Navajo Nation Endorses Obama
Navajo Times, News report, Cindy Yurth, Posted: Sep 29, 2008
MacDonald, a Republican, endorses Obama
By Cindy Yurth
Tséyi' Bureau
CHINLE - The Navajo Nation's highest-profile Republican is crossing party lines this year, unless the McCain-Palin ticket can convince him it has Native Americans at heart.
"I think the Navajos' only choice is to go with the Democratic ticket," former Chairman Peter MacDonald Sr. said Tuesday.
Of course, more surprising than MacDonald endorsing a Democrat would have been MacDonald supporting his old nemesis John McCain.
As co-chair of the Senate Subcommittee for Indian Affairs, the Arizona senator presided over a 1988 hearing on MacDonald's business dealings that may have precipitated his ouster by the Navajo Nation Council in 1989, the ensuing riot by his supporters and his subsequent trials and convictions on federal fraud, racketeering and conspiracy charges.
But the four-term tribal chairman didn't mention his personal history with the senator during a telephone interview Tuesday.
"The past eight years have been disastrous for Native Americans and my fear is, that's going to continue if John McCain is elected," he declared.
Native Alaskan activists have pounced on McCain's running mate Sarah Palin for touting her husband's Yup'ik Eskimo ancestry even as she opposes Native positions on a host of issues.
But MacDonald said Arizonans don't have to look any further than John McCain's record if they wish to know how Natives would be treated under a McCain-Palin administration.
"All the years John McCain has been the senator from Arizona and what do we have?" MacDonald asked rhetorically. "Unconscionably high unemployment rates, inadequate jails, not enough law enforcement personnel, zero economic development.
"I believe Arizona's tribes should look at their own situation and decide if they want the senator from Arizona to be president," he said.
MacDonald also believes McCain bungled the partitioning of Navajo and Hopi lands.
"The federal government's role should have been to facilitate the two tribes working it out for themselves," MacDonald said. "Instead, the people in that area suffered needlessly and continue to suffer because of government meddling."
With all that said, why be a Republican?
"I chose to be a Republican and I will continue to be a Republican," MacDonald stated. "Over the years, we've had some very good Republican presidents. Richard Nixon was a great president for Native Americans - he gave us the Indian Self-Determination Act."
However, MacDonald also liked the policies of Democrats Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton.
"The way I see it, once a party selects the best they can, then it's up to us to decide which person is the best for the job," MacDonald said. "Some people vote blindly, Republican-Republican-Republican all the way down the ballot, or Democrat-Democrat-Democrat. We're not obligated to do that in this country, so why would you do it?"
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User Comments
DYazzie on Oct 24, 2008 at 09:56:39 said:
The headlines read "Navajo Backing Obama", well I am one Navajo who will not be backing,voting or supporting OBama. The headlines should have read "Former Navajo Tribal President Peter McDonald back Obama" McDonal does not speak for me or support my family or I in any way. shame on you.
Los Angeles Fighting 1 on Oct 11, 2008 at 15:25:34 said:
Well, you went and did it CluedIn didn't ya? None of us will be messing with this silly little site any more. We spent a little money out of our pockets to find out it was Judie Harrison (Clued In and anything else). Our many months spent on the Navajo Nation will be in print and will make all of the above comments look silly. Each week will be a thriller, heartbreaker, and throw most all "under the bus" so to speak. Facts and pictures will tell all and all of you can thank Judie Harrison for this. But do me a favor readers. Watch how all of the new comments will be all about Rizzotto and nothing more. For all of my boys and girls, do not write in this comment area anymore. I will see all of you on our meeting day and go from there. Goodbye all. Oh, and Mr. MacDonald good luck and we all love ya.
CluedIn on Oct 10, 2008 at 11:26:19 said:
THANK YOU, and It couldn't have been said better Bryan. The only person ANY of this really makes any sense to is Rizzotto. She is the one, and ONLY one hiding behind all of the comments (using different names) to try and turn this into something about her. She has lots of time on her hands now, and no one cares to give her any attention (except the Carbon County Judge, and County Prosecutor). She loves to see her name in print. As pathetic as it is, those who know her, wish they didn't, and hope she will stay .com, OfCourse, and stop being such a Hole in Juan. This makes Par Four Fore (Sorry, Bryan....that last 2 lines were for her benefit, and code for go back to the hole you crawled our of, Rizzotto). :)
Bryan Pioche-Yazzie on Oct 09, 2008 at 19:09:41 said:
I'm not sure what the comments on this article mean but Mr. MacDonald should be commended for making such a decision, afterall the first step is admitting Republicanism is a disease but there is help. I think the Rizzotto lady mentioned by the LA Firefighters (why are they so fiesty and off-topic?) has been in the regional media as some sort of con-artist which would fit the mold of a Republican quite well. Congratulations on the melt-down of all that the Republicans once held as their mantra: deregulation, taxcuts for the wealthy, trickle-down economics; that worked so well the American market has necessarily become more socialistic. MacDonald, it's never too late to find solace. LA Firefighters, you should learn to not be so general with your thoughts about what Navajos are like, it's poor showing for folks that have to hide behind annonymity. Obama for change, prison for crooked and lying Republicans!
