Gyasi Ross Gyasi Ross Ross: Life: The real reason that Indians overwhelmingly support Obama
By
Gyasi Ross
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| As much as it has been ridiculed and vilified, “hope of a better life” is precious and priceless to Natives – much more than valuable than politics. |
On the Blackfeet reservation, my homeland, there’s a palpable excitement that Obama will make real changes in the everyday lives of Blackfeet tribal members. Betty Cooper, a Blackfeet field organizer and former tribal council member, encourages little kids to cast their faux-votes in a hypothetical election, tallied on a piece of notebook paper. Overwhelmingly, these beautiful little Amskapipikuni kids choose Obama.
We Blackfeet are taught that children can see spirits where adults cannot; my own bias leads me to believe that these non-political children are attracted to Obama’s indomitable spirit of hope. Who woulda thunk it? Hope in a place of 71 percent unemployment and myriad social and economic problems.
In Fort Belknap, one of the most amazing volunteers (and most eloquent men I’ve ever met), Gerald Stiffarm, performed some incredible voter registration feats. The Fort Belknap Indian Community is far removed from any urban centers, and consequently Mr. Stiffarm told me that he’s only been around “two or three African-Americans” in his life – yet he works tirelessly to make sure that the Gros Ventre and Assiniboine people’s voices are heard loud and clear for Sen. Obama. He works for this African-American man because it is not about politics for him – it’s about changing the hopelessness in Fort Belknap that causes a hugely disproportionate amount of young people to commit suicide. He sees hope in Sen. Obama.
I’m one of the lucky ones. I grew up largely on welfare, but my mom always made sure that me and my siblings didn’t get comfortable with that structure and pushed us to excel in school and professionally. Now, as a lawyer, I’m in the privileged position of not needing a lot of the safety nets and progressive programs that Sen. Obama offers to all Americans. Still, I try not to act like my story is representative of other Natives and/or Americans, that no one needs these programs. Many members of my family need them – lots of my friends need them.
I shouldn’t be the exception – all rez kids with single parents, like me, should be given access to the same educational opportunities and programs as kids anywhere else in America. It’s about giving all people, rich and poor, an equal shot at life.
Obama gives us the hope. Hope that all of that can happen, and more! A lot of Indian kids relate to a poor, awkward kid with big ears, raised by his single mother and grandparents. The fact that the kid is in a position to win the presidency of the United States of America is a story to which they can all aspire and hope. As much as it has been ridiculed and vilified, “hope of a better life” is precious and priceless to Natives – much more than valuable than politics.
But to make this hope part of real life, we have to do our part, too – we have to vote for Barack Obama Nov. 4.
Gyasi Ross is an enrolled member of the Blackfeet Tribe. His family also comes from the Suquamish Tribe. He is currently the Montana constituency director for the Obama campaign.
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Tuesday, Aug 11 at 8:23 AM Nemusator wrote ...
Obama is just a pawn in a machinery called USA.Nothing will change towards better until general politics change overall.Instead of Bush now you have Obama.That is all.It could be Bush,or whoever,they don't matter at all. They are just talking.I think that you judge of a person by his actions.What has Obama done for you?What are his good deeds?And how can one person be good and perform good things in his country when he is still tolerating and performing terrorist acts outside of the USA?
27582404Sunday, Nov 9 at 1:17 PM Dionys wrote ...
"Did obama come to any reservations or did he just send his "yes" man" It would take all of 30 seconds on the internet to discover that Obama did, himself, visit Indian Country. The fact that you didn't bother to discover this and instead decided to promulgate more fearmongering and scare tactics against Obama says a lot about you. That you would support the GOP, who has pushed nuclear energy despite the destruction of our lands and our long relationship with uranium mining says more.
12082109Thursday, Nov 6 at 11:17 PM NLS wrote ...
Did obama come to any reservations or did he just send his "yes" man? This article tells me he sent his "yes" man-this should tell you something about obama.....be careful.
12002479Tuesday, Nov 4 at 1:28 PM Sunrise wrote ...
As an educated, blue-collar native male, I don't believe either major party candidate. When has a president of the United States upheld all the promises he's made to NDN people? Not since JFK has there been an Act passed to help NDN nations, unfortunatly JFK died at the right time for NDN people. What I'm getting at, is there is always a choice to make, and you have to the make the best choice that you belive in. Sometimes you have to hope for the best. We have 4yrs. to figure it out agian.
11838839Tuesday, Nov 4 at 9:14 AM Tina B. wrote ...
Yes, if i could vote i would.Although, i do have dual citizenship. my daughter was watching the news last night about Obama and said,"He will be the next president, i'm so happy i get to see this!", while she raised her arms up above her head, jumping up and down. We are of the Mi'kmaw Nation here in Canada. My daughter who is 6 years old, stands in solidarity with her young brothers and sisters in Amskapipikuni!Now, that is interconnectedness! Yes, indeed our children are beautiful! OBAMA!
11821438Monday, Nov 3 at 4:04 PM Montana Native wrote ...
Sick of Obama, McCain married money that's why he doesn't need it, he wants to be President for the power. Anybody who would leave his wife after she was in an car accident and didn't look like she did when he left and cheated on her with an heiress has little integrity in my eyes. Who wants to hear "my friends, my friends" for 4 years and hear that shrill voice of Palin?
11792149Thursday, Oct 30 at 11:59 AM L.T. Far wrote ...
Obama is simply the wrong person at the wrong time for the United States. He lacks the ability and experience needed, even les than Governor Palin. His asociations and judgment should be a major concern and Native Americans above all should know how hollow words can be. Obama's record, better yet, lack of, should be a red flag to all. His spread the wealth statement shows a hidden agenda of direction. McCain has a record, I will vote for him rather than an empty promise.
