McCain seeks white-trash vote

Topless Women, Kid Rock, Bikers, And John McCainThe town of Sturgis, South Dakota will witness, on Monday, the rare fusion of drunken debauchery, public stripteasing, motorcycle rallying, a live performance by Kid Rock, and--last but not least--a veterans-themed speech by presidential candidate John McCain. Seriously.

On Sunday, the McCain campaign announced that the Senator will participate in the Sturgis Rally 2008 at Buffalo Chip in South Dakota, an annual tribute to American veterans. The event is up the Arizona Republican's wheelhouse, attracting thousands of active duty and former servicemen, many who have a natural affinity towards the Senator.

But it is hard not to notice the evocative, non-political sideshows that will literally surround McCain's speech. As the presumptive nominee takes the stage, the "Ringin' Wet & Wild" women's wrestling event will be taking place on the main amphitheater. Two hours before then, the "Miss Buffalo Chip Beauty Pageant--Bikinis on the Beach" will be staged at a different venue. That affair is described by ESPN's Jim Caple as "essentially a topless beauty pageant. And occasionally bottomless, too."Here's a message sent out via MySpace by Louis Gray (Osage), I believe. It supplies the missing Native context:

McCain going to Sturgis, snubs NativesFrom: Louis
Date: Aug 4, 2008 7:06 AM

GOP candidate for President has decided to write off the Indian vote. First he hasn't campaigned anywhere in Indian country. Second he plans on going to the Sturgis motorcycle rally. Apparently he is after the naked girl and Hell's Angels vote. He is also snubbing and ignoring the well known Indian position of opposition to the rally because of its proximity to the the sacred Native site Bear Butte.

The rally is a yearly reminder that there are those who hold Native concerns with disdain; now we have a presidential candidate who shares those same considerations.

Shame.Comment:  While McCain cavorts with topless and bottomless girls in a feeble attempt to look cool, his campaign is trying to link Obama with Paris Hilton and Britney Spears--two women Obama has never met and has nothing to do with. Can you say "hypocritical"?

FYI, Louis Gray was upset by my posting on The American statue. I believe Shan Gray the artist is his relative. Let's hope Louis likes this posting better.

For more on the Bear Butte controversy, see Sacred Site vs. Biker Bar.