First Americans for Barack Obama tribes.barackobama.com.
I have to admit I have DNC fever. I am an American of Native/and Mixed race origin who lives abroad in Europe. It has been a long time since I was really proud to be American. When you talk to Europeans American’s always stick out like a soar thumb abroad. We are known to be loud, a country that does not care about the health and well being of it’s citizens, and a people who have know desire to learn about the rest of the world.
As I have been watching the convention my American pride is growing. It may be because I have started reading “Dreams from my Father” by Barack Obama. As well as watching a mix of people who support Barack Obama at the convention, This is America. He speaks to me as an American of other; he is for all people because he can relate to many. That is what America is all about, a country where regardless of race, class or gender if you work hard you can follow and reach your dreams.
American still has a long way to go in regards to equality, but considering where people of other are in countries like France and Italy the US has shown the path to heroes that matter. Finally a new Hero for people of other thank you Mr. Obama for being my hero for the future! Hero to people of other around the world.
We have a long way to go but god willing we will see change in the world! I was also proud to see the First Americans for Barack Obama get together and support Barack Obama.
“ROCKY BOY, MT – The Obama campaign announced today that the Rocky Boy Tribal Council has endorsed Barack Obama for President. The Council, which is the governing body of the Rocky Boy Reservation, passed a resolution endorsing Obama during a meeting this week.
“Sen. Obama understands the many challenges facing Native Americans on reservations in the West, and it is time for a president who is committed to making real change in the lives of the people on the Rocky Boy reservation,” said Council Chairman John “Chance” Houle. “John McCain has been in Washington for twenty-six years, and has had a chance to be an advocate for Native Americans. But he hasn’t been. It’s time for new leadership in Washington D.C.”
In addition to passing the resolution unanimously, the Council noted Sen. Obama’s strong work in fighting the spread of meth on reservations. In a 2006 survey, 74% of tribal law enforcement officials cited meth as the leading threat to their tribes’ livelihood. Sen. Obama has been a strong supporter of funding for the fight against meth, including assistance to children affected by meth abuse and restrictions on the sale of ingredients used to make the drug. He has also called for funding for tribal police programs and tribal courts, and for resolving jurisdiction issues that will enable tribal authorities to deal with the causes of the problem on Indian land.”
Even though in many of the speeches my people where not mentioned, but they have a voice and need to be heard. I am speechless that in my lifetime that I would see a person of color have the opportunity to be the President of the United States. Keep Hope alive and I hope that all the people who still wished it where Hilary Clinton will put this all aside, unite, and help to change the world. Please support the vote for Change. Vote Barack Obama!!
From: Mary Smith
Sent: Friday, September 12, 2008 3:47 PM
To: Yvette Ducane
Subject: FW: FW: Obama Campaign RV Stop
Hello Yvette
This is what I would like you to address at Obama stop on Monday. My friend from Oklahoma His name is Clyde Thundercloud he has served in the arm forces for about 20 years and lived on a reservation and has been taxed. He has fought to get legislation to stop taxing the Military (Indians). If possible can you note down what they say so I can pass the information on the Clyde.
Thank you,
Menominee Tribal Maintenance
Mary Smith
msmith@mitw.org
P.O. Box 910
Keshena, Wisconsin 54135
1-715-799-5100
—–Original Message—–
From: Abeartracks@aol.com [mailto:Abeartracks@aol.com]
Sent: Thursday, September 11, 2008 9:49 AM
To: Mary Smith
Subject: Re: FW: Obama Campaign RV Stop
Everyone says we Honor our Veterans., we should recognize our Veterans, We are Proud of our Veterans but no one says WHAT CAN We DO FOR OUR VETERANS……. this is how you can help
Native Americans have served in the United States armed forces in greater numbers year after year conflict after conflict including before we were even citizens than any other ethnic group in history.
Dear U. S. Legislators,
During the 108th Congress, Representative Udall of New Mexico introduced H. R. 5275 “The American Indian Veterans Pay Restoration Act of 2004.” This bill was introduced to rectify a mistake by the Department of Defense in the collection and distribution of state income taxes for Native American Service Members on active duty prior to 2001 and who were domiciled on Indian Lands.
This bill was introduced to the House of Representatives on October 7, 2004, and was immediately referred to the House Committee on Armed Services with introductory remarks made by Representative Udall. Since that day, no action has been taken on this important piece of Legislation.
Mr. Udall stated “Prior to 2001, Native Americans who served their country in the armed forces had their active duty pay taxed by the state, despite claiming the reservation as their home. The law is now well established that this policy was wrong and, in keeping with tribal sovereignty, the policy of withholding states taxes on these soldiers’ pay was changed. This position is reflected in administrative opinions, Fatt v. Utah, 884 P2d 1233 (Utah 1994), a 2000 Department of Justice (DOJ) opinion, a Department of Defense (DOD) policy instituted in 2001, and most recently, in Public Law 108-189, a law that passed this House unanimously.
However, while these changes stopped the improper practice of withholding taxes, the changes do not apply retroactively. Current federal law provides that statutes of limitations toll during a member’s service, but the ability to recover withheld taxes is still limited by state statute of limitations on filing for refunds. The result is that hundreds, or perhaps thousands, of tribal members whose state taxes were improperly withheld during their service to our country are unable to recover the money that is owed to them.”
This important piece of legislation needs to be brought to the attention of the current Presidential candidates. Some may say this is an individual state issue. We all know that unless there is a federal law passed that requires all states to pay restitution to these servicemembers nothing will be done. This bill was introduced back in 2004 and nothing has been done so far. This legislation if passed will benefit All Native american servicemembers that served in Every branch of the military and All tribes both men and women. Although this illegal taxation was stopped in the year 2001, Our Grandfathers, Grandmothers Fathers,brothers,Uncles,Mothers,Aunts , all those Native American men and women who served in the military before the year 2001 deserve a refund. The Presidential candidates should address this injustice.
________________________________
mary smith
September 22, 2008 at 4:44 pm
My grandaughter rode on the First Americans for Obama float in the parade at the United Tribes Powwow in Bismarck ND. AWESOME! Will there be 1st Amer campaign presence at the Wacipi in Rapid City Oct.10/12? There’s a bunch of us Obama supporters here in Rapid City and we’re willing to help. OYATE for OBAMA !!
Madonna Thunderhawk
October 3, 2008 at 3:58 pm