Obama ADOPTED into Montana Indian tribe!

[dailykoff]

"Obama joins American Indian tribe, eyes policy change"

Mon May 19, 2008 7:18

CROW AGENCY, Mont., May 19 (Reuters) - Democrat Barack Obama became an honorary member of an American Indian tribe on Monday and promised a proactive policy to help tribal people if he wins the White House in November.

The Illinois senator who is leading rival Hillary Clinton in their race for the party's presidential nomination, joined the Crow Nation, a tribe of some 12,100 members in Montana, taking on a native name and honorary parents in a traditional ceremony.

Obama, who would be the first black U.S. president, was "adopted" by Hartford and Mary Black Eagle and given a name which means "one who helps all people of this land."

"I was just adopted into the tribe, so I'm still working on my pronunciation," Obama told a crowd after stumbling over some of the native names.

"I like my new name, Barack Black Eagle," he said. "That is a good name."

link: http://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSN19168547

[panader0]

1. My grandmother was from Lodge Grass, on the rez

Now big O is a Crow too. Yes!!

[Hamlette]

17. I spent the coldest Christmas of my life in Lodge Grass!

my sis was in vista, I went up to spend Christmas with her.

We'd bring in coal at night, enough we thought to start a fire in the morning without having to go outside to get more.

No matter how much we brought in, we'd use it all up at night.

Brrrrr.

Your grandmother is from strong stock.

[K Gardner]

2. This whole thing just tugs on my heartstrings. After spending over a decade

volunteering, researching, writing, visiting and advocating for Native American rights, I never dreamed it would be a candidate for President who brought their plight to the forefront again, and who really showed he cared. How I love this man ! Perhaps things will finally, finally change for them after generations of abuse and neglect.

[dailykoff]

5. This is REALLY historic.

Indian rights are a huge issue, with lots of mega-bux illegally flowing into GOP pockets. This is going to be a big fight, and long overdue!

[Stephanie]

10. Remember how Abramoff ripped off the tribes?

That will be an interesting topic to discuss in the upcoming campaign.

[dailykoff]

11. Who hasn't ripped them off.

If they got paid just what they were promised for land and mineral rights they'd all be millionaires, or close to it.

[Stephanie]

8. I just posted in the other thread >

Bill Clinton was the first US President since FDR to visit a reservation (Lakota Sioux - SD), which is just shocking. I have NEVER SEEN a candidate campaign on the reservation! Amazing! And I am a MONTANA GIRL (so homesick!).

[dailykoff]

12. That was back when he was still a Dem, lol.

I didn't see flpo's thread until after I started this one but those photos are awesome!

[K Gardner]

18. Good info there, Stephanie. I've always wanted to take an assignment in Montana.. maybe someday!

[K Gardner]

26. Self delete.. so tired I'm replying twice, sheesh.

[H2O Man]

31. There is something

that is special here. It isn't just that Obama has an appreciation for traditional society, which is a result of his mother's influence .... but the way that Native Americans are embracing Obama reminds me of RFK's experience.

[Lord Helmet]

3. that's pretty damn cool

[blogslut]

4. This was a good day

:)

[Hawkeye-X]

7. !

:thumbsup:

Love your avatar, blogslut!

[rockymountaindem]

6. That's really great

I drove through several reservations in Montana on a trip a couple of years ago, and I think they really need to be at the forefront of policy concerns. I hope Obama will continue to draw attention to their concerns.

[anigbrowl]

9. Right-wing talking points cuing up in 3..2...

"Well I just can't vote for that guy. I heard he's one of them Injuns! Look, did General Custer die for nothing at Little Big Horn? He'll be lighting cooking firs in the Oval Office while he prays to Mecca in between painting the walls black...did I mention he's got two children with one of them black women?"

[Arugula Latte]

13. I heard he wants to give 'Murika back to the Injuns!!11!!

Rush told me, so's it must be true!

[Tesha]

30. Wel, they'd probably do a better job of running it than we have! Let's give it a try! (NT)

[Rosa Luxemburg]

16. he is decended from Native Indians

[Ian_rd]

14. "Sovereignty means just that .... you're sovereign."

Come on, who said it?

[BlooInBloo]

19. HAHAHA!!! That's a classic. And you don't get any more contrasting than THAT.

[woolldog]

21. here you go!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5xVRXLgLxw

[CitizenLeft]

22. our most illustrious president

Only 7 more months to go. God help us.

[CitizenLeft]

23. fantastic!

How cool is that! :applause:

[MindMatter]

15. I knew he reminded me of somebody. BILLY JACK!!!

[Cali_Democrat]

20. "Barack Black Eagle"

I love it!!! GOBAMA!!!

:applause:

[me b zola]

24. I know! I love that!

"Barack Black Eagle" :applause:

[JI7]

25. he had a lot of support at this Native American event i went to

a while back. it wasn't even a political rally.

[otohara]

27. That's So Cool

[Occam Bandage]

28. That's absolutely awesome.

[judasdisney]

29. If Bill was "the first black president," does this make Obama "the first Native American president"?