Totally Democratic congressional delegation...

[MAlibdem]

From SOUTH DAKOTA!!!!! Do you believe it???

[DU9598]

1. Congratulations

You could teach us in Iowa a few lessons in that regard. I think we are stuck with Grassley until they cart him out. I do expect more Democrats in the congressional seats here once the incumbents move on.

Congrats again! You guys really deserve the appreciate from the party.

[Frances]

2. I am so happy that Herseth won

in spite of the fact that Bush is so popular.

What makes the people from South Dakota support Bush?

Can't they see Bush is just using them?

[sofa king]

3. An urgent request for my SD friends.

Hi there. This isn't my state and I don't think I'm permitted to start new threads yet. However, I'm very good friends with the Oglala Sioux Tribe at Pine Ridge.

The following story has been picked up by www.indianz.com :

http://64.62.196.98/News/2004/002884.asp

"S.D. ID law passed to 'turn Native voters down'"

Also:

http://www.argusleader.com/news/Fridayarticle3.shtml
http://www.lakotajournal.com/front.htm
http://64.62.196.98/News/2004/002546.asp

As many of you know, the 2002 race between Tim Johnson and John Thune was narrowly decided when the returns from Shannon County, located entirely within the Pine Ridge Reservation, swung the election in favor of our man Johnson. (Republicans immediately screamed, "fraud," until we threatened to reveal to the press that there were three Republican "observers" for every one Democrat at every polling place within Pine Ridge. The Democrats were, of course, pounding the ground on the Rez, actively encouraging Lakota to vote, while the Republican goons hovered around the polling places, trying to look intimidating.) At least one Member of Congress conceded that it was the Indian vote which delivered Stephanie Herseth on June 1.

In a typically iniquitous move by the Republicans, the SD legislature has passed a measure which requires photo identification at the polls. This legislation is aimed squarely at American Indians and particularly at Pine Ridge, which was (according to the Lakota) deliberately undercounted in the 2000 census and may now be home to as many as 35,000 eligible voters, most of whom do not drive or have picture IDs. Citizens can still vote if they bring in a signed affidavit, but in the June 1 special election many Indians claimed they were denied the right to vote even with an affidavit.

I'd like to see someone post this subject in General Discussion or another appropriate forum in hopes that maybe we as a whole can hash out a plan to prevent the disenfranchisement of a critical Democratic-leaning segment of SD's population--at least 8% of the state population, in fact. The Indian vote may once again prove to be the deciding factor in the reelection of Tom Daschle, and may even help deliver three electoral votes to John Kerry.

Also, since I can't search, would someone be so good as to mail the new thread to me at [e-mail] (omit the "SPAM")?

Thank you very much for your assistance. Indian Country needs your help now more than ever, and in doing so you will help all of us as well.

[Tamiati]

4. Happy to help

Which new thread would you like me to send you sofa??

Be happy to assist you in any way. I live within 50 miles of Mission/Rosebud area, so I do know many of the problems that the indian people face.

I wrote this recently at a MS concert where many of the indian kids were not at: (Just wanted to share, because not all us white people are the same)
I HEAR YOUR WHISPERS

I hear your whispers,
I feel your glances,
I am black,
I am native American,
I am white,
I am different,
I may be diametrically
opposed to your views.

I am yet your brother & sister
in the brotherhood of man!

Lest you be too quick to judge me,
Remember this…
you too will
Come upon the creator.

I hear your whispers,
I feel your glances,

Will you be able to honestly & forthrightly say
That you loved your fellow brothers??
That you did not in action or deed
Judge or exclude any?
I hear your whispers,
I feel your glances,

Will you be able to say that you helped
those who are yet so different from yourself??
Did you reach out to those in need,
in word or deed?
I see you go to church every Sunday,
say your prayers for those closest
you believe you are full of spirit,
yet,
I hear your whispers,
I feel your glances,

Will you be able to stand & gaze upon
Him with eyes open & a clear heart?
Or will you be shamed to admit,
truly there was no love in you,
His spirit had not moved within you?

I pray for your souls,
I pray for mine too!
*******************************************************************

I've posted this poem that I wrote at many websites to help people to understand & to try to rise above any discriminations they may have. It is hardest here in SD where the "good old boys" rule.

[sofa king]

5. Sorry, Tamiati. I've not been paying attention.

Unfortunately my job situation has changed and I'm no longer in direct contact with my SD tribal friends.

I'm afraid this issue is now up to you and other state residents.

Before my job expired, I suggested a massive absentee ballot drive to a member of the OST tribal council, but there are serious problems with that approach. A lot of the old-timers still speak Lakota as a first language and don't (or won't) read English, for example. And of course, the Oglalas are bereft to the point of having to decriminalize drunk in public ordinances because they could not affort to charge or detain more people.

It pains me to my very core to know that the very most disadvantaged people in America are also the easiest targets for disenfranchisement. I likely won't be able to go out there myself to help, so I leave this problem in the capable hands of South Dakotans, Indian and non-Indian alike. I wish you the best of luck. Remember what they say: there's no word in Lakota for goodbye.

And I loved your poem, Tamani. I'll keep it with me forever.

[UrbScotty]

6. Congratulations! Can we get that in West Michigan, too?

Maybe when Vern Ehlers retires.

[sd_UDO]

7. Herseth will win many elections---good luck in MI

Yeah I think Stephanie will many elections as a Congresswomen.
And she'll back some great legislation, too!

I am trying to come up with a way to OutBLUE in the Red areas--check out my Yahoo Group--

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/sd_democrats_UDO /

Let's start a state wide UDO (Ultra Democratic Organization)--

first elections December 2004!

(Anyone can join the Yahoo group)

Thanks!

Hey, you could start UDO in Michigan--read the 2nd post in the Group to see what it is ...cool.