February 2007Montana’s Ed Butcher, a Republican state representative, demonstrated once again the persistent racism and racial insensitivity endemic throughout the GOP rank and file. In a recent committee meeting, Butcher derided fellow legislator and a friend of INDN’s List, Democrat representative Jonathan Windy Boy (Chippewa Cree) by referring to the veteran lawmaker as “Chief Windy Boy” and inquiring whether he would wield his vice-chairman’s gavel as a “war club.”
Rep. Butcher dismissed the complaints of lawmakers from both parties, calling the whole matter a “side issue” that represents an “absolutely absurd” attempt by Democrats to play politics. Fellow Indian lawmakers, Reps. Margarett Campbell (Assiniboine) and Shannon Augare (Blackfeet), who are also friends of INDN’s List, deplored Butcher’s insensitive remarks. “Many people in this body don’t know what it is like to feel the effects of racism,” remarked Rep. Campbell to the Native American Times.

Sadly Butcher’s comments were only one in a long line of racist Republican remarks coming out of the Montana circles of power. In 2006, voters proved that bigotry would not be tolerated anymore when they sent serial-racist Sen. Conrad Burns cleaning his D.C. desk. Write Rep. Butcher today (SENATORBUTCHER@aftco.net) and tell him we demand legislators with standards of common decency and mutual respect shared by the overwhelming majority of Americans.

We’re working hard at INDN’s List to fight the racism that pervades the halls of our state capitols by electing Indian legislators. We are building a platform from which Indian voices are heard while promoting the interaction and diversity among our leaders that fosters a spirit of cooperation and tolerance.

While President Bush thinks he’s the decision maker, we at INDN’s List know we’re difference makers. In 2006, INDN’s List endorsed two successful Montana candidates, Norma Bixby (Northern Cheyenne) to the House and Carol Juneau (Hidatsa and Mandan) became the first Indian woman to serve in the Senate. We also strongly supported the unopposed campaigns of Windy Boy, Campbell, and Augare. Our success would not have been possible without your continuing support. Help us retire racists like Rep. Butcher by giving today.

We are so proud of the 22 new INDNs you helped elect to public office across America – but we are disheartened that some of these same legislators, who overcame the twin barriers of negative stereotypes and racism imposed throughout their campaigns, must again stare down bigotry while fulfilling their oaths of office. Still, we know these outstanding public servants will not waver in their commitment to eliminate prejudice and discrimination, and INDN’s List will stand with them. Will you again stand with us? Please contribute today.