Text copied from / source: http://nv1962.forclark.com/story/2004/1/30/45027/7063
(Originally posted on Fri Jan 30th, 2004 at 01:50:27 AM
PST)
Many issues related to Wes Clark's campaign receive very little to no attention at all from mainstream media. That's odd, considering the vast aggregate space devoted to the primaries: one would expect a greater curiosity among the professionals of the pen to highlight a different, striking aspect.
I am really awed by the many glowing endorsements that leaders of
Indian Country have given to Wes Clark, since the Native American
Times concluded its powerful
editorial thus, on December 30:
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.
Each time I read this article, a different phrase catches my
attention; there are so many precious details in it that move me, and
show me new things to ponder.
Such as this evocative image: a four-star US Army General, who served and commanded the present-day world's most powerful and technologically advanced armed forces, offers his leadership to public service, and now receives such an extraordinary honorable expression of support, by the sons and daughters born from the ancestral memories of this land.
I can't think of any more eloquent or powerful symbolism than that; it's what prompted me to write these lines, wondering how many political press professionals have seen it, and decided to ignore it.
For sure, my support doesn't merit headlines. Still, I wish that the foundations of this nation's Government receive a more respectful and mindful treatment, than the prevailing banal horse race reporting suggests.