February 14, 2007 The Daily Oklahoman, named the worst newspaper in America by the Columbia Journalism Review, has again attacked INDN's List. On February 13th, the publication's Right-Wing Spin Page, masquerading as a credible Editorial Page, attacked INDN’s List for its unparalleled success in supporting the election of several American Indian Democrats to the Oklahoma Legislature. This is the same editorial board that two years ago, shortly after the birth of INDN's List, took issue with our mission, complaining that "what (Free) learned from her campaign may ultimately increase Native American representation in Congress and state legislatures throughout the land." Imagine that! This country’s original inhabitants participating in state and national politics!

The Oklahoman rightfully points out that all the Native American candidates we endorsed did win and apparently, the Oklahoman just isn't happy about it! In fact, they are so incensed that they refuse to use our name, only referring to us as "A Tulsa-based Indian political advocacy group" or the "aforementioned political group." The "news"paper utilizes the age-old trick of not using the name of an organization you don’t want people to learn more about or support. It’s quite childish behavior for a supposed entity that seeks to report news.

Contribute now to help INDN's List continue to put a scowl on the Gaylords' faces.

Why go to all these extremes? Honestly, why is the Daily Oklahoman so scared? Are they afraid of American Indians gaining political power in a state with a long history of at best ignoring and at worst trampling on the sovereignty of its Indian Nations, which apparently suits the Daily Oklahoman just fine?

The aforementioned paper's biases are clear in its remark that "This isn't your grandfather's tribe." Well Christy Gaylord, "This isn't your Grandfather's Oklahoma anymore!" Oklahoma is a state where we all determine, together and with our unique histories, what is best for us.

It seems the only campaign this Oklahoma City-based newspaper would like to see Oklahoma Indians involved with is the "Discover Native Oklahoma Campaign,” an effort to draw tourism to our great state.

Contribute now to help INDN's List elect even more American Indians to public office.

We know, just like the Daily Oklahoman fears, that in order to make a brighter future for the people we care about -- our children's children -- we must chart a new course and that means having our voices heard in the halls of power, from the courthouse to the statehouse.

And yes, our organization does only support Indians who are Democrats. The reason for that is simple: The Democratic Party shares the same values that American Indians hold so dear - making our elders, our children, those less fortunate, and those who need a helping hand, our priority.

Daily Oklahoman, you may as well go ahead and state it: You don't like INDN's List because our mission is to support American Indian candidates who want to put Oklahoma and America on a new course, a path that no longer tolerates Republican extremism, a path that will roll back the tax breaks for the wealthy, punish corporations who outsource our jobs, and hold accountable anyone who exploits working men and women. You have made one thing crystal clear: In your eyes, the only Good Indian Politician is a Republican Indian Politician. But, hey, you feel that way about all politicians so none of us should be all that surprised.

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To read the Editorial click here The Oklahoman Editorial