How do Native Americans view the current political situation in Washington, DC?

Question

How do Native Americans usually vote?
Liberal, Conserverative, Nationalistic, Enviromental?
Can Native American Voters be more influenctial?

Ps. I would vote and support an Native American Presedential Canidate!! So, Stands with Honor...Run and I'll vote for you!!

Answer 1

Traditional Native Americans usually go with the environment. So I don't expect traditionalists to be praising the Bush administration. Considering the drastic destruction of the America's after Columbus's arrival, Native Americans make up a very small population of the US. Their vote isn't likely to be as powerful as you would like it. Not to mention the many social issues that are plaguing the reservations, as well as the placement of Natives in Urban cities as outlined by earlier government policies.

There is not very much love for the Clinton Administration in regards to Peltier supporters.

Yes the pendulum has swung in the opposite direction and has now created the myth of the noble Indian. Keep in mind Native Americans are human too. However, I think it is debase to state that all Native people care about is their casinos. The most successful casino in the country is owned by the Pequot Indians in Connecticut. Considering that almost their entire tribe was wiped out in the wake of colonial genocide, these natives deserve more then just a successful casino. To say that natives are not politically active is offensive. That dumbs down a community of active and intelligent people/traditionalist (in particular). There is a constant struggle for the reaffirmation of Native American rights. I know young native Americans who are far more politically aware and active then young white kids. To even say that Native American peoples don't care about the world around their reservation is completely taking away from the American Indian Movement and the many people who died in the wake of corrupt government policy. tell John Trudell, Leonard Peltier, or Anna Mae Aquash's survivors that they don't care about the way they are treated by the federal government. That they are some how unable to change the world around them. With some basic research you will find that they are very interested. As to the reservations ability to have their own government (regulated by the US) these governments have been sequestered by our federal agencies over the years at different times. native Americans are in no way above the law, in fact they are squashed by it.

If you want to help, some current Native issues: (Lakota tribes)

Leonard Peltier case, watch: "The Incident at Oglala"

The Black Hills, land rights. In spite of a ruling in favor of the Lakota by the US supreme court (1980) the Black Hills are still owned by the federal government. This area is sacred and was seized by the government (General Custer, was the lynch pin) in the late 1800's which broke the Fort Laramie treaty, because gold was found in them. Since the supreme court can only award money as compensation, the Lakota nation has a large sum of money in the bank which they are refusing to use until the Hills are returned to them.

There is always the lack of resources, and poverty issues.

If you want a Native American president, I would say John Trudell is the man to convince. However, I think he knows better.

Answer 2

It's a mess! I'm Native and I vote, both here in the US and in Canada. As a Mohawk I am free to claim either Nationality, I never knew this until I married a Canadian... but either way my Father was born on the rez in Quebec, once I found out he was still on the rolls there I fought for my recognition in the Mohawk Nation.

In both Countries I vote my conscience! I follow who says what at election time;then I follow who VOTES what after election time. If they renege on their promises I don't hesitate to call them on it, and I can promise you next time around I am looking for a different candidtate.

I would love to see more Natives even run for office, but like others here have said a lot of Natives do not vote. They've been lied to for hundreds of years and they know things aren't likely to change. I have noticed ( at least in Canada) more young people are taking up the cause and becoming more pro-active in Native affairs.

Answer 3

First off. I am Pit River roll number 536u0XXXX

On Voting there is no WE, and that's the problem.
Within my own tribe theres pro bush and NO BUSH.
I voted Kerry last time around.
IF there was a WE and all 711 federally recognized tribes voted with ONE voice, things could get done. I had thought once about running, but as of late reality has hit me. I'm a long haired, feather wearing OUTWARD INDIAN. The second I became a 'viable candidate' some yayhoo would put a round down range at me.

Answer 4

LMAO....sorry was laughing at last post....its very truthful.....and to the point thanks again TwoCrows....as an American Indian....I am anti Bush....I would never vote for such a jackass.....but that is me...there are some (skins) who have actually voted for Bush....either way.....I would love to see an American Indian from enrolled Nation to run for president.....would change alot of serious issues we have in the Indian Communities, and in the world....and the conditions of the Earth....as long as they are not greedy and forget where they came from.......or get involved in political corruption.....personally I hate politicians....they will tell bald face lies just to get a vote!

Answer 5

I to would vote for a Native Amercian if one were to run for president MAYBE they will do a lot better job then who we got now

Answer 6

I can tell you for a fact that Native Americans do not usually vote in U.S.elections. They don't care about the Federal government just as long as it keeps its rules off their reservations and the casino checks keep rolling in.

Answer 7

after what has happen to them under the white mans rule would you want anything to do with a Washington D.C.

Answer 8

I asked the three that are left. And they had no comment. But they did try to sell me some beads.

Answer 9

White man speak with forked tongue.