This Is Kinda Cool

More Indians Taking Part in State Politics

WALKER, Minn. - Irene Folstrom traveled a long way from the Indian reservation where she was born — to Stanford University, then on to law school at Cornell.

Tribal members often urged her to bring her talents back home to help tackle drugs, gangs and violence on the impoverished Ojibwe reservation. But Folstrom would just smile and nod — until her uncle was stabbed to death on the Leech Lake reservation and a cousin was killed by a drunken driver. *snip*

Leech Lake tribal chairman George Goggleye, who backs Folstrom, blames the dearth of Indian lawmakers on racism, lack of political experience and money, and the tribes' relatively small numbers. Nighthorse Campbell suggested another reason: hostility toward the U.S. political system. He said that when he first ran for office, militant Indian friends questioned why he would get involved with a government they viewed as the enemy.

MJ & I were fortunate enough to make several good Native American friends when we lived out west. The poverty these folks deal with is staggering and long standing.

Unfortunately we also saw the hatred and bitterness that led to so much alcoholism and heartbreak. We also saw the self defeating mistrust of the 'White Man's' government. Much like any other ethnic group the only way to make your way in this country is through representation.

I wish them well.

Native Americans