11597544Wednesday, Oct 29 at 7:19 PM Republican Native wrote ...
I don't believe anything Mr. Obama says, it's all rhetoric to me. Mr. McCain has done much for Arizona that's why he's been AZ Senator for so long, although, most ndn's here won't admit that because they don't care to know. Ask AZ tribal governors, leaders; McCain and other Republican Senators here took great efforts to help us get our water rights back, now we get to sell it back to white man! Republicans do care and do help if you get the right people in office. McCain cares! VOTE McCAIN sapa
11562869Wednesday, Oct 29 at 2:56 PM pecanpii wrote ...
I'm so sorry folks- but I live in the Chicago area and can tell you Obama is politics as usual. He didn't change anything here-his best friends are communists and radicals...you have to read to find out for yourself. The news media are in his tank and they will not tell you. Google my name screen name, pecanpii and you'll find my blog- loaded with researched information. Please wake up. Obama is a socialist through and through. I want better for my kids.
11550319Wednesday, Oct 29 at 10:36 AM orrin.allen@nezpercesystems.com wrote ...
i was a single parent bringing up two grandsons a ew years ago, no one helped me or told me the best way to bringing up my two grandsons was toi have stern voice and understanding heart. it worked real good, so i want to thank the many who offered those kind words and advise.
11533274Tuesday, Oct 28 at 9:26 PM Robert Mallory Yellow Jacket Paiute Bishop, CA wrote ...
I have read the statements made by Senator Obama. It sounds good, but so does the Redtail Hawk when it is calling. Why does Obama want to take from the rich to give to the poor? This will be like welfare on a grand scale, then no one will want to work and America will not be great anymore. The only hope is to put our faith in God.
11513194Tuesday, Oct 28 at 8:57 AM cor baan Bilthoven Holland wrote ...
Of course Obama for president. Millions of Native Americans have been massacred in the early years. Now a colored man for President. Cor Baan
11472669Sunday, Oct 26 at 10:13 AM Laura wrote ...
The only reason kids said they're voting for Obama is b/c that's what they hear from adults & the media.I understand the automatic attraction to Obama & I felt it too at first, but I disagree with most of his ideas, as well as his left-wing extremist support. We don't need Socialist policies to make positive change in Indian country. We can do it ourselves without taking handouts from other people's taxes. All we need is a little more unity among ourselves and a crackdown on rez crime.
11389349Thursday, Oct 23 at 12:02 PM Lee Cook, Red Lake Ojibwe Nation wrote ...
Voting for Obama should be a no-brainer for Indian people!After over 200 years of majority folks in the White House, most of whom have both perpetrated and/or condoned the oppression of Indian people, and the exploitation of their resources, it should be an easy decision to vote for an educated person of color whose life experiences parallels that of so many Native Americans. Keep it simple, my brothers and sisters, vote for Obama!
11255949Thursday, Oct 23 at 11:38 AM worded wrote ...
Giving our people hope is important. Obama can be seen as the catalyst for that and it is then up to us to nurture that hope and take responsibility for it. There are many barriers to a better life but the ones that are the most insurmountable are the feelings of apathy, despair and resignation. If Obama can instill hope in people, then I say that is a good thing.
11254054Thursday, Oct 23 at 11:05 AM Mark Williams wrote ...
I was raised on a colony by my grandparents as my mother died when i was very young, then sent to a children's home for the remainder, until i was 18 and sent out on my own after that. and now i had struggles, but made it a little ways to have a job and a nice place to live, and now i see people say that they are for obama for as a real person, maybe so but all his economic plan is for people that work to pay for the people that dont, the only people that should have this is the elders,and sick
11251894Thursday, Oct 23 at 11:01 AM Alicia S. wrote ...
I support Obama. Yet, Benjamin Franklin once said, "He that lives upon hope will die fasting." Let's hope for hope, but act to feed ourselves at the same time.
11251709Thursday, Oct 23 at 10:48 AM Scot K wrote ...
I would say the Indians support Obama for the same reasons as everybody else, he is going to give everybody everything and it aint going to cost anyone anything. Its amazinng!
11250844Thursday, Oct 23 at 8:46 AM Cherokee for Obama wrote ...
What has impressed me most about Sen Obama is that he does not talk about what he will "do for Indians." Instead, he has demonstrated his committment to supporting the self-determination of Indian nations. To listening to and working with Indian Country to succeed in the things we want to do for ourselves.
11242809Thursday, Oct 23 at 7:12 AM Sick of Obama wrote ...
I am a proud Native from Red Lake Reservation and although I am the underdog here I am voting for McCain. Thats who I want my kids to be like. Rich, powerful and think about it, if he has so much money, why does he need to be president?? Simple answer, because he wants the job and has passion for the job. No other reason. He could retire and be just fine. McCain all the way for this Red Laker.
11238184Wednesday, Oct 22 at 7:37 PM why do the wrote ...
ndns always let the controller , control?
11223009Wednesday, Oct 22 at 2:15 PM HonorIndians wrote ...
Hope should come from those we know, just as you, I am sure, have given hope to your relatives of better things that can be achieved. Hope should not be placed in a politician who knows nothing of you/me and your/my people. What do you tell those young children 4 years from now if things are relatively the same? Give up hope because another politician didn't live up to his word? Forgive me if I don't place my hope in the words of yet another politician making promises they can't keep.
11206934Wednesday, Oct 22 at 10:51 AM Sophi Beym wrote ...
Thank you for pointing out the very facts that makes Obama a "real" person to all those who were not raised with privilege. It's time for children to have hope that the world CAN change. And, if we support a leader who knows OUR personal struggles, OUR personal lifestyles of normal, then perhaps - there is hope. Let's end the cycle of colonialism and elect a leader who know what it's like to walk around in brown skin. Ahe'he
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