January 29, 2013

Obama: Natives are the only natives

Obama: Unless you were a Native American, you came from someplace else

By Charlie SpieringThis afternoon in Las Vegas, President Obama reminded most American citizens that they were descended from immigrants themselves.

Obama warned that the issue was an emotional one, but that it was important for Americans to not view it as “us versus them.”

“It’s really important to remember our history,” Obama continued. “Unless you were one of the first Americans, a Native American, you came from someplace else, somebody brought you,” he said.
Who You Calling an Immigrant?

By Mark TrahantFor many in Indian country, President Barack Obama said magic words, “It’s really important for us to remember our history. Unless you’re one of the first Americans, a Native American, you came from someplace else. Somebody brought you.”

Somebody brought you. Or you showed up. Even uninvited. Yet after two centuries of borders, two centuries of crossing a line on a map, who’s really an immigrant in the 21st century?
Comment:  This partially makes up for the lack of Native mentions during Obama's inauguration. As anyone would, Indians want reassurances that their existence and issues matter. A shout-out like this shows Obama hasn't forgotten them.

For more on the subject, see Obama's Columbus Day Proclamation and Republicans: White People Own America.

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