Organizing for America | Nicole's Blog: Obama Calls on Senate to Swiftly Pass Indian Health Care Bill

Obama Calls on Senate to Swiftly Pass Indian Health Care Bill

By Nicole - Jan 22nd, 2008 at 6:01 pm EST

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U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) today released the following statement on the Indian Health Care Improvement Act (IHCIA) Amendments of 2007 (S.1200), which is currently before the Senate. Obama is an original cosponsor of the legislation.

“For more than fourteen years, Congress has failed to reauthorize the Indian Health Care Improvement Act and comprehensively modernize Native American health care services. This is unfair and unacceptable.

“Today’s Native Americans are disproportionately suffering from debilitating illnesses, like diabetes, heart disease and stroke. The infant mortality rate is 150 percent higher for Native American infants than white infants, and the suicide rate for Native Americans is two and a half times the national rate. With these alarming statistics, improvements to Native American health care could not come at a more urgent time.

“It is our country's moral imperative to address the significant health care disparities between the Native American population and the American population as a whole. We must ensure our tribal health care programs on reservations and in urban centers are adequately prepared to provide preventative health care as well as treatment for substance and alcohol abuse, domestic violence, and mental health issues. Native Americans deserve the same high quality health care professionals that care for families throughout the country.

“I commend Senator Dorgan and the Indian Affairs Committee for their leadership on this legislation, and I strongly urge its swift passage in the Senate.”

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Native American healthcare | Report to Admin

By Shelly from East Wenatchee, WA Jan 27th 2008 at 2:13 am EST

Thank you for giving a voice to Native Americans. I have seen too many of my people suffer for no reason other than a lack of education or resource. While alcoholism, depression, and diabetes continue to be an ongoing epidemic for Native Americans, the time is NOW to teach our youth a healthier way of life. A life filled with hope, no matter what our history.

My father spent more than 10 long, painful years in a Native American Boarding School designed to teach him how to live in a white world, bypassing his Native roots. This experience has continued to haunt him and his siblings for more than 40 years. For those men and women that spent their childhood in Native American Boarding Schools, I am a proud supporter of Barack Obama, and the belief that, no matter what, WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Help Tennessee Veterans | Report to Admin

By Tamika from Memphis, TN Jan 27th 2008 at 3:20 pm EST

Is there anyone out there that knows of anyone here in Tennessee, especially Memphis, that may awake the rest of the republican persuaded veterans. Most of the veterans here are "red". The department of veterans affairs will not let me register veterans, not campaign, just simply register. Most surviving spouses and/or dependents are in the va's ER all day some forget there is a real presidential election coming up. I have hit brick wall after brick wall and would really like the Memphis VA medical center, that holds veterans from mississippi,kentucky,arkansas, and tennessee to not be "at ease" right now. It's frustrating enough dealing with my own stress related issues from the frontlines 8 hours before we soliders even knew aqbout any war;but now where are my fellow soldiers when I need them?? SOS here in Memphis, Tn. VFW won't answer and the american legion wants no part. Are there any suggestions. Let me tell ya, if the black voters turnout doesn't work; will the veterans/military support override? This is the real deal here in the segregated south. Not everyone has jumped on the cloud of Dr. Martin Luther King's dream, here, where he was... Memphis needs help. I do not know what it is about this city, but please pray. Thank you, May the Lord bless us all with Barack Obama as our new President.

Re: Help Tennessee Veterans | Report to Admin

By Julie Hensley Feb 12th 2008 at 11:36 pm EST

Tamika... did you consider alerting the press? For them to stand in the way of you helping them exercise their constitutional rights would very likely qualify as newsworthy.

If you are concerned about local press being too dependent on the hospital consider contacting national outlets (AP WIRE SERVICE, Newsweek, Time, etc.). Another option might be to contact the ACLU. They'd probably LOVE to come on the property with the intent to help vets register and be turned away!

Re: Native American healthcare | Report to Admin

By bluecat Feb 1st 2008 at 8:15 pm EST

Hi Shelly

Welcome to Team Obama America.

I am half blood Cherokee Mom and Grandparents full blooded, Father African and blackfoot.

My Mom hardly ever went tot he doctor unless she was in bad pain and she was tough.

She carried the trail of Tears saga from when her mom and my Grandmother walked it. They ended up in Carlyle Pennsylvania.
There is much strong roots here and Obama is the answer to our bretheren healthcare problems. The treeaty was broken for so many years and now the record will be come straight. The treaties will be honored.

