidence means a lot to me.

[Bombtrack]

3. great news

there is no group in this country that's been srewed like the Native Americans.

[in_cog_ni_to]

28. I couldn't agree more.

It's shameful. I KNOW Clark will keep his word to them. This makes me feel so good. He just has to win!

[BeyondGeography]

4. That's fantastic

The tribes are a huge force in Oklahoma in particular. For all the abuse that's been heaped on them by our government over the centuries, they have been amazingly faithful to our armed forces, and they know a proven warrior (a term which means much more to them than fighting) when they see one. More proof that Wes is connecting with a broad base of people.

[Malvina Reynolds]

5. Now, that means a lot!

Clark, :yourock:

[democratreformed]

6. I wish my mother were here

She would love General Clark as much as I do.

[Jerseycoa]

12. I often have the same thought

My mother used to say all the time that Jimmy Carter was "too good for that job," but I think she partly meant not strong enough. With Wes, I think she would be able to see the good and the strong in one president.

[SahaleArm]

7. Another solid endoresment...

:kick:

[OKNancy]

8. Well, well, well.....

That's really going to help me here in Oklahoma!!

[Gloria]

9. Wonderful News!! Do you know that a columnist here in

New Mexico did a whole analysis of the campaign on 12/24 without mentioning Native Americans ONCE??? Hispanics, yes, Native Americans, completely forgotten!!

I love Wes Clark!!!!

[maddezmom]

10. nice endorsement for Wes Clark

from a 1/4 Native person, it means a lot to folks like us to be acknowleged. :)

[tishaLA]

11. Great news for Gen. Clark

eom

[DoveTurnedHawk]

13. Call Me a Softie, But I Misted Up After Reading the Editorial

Racial issues are one of my top two or three in terms of importance, and reading such a powerful endorsement really means a lot to me.

DTH

[Jerseycoa]

14. You're not alone, DTH nt

[jonnyblitz]

15. very good endorsement! congrats to Clark and his supporters!

:hi:

[maddezmom]

16. thank you :)

[jonnyblitz]

21. to me this trumps the celebrity endorsements

I dont care how cool Madonna is... :P

[Jerseycoa]

22. Oh, yes

This one holds the heart.

:loveya:

[Clark Can WIN]

31. Madonna who?

Actually the cheese factor was a little disconcerting to me with Madonna, but her endorsement of Clark picked my opinion of her up a bit. Is she positioning herself to be the next Barbara Striesand?

[corporatewhore]

17. thats great

i know that dk also is for international sovereignty .To many time native americans are overlooked by dems i think even nixon had more progressive views for them than alotta dems

[jmaier]

18. Just caught this post.

I think I'm prouder for Wes Clark on this endorsement than on any other that I've seen to date -- and they are all lovely. :-)

A nice accolade for a wonderful man.



Wes Clark. He will make an extraordinary American President.

[Jerseycoa]

19. shamelessly kicking

:kick:

[retyred]

20. This is so cool

President Wesley Clark




retyred in fla
“good night Paul, wherever you are”
So I read this book

[BringEmOn]

24. Wonderful news!

Native American Times made a wonderful choice in endorsing Wes Clark. Congratulations General! The other national Indian newspaper hasn't endorsed a candidate at this time, but had a lot of good words for the Democratic candidates:

http://www.indiancountry.com/?1071586985

"Thus the Democrats - seizing the opportunity - were out in force and making their case as champions of Indian rights. Frontrunner Howard Dean, Rep. Dennis Kucinich (Ohio) and retired Gen. Wesley Clark appeared in person, while Sen. Joe Lieberman, (Conn.), Rep. Dick Gephardt (Iowa) and Sen. John Edwards (N.C.), sent in pre-recorded messages and Sen. John Kerry (Mass.) spoke to the convention live via satellite. They were all considerably forthcoming in their offers of support for tribal rights, speaking on the need to uphold treaty rights, to protect the government-to-government relation and to increase funding for Indian health care, housing and other programs. Most candidates also called for an accounting of billions owed to individual Indians and tribes.

Dean went furthest when he promised to settle the Cobell lawsuit within two years. Dean also declared himself against taxation on Indian lands and promised that he would veto legislation forcing any such taxation. This was important for Dean, considering that he fought Abenaki tribal recognition on those grounds while governor of Vermont. As governor Dean also strongly supported the Istook bill, which intended to restrict the Secretary of Interior from taking land into trust for tribes in order to force tribes to collect state taxes. Dean has openly and radically repudiated and corrected those positions as presidential candidate, suggesting perhaps that he is educable on such matters.

Wesley Clark, former supreme allied commander of NATO, stressed the need for the federal government to exercise true trust responsibility. Dick Gephardt stood on his history of fighting in Congress against initiatives to diminish tribal rights. Both Gephardt and Dean promised to nominate judges, including Native Americans who understand tribal sovereignty. Sen. John Edwards, D-N.C., vowed to uphold sovereignty and treaties and urged particular support of Indian land and water rights. Joe Lieberman recommended more resources for Indian health, economic development, law enforcement and housing. John Kerry spoke of a comprehensive agenda for Native Americans that would include anti-terrorism funding, also supported by Dean. These welcome public expressions by the Democratic candidates for president would seem to indicate that the Democratic Party is working hard to build strong relations with Indian country."

Although small in number nationwide, the Indian vote can make the difference in a tight race. In the 2000 election in Washington State, support poured in from Native American tribes across the country and Indian voters turned out in numbers to assist Maria Cantwell in narrowly removing the racist Slade Gorton for his U.S. Senate seat.

The best of luck to Wes Clark and the Democratic candidates!

[laruemtt]

25. this seals it for me.

i've been 100 percent Clark since he seriously considered running, but this endorsement is truly the icing on the cake.

[Donna Zen]

26. I remember the press releases from his speech

The writer was impressed and surprised that Clark's proposals advocated for direct funding to the nations. The way it is done now, the block grants go to the states who then ignore the people. That includes homeland security funds, although the reservations have huge risks. The states are grabbing money but ignoring the reservations. Clark would treat the reservations as separate entities. He also does not appreciate that the US broke its word...Honor, Duty, Country.

[in_cog_ni_to]

27. That was just lovely.

What gracious words. I'm so proud of Wes Clark.

[BootinUp]

29. I have to post this quote one more time...

"There is iron in your words for all to see"

from The Outlaw Josey Wales

[Clark Can WIN]

30. I LOVED this news. This means a great deal to me

To have an endorsement from the first Americans. For me, this is a hard one to top and I'm proud that Clark has it.

[maddezmom]

32. kick for the am crowd

:kick:

[H2O Man]

33. Wesley Clark may go a step farther in the name of democracy:

Consider this: when progressive thinking Americans have wanted to converse with other nations during tense times, who has produced the most admirable results? The Rev. Jesse Jackson is a great example. As a nation, we need to consider every human resource we have. Traditional Native American leaders have a unique ability to communicate with 3rd and 4th World Nations. General Clark appears to understand that. I believe that as president, Clark will utilize the un-tapped potential for Indian leaders to provide mature insight into many of the issues that people such as Bush and Cheney could never hope to resolve. At the Onondaga Nation near Syracuse, NY, for example, there is Chief Oren Lyons. Years ago, Lyons did a remarkable tv interview with Bill Moyers. I think that there are millions of Americans who would prefer that Chief Lyons represent us, than any of the members of the current administration.

[TexasSissy]

34. Excellent news.

[Renew Deal]

35. This is a big endorsement.

My understanding is that this is big. They have 36,000 subscribers and 200,000 hits a month. It could be enough to swing a couple southwestern states.