Los Angeles Fighting 13 on Oct 07, 2008 at 22:24:26 said:
My Friends and readers: What started out as a political debate between MacDonald and Rizzotto is heading down a very hurtful path for more than just MacDonald and Rizzotto. It is obvious that the Rizzotto bashing would come from our end and the MacDonald bashing will come from the Navajo end. I ask that it all just come to an end. This is not nice and like I said, too many names are coming into play and much more information that is necessary is coming to light. It is not fair to MacDonald, Rizzotto, the son, Harrison, Hope, Wanda, etc. Please see that this is very dangerous and I will definitely keep our guys and girls under a tighter leash regarding private information about anyone but please do the same. I am sorry Mr. MacDonald and JR. There was no need for any of this. Maybe you guys should talk just once more to clear the air. None of this is very healthy. In the meantime, please everyone stop!!!! The editors will never remove this kind of stuff because it is news. So please STOP. Luck No. 13
Los Angeles Fighting 10 on Oct 07, 2008 at 22:07:42 said:
I am jumping in here. Don't be too harsh on Harrison. There are other goats out there. I am guessing by all that has happened it is Mr. MacDonald's daughter Hope or his wife Wanda. Rizzotto has seen the flip side of those two gals just in messages to her dad alone (sorry Rizzotto). Not to get off of the whole debate thing but Rizzotto loved Mr. MacDonald and probably still does. She is punishing herself enough and has pretty much confined herself in her home 24 hours a day. She doesn't come out, go anywhere, have friends over or even take any of our calls. So Judie or Hope or Wanda or whomever is a fan of this exciting story, you are sick. Mr. MacDonald loves her too and if you would just take the chains off the man I bet he would jump in his auto and head to Montana. I know how hard it must be to find out your husband is having an affair. But Rizzotto didn't do anything different than Wanda did to Mr. MacDonald and his first wife. Quit bashing our friend or we will all pitch in and put in a paid weekly article in both the Navajo Times and the Gallup Independent from day one on the reservation to present!! It will not be pretty for lots of people!!!! Get off of all of this!!!! The tables will turn and it will come back to bite you and believe me, no one will pity you and yours. HURRAY FOR RIZZOTTO. YOU ARE OUR HERO. WE MISS YOU. WHEN YOU ARE READY WE WILL BE THERE FOR YOU. No. 10(Rizzotto always told me I was a 10 that's why I took that number).
Los Angeles Fighting 1 on Oct 07, 2008 at 21:49:58 said:
Again all. Judie Harrison is the You Know. Please contact Rizzotto's attorney, Brian Smith, out of Missoula, Montana and attach your statement. He will update you on Judie. She covers herself like this. Firt, let me warn Judie that the articles you read don't necessarily mean they are the facts. Additionally, there are no court dates set for January or any other month at this time. The above information from You Know is the exact M.O. that Harrison uses. So far we have 23 new statements against Harrison and her new charges. Come on guys, give me another 50. That would be 73 charges on Ms. Harrison. In the meantime, Harrison is right. She is not in any of Jeanne's articles. That is because she lays low and goes for the kill. We will request that Mr. Smith have a private investigation regarding Ms. Harrison and subpoena everything she owns. Better get rid of that laptop Judie. We gotcha. If I see you go to the top again on this website I can promise you that you will be so busy in jail yourself you won't need to worry about Rizzotto. Got Harrison's son's website from a lady out of Florida. For those of you interested (LA Fighting) email me. It is totally scary. AGAIN, NO ONE UP FOR DEBATE?
You Know on Oct 06, 2008 at 12:37:52 said:
To the family Affair. Seems as though there is now someone else in the family? A Judie Harrison? I have not read anything about this person in any of the articles in regards to Jeanne Rizzotto. I was stating facts that I have read in numerous articles only. I'm sure she had as much to do with Ms. Rizzotto's bad dealings as everyone else did.... according to Ms. Rizzotto and "the other son". I have only read about one son, sorry for the mistake. I guess all of Ms. Rizzottos fans will all find out the truth in January when she goes to court. Sorry "Family Affair" I'm just a fan of this whole exciting story.