Bless you all in the morning Sun.

Barack On!

Kim Shepperson-Jones
Sheppersons time of arrival in US 1704.

Re: Native American healthcare | Report to Admin

By CZARINA BJ in Chicago who has had ENOUGH of all this Partisan Bickering, who stands with her favorite POTUS Barack Obama Feb 2nd 2008 at 9:35 am EST

Hi, I'm BJ from Chicago, I am a melting pot of cultures. My family has African, Native American (what tribe I am not sure, my family members were slaves in Georgia). I also have European blood mixed in.

I am writing because I think Native Americans should start talking on the major blogs on this site to let the rest of Barack's supporters know what you need. If we know what you need, maybe we can help you get that help.

I do not know if you feel welcomed, I want you to know you are. Please just click on the major news items, then click commments, that's where you will find us.

May God bless all your tribal nations. (I hope I said that correctly, I do not wish to offend anyone.

Wado, Obama! Chief "Spirit Warrior Woman" | Report to Admin

By Phoenix Rising 4 Obama Feb 16th 2008 at 3:32 am EST

Blog To Obama:
"I thank you for turning your thoughts and concerns to our people! You are the first that I am aware of...Please see my new page inwhich I am "gathering" my tribe to view your accomplishments and support your nomination. My Page is Public and my Obama Groups are open to all who support Native American Indians of ALL Tribes.""

Chief "Spirit Warrior Woman"
Pennsylvania Clan

Wado, Obama! Chief "Spirit Warrior Woman" | Report to Admin

By Phoenix Rising 4 Obama Feb 16th 2008 at 3:33 am EST

Wado, Obama! Chief "Spirit Warrior Woman" | Report to Admin

By Phoenix Rising 4 Obama Feb 16th 2008 at 3:33 am EST

This is why this man has to be President | Report to Admin

By Unknown user Feb 16th 2008 at 12:25 pm EST

14 years is too long to improve the health care system for Native Americans. With all these years that pass, another generation of First Americans have to suffer from health disparities. As someone who is entering a health profession, this has become my major professional goal in health care- to serve the Native American community's health care needs, and it would be great to see my country behind me no matter who is next President, but I trust that Senator Obama would be able to get things done, because he's made this an issue!

NEW - on YOUTUBE "OBAMA SONG PORTRAIT: WE ARE THE CHANGE by Bjarne O." | Report to Admin

By MarshaH Feb 16th 2008 at 3:25 pm EST

As the composer, Bjarne O., writes:

"I combined Latino Rhythms, Chinese Erhu, African- and Native-American Voices with the Contemporary Symphonic Orchestra - in the great spirit of Unity - for this Song in support of Obama's great and true message: "Our Time Has Come; We the People are the Change we've all been waiting for. We are the Hope for the Future - YES WE CAN."

CHECK IT OUT - and SPREAD THE WORD.

Link

YES WE CAN - ALL OF US TOGETHER

Anne

Best of Barack | Report to Admin

By Travis Kiefer Feb 17th 2008 at 6:09 am EST

Hello there! My name is Travis and I am a student at Stanford University. Because I believe Barack is the best candidate with the potential to revolutionize politics, I created a website - Link - so people like you can submit your favorite articles, videos and podcasts about Barack and vote on them.This site is extremely new (created Monday, February 13th) and is already gaining momentum in spreading Barack's message. There are already 43 users, 99 articles, 329 votes, and over 500 unique visitors on Saturday! As the webmaster of a Barack Obama related website, I would like to invite you to become a member and then submit your stories. Thank you and Yes We Can make a difference!!!

Disappointment | Report to Admin

By Mary from Garland, TX Feb 22nd 2008 at 7:13 pm EST (Updated Mar 3rd 2008 at 3:06 pm EST)

This post has been removed due to offensive or disrespectful content.

Obama Calls on Senate to Swiftly Pass Indian Health Care Bill | Report to Admin

By Teresa from Muscatine, IA Feb 24th 2008 at 3:02 am EST

We the people need to work with our elected officials to have them follow through on the plans Obama has submitted to them to bring it about with "No added provision's" on their part to make sure it cover the fairness of this action that is needed by letting them know we back Obama's policy 100%. So we need to stay up to date on how this appeal is being done and who is on our side with yea's and nay's.

Aho | Report to Admin

By JJ Feb 25th 2008 at 12:44 pm EST

We have not had a reason in ndn country to pay any hopes for fair dealings with gov't since the mayflower first touched down at plymouth rock, until now.

