Posted on 01/26/2004 9:45:19 AM PST by chance33_98
Campaign 2004: Kucinich urges spiritual reclamation for America
Posted: January 24, 2004 - 11:55am EST by: Brenda Norrell / Correspondent / Indian Country Today
FARMINGTON, N.M. - Democratic presidential hopeful Dennis Kucinich received a personal blessing from an esteemed Navajo medicine man, after another leading Navajo medicine man sang the Blessing Way chant, at the "Healing the Uranium Legacy" convention organized by grassroots Navajo.
Deeply moved, Ohio Rep. Kucinich said he felt the connection to the land and universe as was shared in the Blessing Way chant and the philosophy of living a life of beauty, in harmony with the Earth and all created things.
"Every one of us understands that there is music connected with the language of the heart, the language of the soul," Kucinich told several hundred Navajos gathered at the Farmington Civic Center on Jan. 17.
Kucinich said the Navajo chant restored his spirit and revealed to him who the Navajo people truly are. His words followed the chant by medicine man Thomas Morris of the Navajo Medicine Men’s Association. "You could feel the past, present and future come together in a moment that was sacred," Kucinich said.
Kucinich received a standing ovation and was then blessed by Navajo medicine man Harry Tome.
Norman Patrick Brown, among the organizers of Diné Bidziil Coalition, said the blessing was done so that this sacred energy will stay with Kucinich and permeate him.
"Wherever he goes, the elements will recognize how he is one of us." Brown said the blessing was done so that people will listen to Kucinich with a good heart.
It is important, Brown said, for the people of America to know of the thousands of Navajo victims of Cold War uranium mining. He said they were never told that they could contract cancer and lung disease from mining uranium without protective clothing.
Brown said documents have emerged revealing that corporations and the United States government long knew of the deadly effects of uranium mining. Yet, they never told the Navajos that worked the mines, the majority sheepherders who spoke little or no English in the mid 20th century.
"Corporations and the federal government knew of the effects of radiation," Brown said, adding that 65 years of the uranium legacy of death is enough.
"Most important, we must now honor this land, our Mother Earth." Brown said Navajos in Diné Bidziil, a coalition of 24 grassroots organizations, have dedicated their lives to the good of Mother Earth.
Speaking during the opening of the day-long convention, Kucinich referred to American Indians as "the first citizens of our Native land. The Navajo vision is one I connect with."
Kucinich supported the goals of the convention, which are to halt more uranium mining targeted for the Navajo Nation, bolstered by incentives in the proposed federal energy bill. Navajos urged expansion of compensation and health care for the victims of Cold War uranium mining and cleanup of remaining radioactive matter.
Kucinich said of the trail of uranium mining, "We have seen severe implications occur."
Speaking out for a culture of peace, Kucinich said the deteriorating health of uranium miners is the result of perpetuating a culture which relies on uranium. What America must do, he said, is to move to a culture of sustainability.
"A great American Indian said, ‘The earth does not belong to us, we belong to the Earth,’" Kucinich told the convention.
"We are at one with the land, water and stars. The environment moves through us and with us." He said the wind and sun must help heal this land.
"It is time for the United States government to respect holy places on Native lands."
Referring to the sacredness of land, he said, "It is not to be exploited for any reason whatsoever. When we ignore it, we ignore it at our own peril.
"We are endangering ourselves," he said, "With broken promises, broken treaties and broken hearts."
What is needed, he said, is to commit with a spirit of truth.
Kucinich began his address by saying he is dedicated to peace. In Congress, he proposes a Cabinet-level Department of Peace to work for non-violence. It would include the areas of domestic violence, gang violence and racial violence.
"Peace is the basis for which we sustain the world," Kucinich said. "The Department of Peace believes we can do away with war."
Kucinich received an endorsement in his bid for president from Diné Bidziil before his arrival.
"We are thankful he came with a spirit of peace," Brown said as he introduced Kucinich at the convention, praising his stance on Iraq and efforts for peace.
"Navajos have the highest percentage of any ethnic group in the military," Brown said. "We want our sons and daughters and fathers and mothers to come home. We support our Navajo warriors but it’s difficult for any of us to support the war."
Hazel James, coordinator of Diné Bidziil, said Kucinich felt the spirit and articulated the Native way of living in this world.
"I think he can really see the meaning of how the Native people see the Earth and universe," James said in an interview.
"He felt that presence." James said there are few people who could articulate the way of life, known to Navajos as the Beauty Way, as well as Kucinich. "He is very warm-hearted and felt what we feel in keeping in harmony with the universe."
Diné Bidziil is a coalition of 24 Navajo grassroots groups working with six national Native organizations, such as the International Indian Treaty Council, and five non-Native groups, such as the Sierra Club.
With the healing power of music and lyrics, the convention began with a benefit concert Jan. 16, featuring Irene Bedard and husband Deni, Keith Secola, Native Roots, Vincent Craig and Navajo folk, rap and rock singers.
Speakers included Anishinabe activist Winona LaDuke, Farmington Mayor Bill Standley, New Mexico Sen. Leonard Tsosie, D-Crownpoint, and Navajo council delegates Lorenzo Bates of Upper Fruitland and George Arthur of Nenahnezad, chairman of the Navajo Resources Committee.
LaDuke praised Navajos and credited them with halting passage of the federal energy bill, which targets Indian lands and waterways for more pollution and destruction.
Navajos spoke against proposed uranium mining in Crownpoint and Church Rock, demanded to be involved in the ongoing negotiations of San Juan River water rights and urged protection of sacred sites, including the San Francisco Peaks in Flagstaff, Ariz., one of the Navajos Four Sacred Mountains.
Morris, among the Navajo medicine men attending, said Navajos have never been at the table in negotiations for their water rights.
"Who has the water rights? Our Creator has the water rights. He is the one that makes the rain and snow come down."
Oh, please nominate this wingnut, Dems!
"More vodka!"
At least if he gets elected, you'll be able to get an autographed bong with a presidential seal.
"Here comes an idiot, get out of the way!
"Here comes an idiot, get out of the way!
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