What NDN Country Needs

Kerry has what we need...Leadership!

--ryan


What's At Stake: John Kerry's Appeal to Indian Voters

John Kerry 10/20/2004

On November 2nd, Americans will have choice about which path this
Nation will follow. Native Americans, in particular, have a momentous
opportunity to demonstrate their electoral power in deciding who the
next President of the United States will be. With so many important
issues at stake, this is truly the most important election of our
lifetime and the difference between myself and George Bush could not
be more clear.

American Indians are an important part of the fabric of our country.
From the cultures of the more than 560 federally-recognized tribes
with their rich languages and beautiful artwork to the economic
development and businesses that create jobs in Indian Country and
beyond, Native Americans' contributions to our country are
immeasurable. As a veteran, I want to pay tribute to the bravery of
Native Americans who serve in the Armed Forces in greater percentage
than any other group in our society. From the Code Talkers in World
War II to Private Lori Piestawa, who was killed serving her country
in Iraq, Native Americans have a long record of service that we all
must honor.

Unfortunately, we have a president who has not honored our First
Peoples. At every turn, George Bush has given the hardest working
Americans a raw deal. He's has chosen tax cuts for the wealthy and
favors for special interests over the needs of working Americans.
George Bush also has tried to limit the voices of many segments of
our society, including Native Americans. How can we have a leader who
can fight for Native Americans if he does not have a firm grasp of
the basic principle of tribal sovereignty?

I am the only candidate with a comprehensive agenda for Native
Americans. If elected President of the United States, I will promote
tribal sovereignty, and I will work with you to create an
unprecedented partnership with tribal governments to improve the
lives of Native Americans all over America. In addition, I will
increase funding for the Indian Health Service and will help
stimulate economic development and increase loans to Native-owned
businesses from the Small Business Administration.

We also must re-open the doors of the White House to Native
Americans. As president, I will work to appoint Native Americans to
key positions in the White House and throughout my administration. I
also will work to appoint Native American judges to the federal
judiciary.

And we cannot forget the next generation. In 2000, fifty-seven
percent of fourth grade American Indian and Alaska Native children
were reading below basic achievement levels. Education is the
cornerstone of creating opportunity and I will work to improve the
quality and access to education for Native American children. We must
work to improve the reading levels of this country's Native American
children, including incorporating culturally relevant curriculum.

I believe that America cannot neglect its First Peoples. We have come
so far and worked so hard to begin healing the wounds of a bitter
past, and to build a brighter tomorrow for future generations.

By honoring its legal and moral obligations to Native Americans, this
nation honors the core values for which it stands. We must never
forget what has happened in the past, but this does not mean that we
cannot come together to build a brighter future. Indian communities
are doing their part. They are working hard to effect positive
change, strengthen their institutions, improve their schools, and, as
in previous times of conflict, they are sending their best and
brightest young men and women, to fight and, sadly, sometimes die for
our country. Tribal communities deserve better treatment than they
have been accorded by the Bush administration.

Today, I am asking each and every one of you for your support and
your vote on November 2. I recognize that every Native American must
exercise his or her right to vote so that together we can protect
tribal sovereignty, ensure adequate health care, provide education,
and promote economic development. Together we can improve the lives of Native Americans across this country, and we can send a message to Washington that Native Americans across this land are uniting to fight for the next generations of American Indians and Alaska Natives.

John Kerry is running for president on the Democratic Party ticket.

**(Published in the Native Times...)