WHat Barack offers to ndn country is above all else, RESPECT. This man understands respect, so I understand him.

Let's mobilize, ndn country! Finally we have a reason to register and vote. I went to the DMV and registered to vote once Barack convinced me that he is a man of action, and a man of principle.

Mr. Obama has gone out of his way to show his support and respect to our native people, so maybe it is time for our native people to go out of our way to show support and respect back in return.

Last year I swore I would never say these words...I would believe that hell will sooner freeze over if you told me I would say it...
GET OUT AND VOTE...PLEASE.

The voices of our ancestors hear you Barack.
Our children need you. Make a difference.

Re: why did you miss the vote | Report to Admin

By JJ Feb 28th 2008 at 3:08 pm EST

Are you not aware of his proposals to protect and enhance Health care for American Indians on and off reserve?

I used to be skeptical of all who would call themselves a politician. At least Barack gives us hope.

Re: why did you miss the vote | Report to Admin

By James WFE Mooney Mar 3rd 2008 at 10:06 am EST

It seems to me that running in a very competitive political race with Hillary Clinton would warrant some slack on voting on a bill that you co-sponcered.

Write a Letter to your State Senator | Report to Admin

By James WFE Mooney Mar 3rd 2008 at 9:41 am EST

Dear Senator,

With the present mantra ‘change’ of today’s U.S. political environment, American Native persons pray that the U.S. Senate will pass the ‘Indian Health Care Improvement Act’. This act includes a formal apology for its multitude of grievous actions perpetrated upon the American Native Culture.

Indigenous American Native Spiritual Leaders have long since forgiven the ‘special interest’ (many Christian Churches and Commercial Enterprising Ventures) influences that manifested the atrocities the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Judicial and Military; United States Government agencies perpetrated upon the American Native Culture for more than 200 years.

It is interesting to note that there are millions of persons with American Native linage, many with substantial % of Native blood flowing through their veins, that are not federally registered American Indians. And of which have also been adversely effected by these State and Federal Government atrocities and miscarriage of justices.

The acknowledgement of persons to accept the truthfulness of which they are and to acknowledge the positive and /or negative deeds they have done are two vital steps that set the foundation for effective change in one’s personal behavior.

The American Native Spiritual stand against the States and Federal Government’s political, Judiciary and military have with stood the misguided winds perpetrated upon the Wounded Knee Native American Church – Richard and Bonnie Swallow (1973 Wounded Knee Stand off). Native American Church – Roadman Robert Boyll (United States V. Boyll), Oklevueha Native American Church – James and Linda Mooney (State of Utah V. James WFB Mooney, Linda T. Mooney and Oklevueha Earth Walks Native American Church of Utah Inc) and Uniao do Vegetal, Jeffrey Bronfman (United States V. UDV).

For over 100 years, the United State’s citizenship have paid restitution for the atrocities their citizens and government inflicted upon federally recognized American Native people ‘without’ a formal apology. The non-federalized American Native citizens have received neither from the governments of the United States.

As it is with an individual, it is with governments, when a grieved party receives a formal admittance, apology and restitution then true ‘change’ of behavior is assured.

"Like the miner's canary, the Indian marks the shift from fresh air to poison gas in our political atmosphere; and our treatment of Indians, even more than our treatment of other minorities, reflects the rise and fall in our democratic faith." --Felix S. Cohen, 1953

Re: Write a Letter to your State Senator | Report to Admin

By Fire Is Born Mar 6th 2008 at 9:43 pm EST

Frank LaMere, Nebraska superdelegate and chairman of the Democratic National Committee's Native American Caucus, endorsed Senator Barack Obama for President and released this statement.
"We, as Native Americans, have always stood four square with the Democratic Party and they have always stood four square with us. We will continue to do so in 2008 as we elect a Democratic President to restore the national vision that has been blurred during the last eight years. I ask your help in this endeavor.
All in this country know that Native people continue to suffer disproportionate need. In light of the service and sacrifice of or young men and women during times of war it is hard to reconcile why this should be. We must continue to pray that things be better for the children, the elders, the sick and incarcerated, all of the dispossessed among us. We must pray for those who have no voice. More importantly, we must continue to hope. Our forebears have taught us that the survival of the generations to come is dependent on our willingness to hope and to change things for the better.
To this end, there is a man who talks of this audacity of hope and of the need for change. He is Barack Obama. He has engaged the Indian Nations with his message and we have listened. It is now time to act.
Hope has always been the basic tenet of the Democratic Party and not an obscure backdrop. Change should be looked at in terms of generations and not what we might be able to do to win the next election without affecting anyone's comfort level.
Hope and change require that we be audacious and Barack Obama knows this better than anyone. We must acknowledge this bold man among us and the good heart that he has for all of the people.
As Chairman of the Native Caucus of the Democratic National Committee and as a Winnebago Indian mindful of what I may leave for my children, my grandchildren, and all of the generations to come I am humbled but pleased to endorse Barack Obama to be the Democratic nominee for the presidency of the United States.
I beg your indulgence and respectfully ask that Native people from the four directions join with me in this work as we are all related. It will be good. Pi-nah-gi-gi. Thank you.
Frank LaMere

