Deron Marquez: McCain's actions matter more
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Filed Under:
Politics
"As Nov. 4 approaches, I find myself reading blogs and op-ed pieces from various tribal corners, mostly supporting the Democratic ticket in the race for the White House. I was surprised to note that there are few public statements being expressed by tribal leaders and representatives about
Sen. John McCain and his public record of support for sovereign tribal nations.
Campaign promises being voiced by
Mr. Barack Obama to Indian country are noteworthy. But we should remember that no group of Americans has been promised more and delivered less than the First Americans. Instead of more promises, let’s give attention to real accomplishments involving issues of significant importance, which have benefited Indian tribes because of Sen. McCain’s deeds.
Few issues are as fundamentally important and sacred to Indian tribes as their cultural resources and their histories. Sen. McCain’s leadership resulted in the enactment of federal legislation that serves today as the foundation for the protection of these important resources. The Native American Graves Protection Act was passed by the Congress in 1990.
Sen. McCain became vice chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Indian Affairs (now known as the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs) when the 101st Congress was constituted in 1989. Aware that congressional efforts to protect tribal cultural resources – including sacred sites and graves – had failed in 1986 due to opposition from museums and other groups, he introduced NAGPRA during the first session of the 101st Congress. The senator had become increasingly concerned about the looting of tribal sacred sites and graves across the nation."
Get the Story:
Deron Marquez: Deeds, not words, should persuade tribal nations
(Indian Country Today 10/21)
Related Stories:
McCain's Indian backers to meet in Minnesota
(10/21)
The Atlantic: McCain cabin
not on sacred site? (10/17)
Backers cite
Sen. McCain's Indian Country history (10/17)
Opinion: Sen. McCain's link to anti-union
casino (10/17)
Sen. McCain to deliver
video message at NCAI (10/15)
Sen.
McCain was planning tribal event in Arizona (10/10)
Sen. McCain sends campaign bus to Navajo Nation
(10/2)
Column: John McCain, the
tale of a gambling man (10/1)
Blog: 'Hatchet job' on McCain and Indian
gaming (10/1)
Elmer Savilla: A Native
veteran questions McCain (9/30)
McCain cancels Nevada visit after gambling
story (9/30)
McCain opposed one
casino but protected another (9/30)
McCain's inner circle boosted by Abramoff scandal
(9/29)
Column: DNC goes after
Sen. McCain on gambling (9/28)
Campbell blames NIGC for McCain's gaming
bill (9/28)
Gawker: 'No one'
noticed McCain gambling story (9/28)
NYT: Sen. McCain and ties to gambling
industry (9/28)
Opinion: McCain-Palin
'old school' on Indians (9/23)
Turtle
Talk: Sen. McCain and future of Indian law (9/22)
Sen. McCain returns Cherokee Nation donation
(9/17)
Former McCain staffers turn into
tribal lobbyists (9/12)
Nighthorse
Campbell snubbed by RNC planners (9/5)
McCain cites tribes in GOP acceptance speech
(9/5)
California tribes back events at
Republican convention (9/4)
Red Lake
veterans present colors at GOP convention (9/3)
Choctaw man heads to Republican convention
(9/1)
McCain picks Alaska governor for
running mate (9/1)
Sen. McCain to
announce vice presidential pick (08/28)
Native Democrats tie Abramoff to McCain campaign
(8/26)
Howard Dean slams McCain for
treatment of Cobell (8/26)
Sen. McCain
doesn't know how many homes he owns (8/22)
Jodi Rave: McCain cozies up to Abramoff associate
(8/19)
Abramoff figure a no-show at Sen.
McCain fundraiser (8/19)
Opinion: Who is
John McCain, the candidate? (8/18)
Opinion: Sen. McCain loses image as reformer
(8/15)
McCain denies Abramoff figure
works for campaign (8/14)
McCain urged
to kill fundraiser with Abramoff figure (8/13)
Sen. McCain snubs tribes on South Dakota visit
(8/12)
Nighthorse Campbell stumps for
Sen. McCain (8/12)
Sen. McCain campaigns
with Abramoff associate (8/11)
Abramoff
raised $30K for potential McCain pick (8/7)
Jodi Rave: McCain's stop at Sturgis bike rally
(8/6)
Potential McCain VP pick has ties
to Abramoff (8/6)
Sen. McCain to
campaign at Sturgis biker rally (8/4)
Lobbyists contribute $181,000 to Sen. McCain
(7/28)
Indian gaming
non-lobbyist part of McCain team (7/8)
Copyright © Indianz.Com
Subscribe