Re: Write a Letter to your State Senator | Report to Admin

By James WFE Mooney Jun 24th 2008 at 12:01 pm EDT

Frank thanks for extending your hand in an alliance of friendship. I am interested in becoming highly involved with the Democratic National Committee's Native American Caucus.

Over a period of 16 years I have become completely disillusioned and embarrassed by the Republican Party. I read Barack’s Book ‘Audacity of Hope’ about a year ago and have intently observed his behavior since reading his book and have concluded Barack ‘walks his talk’. This was the motivating reason for leaving my life long association with the Republican Party and becoming a Democrat.

Frank I am very interested in assisting a blossoming atmosphere in the United States where canaries flourish.

"Like the miner's canary, the Indian marks the shift from fresh air to poison gas in our political atmosphere; and our treatment of Indians, even more than our treatment of other minorities, reflects the rise and fall in our democratic faith." --Felix S. Cohen, 1953

Ya'ahteeh Abini!!! | Report to Admin

By Manis Mar 11th 2008 at 11:03 am EDT

Ya'ahteeh!!
Well I just want to thank Mr.Obama for recognizing the Native Americans, and having consideration on our issues. I am from the NAVAJO NATION and there are many of our people that are suffering with health issues. My name is Almanis Begay, my clans are Naakaii Dine, Bitahni,Naasht'eezhi, and kinlichii'nii, and I am speaking on my behalf of my people and the other half for the rest of the American citizens to support OBAMA. Thank You!!

Re: Ya'ahteeh Abini!!! | Report to Admin

By Fire Is Born Mar 12th 2008 at 2:02 pm EDT

Dzien dobry!

Almanis Begay, welcome to this page, and we hope that you return to it many times. I am delighted by your introduction and letting us know your clans.

I am Hanna Walinska, and I come from Europe (of Silesian mother and Polish father) and have lived all my adult life in the West of the United States, now in Berkeley, California.

I have been a supporter of Senator Obama for quite some time and in the recent two months I got really engaged in his campaign on this web site. I called voters in Mississippi, Ohio, Texas, and Wisconsin, I donated even though I am not rich, I talked to friends about Obama, and keep talking. I even respond to blogs now. I have never done this in my life. I am not a Native American, but please trust me there are many people like me for whom the plight of the First Americans is more important than anything else. You will find them on this site.

I am very grateful for the appeal you make to your people and the “Second Americans” like me. Let your voice be heard again and again, so more Native American will speak for Barack Obama. We had a big win yesterday in Mississippi, 61% to 37%, and now we must do all we can that we also win in Pennsylvania on April 22. Yes we can. (I wish I could say this in Navajo)

My hope is that by the end of our campaign many more American Indian Nations and persons will find their voice on this page. Thank you Almanis Begay. Go Navajo! Yes we can!

Health Care | Report to Admin

By Crow Country Montana Apr 22nd 2008 at 11:57 pm EDT

You made your statement in January. Its now April and the IHS reauthorization has yet to pass.In the meantime all of us "Indians" are getting fed pills, rather than being approved to see a specialist to properly fix something as simple as a bad back. I have been denied by the IHS health board 4 times, not that they dont think i am worthy. BUT because politicians dont want to stand up and honor our treaty rights to Health Care. Your statement in january, to me, was just that, a political statement. GET IHS REAUTHORIZATION passed. and then you'll have my vote!

Re: Health Care | Report to Admin

By Dianejmac from Clancy Mt Apr 25th 2008 at 6:11 pm EDT

Hello,

Have you notified Senator Tester's office about this matter? I think at this point, for your position if you want faster action, you might contact Senator Testor. I just read something were he is co-sponsering a bill for some of your issues, in congress soon. I think most democrats are behing the Indian Helath care bill. It's just getting it passed....Good Luck!
diane

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