Los Angeles Fighting 1 on Oct 05, 2008 at 20:51:27 said:
FYI - There was never an arrest on any forgery charge. Harrison .... the news is out and we are all getting the info regarding doing a statement on you. I am working on mine now. Watch your p's and q's. There are only some people you can hurt but not us. OKAY BOYS AND GIRLS ... ARE WE GOING TO DEBATE? MR. MACDONALD .... WHERE ARE YOU? Some of us have tried to call and email you but no such luck. Your number is out of order and your email is no longer any good. I don't want to keep checking this site because of Harrison. I want to check it to get Rizzotto and MacDonald together. Oh LAF guys and girls. Please find as many articles as you can on our friend Rizzotto and check comments so we can make sure our little psycho isn't messing with her sick remarks. Remember as that one person put it .... call editors to let them know. Plus lets keep in touch with all of the articles we find so we can turn them in with our statement. Now, back to business. Are we debating or not?
Los Angeles Fighting 2 on Oct 05, 2008 at 20:41:02 said:
We all know about Judie Harrison. As a matter of fact please contact me immediately so I can give you additional info on her. We are all very aware of Judie. I suggest that we all concentrate on a good debate regarding Rizzotto and MacDonald. Not Judie the wannabe chimp trainer. For the LA fighters .... please contact me direct and I will give you the scoop on Harrison and request that all of us give statements to the police department investigating her. I am emailing to the 100 fighters on our mailing list regarding same. In the meantime, no date or time yet for the debate?
Harass-son Victim on Oct 05, 2008 at 20:26:55 said:
Dear Editor: Regarding "You Know". Please be aware that "You Know" will become many different names. I have given you my personal number in confidence and ask that you call me. I can direct you to several articles she attaches herself to but her email address will either be fake or use the name of Tom Johnson which there is no such person. Please check each email address beginning with "You Know". They will either be to the same person or fake. I will also call your office tomorrow and give you the name and number of the police department that is investigating Ms. Harrison. I will not give my name. Several years ago she almost ruined me in other ways but please check on her and ask your readers to keep their comments to the subject matter. Thanks.
You Know on Oct 05, 2008 at 10:59:15 said:
Gosh this sounds like a "Family Affair"! Is this the same son that had his mom arrested for forgery, that is now posting as "Los Angeles Fighting"? So why the change of heart my boy? Money or fear?
And is this the same woman,Debbie Stout, that the courts told Jeanne Rizzotto to stay away from, and the same woman that stated in an article that her house is now in foreclosure because of Ms. Rizzotto? Why the change of heart? Money or fear? I did read that Ms. Rizzotto carries around a few guns. Anyone in this family care to comment?
Los Angeles Fighting 8 on Oct 01, 2008 at 22:58:13 said:
Wow. That\'s it. No date or time. You are all a bunch of chickens. I have gathered dozens from our group and will set the date and time. Are you in Mac? How about you Thomas and Donovan House? Come on. Where are all of those cheap shots now? Kathy Helms .. are you out there? Post something for us in your Independent Gallup and a cc: to this site or even to Rizzotto. No takers for this debate? Chicken shits!!
Los Angeles Fighting 7 on Sep 30, 2008 at 17:35:21 said:
I'm in. Go McCain. I am loyal and true. I am a republican. It is the beliefs Mr. MacDonald, not the individual person. I have liked many presidents over the years, whether they be republican or democrat. But I am a true blue loyal republican and will vote republican to the end. MacDonald, come play with us at our requested press conference. At this point, looks like you could be on either side since it doesn't really matter to you!!
Jeanne Rizzotto on Sep 30, 2008 at 17:29:02 said:
I'm in. Where and when?
nativessayno on Sep 30, 2008 at 16:40:27 said:
During, and up to the mid-80's I was the grateful benificiary of the clinics in LA that were for American Indian people.
Reagan gutted many native american health and education programs so that today they are a shadow of what they once were. Also during that time Latino foreign nationals used those health care clinics and programs (in high numbers) that were designed to serve American Indians; thus closing them or limiting them to very small entities.
It reflects very poorly on us as a country that we've neglected and discounted the Indian nations- overall. Indian people in the 70's tried to make a stand and gain a voice and were summarily slammed and beaten back and down.
With Bush we got Jack Abramoff...a bigoted, hateful and nasty scoundrel. Obama will try to be inclusive of First Americans in his agenda for our future and may implement and create effective and focused strategies to break the staggering poverty, despair and our great needs in urban settings and reservations.
With McCain...more Abramoff cronyism and feeble knowledge of the meaning of diversity and inclusivity. (McCain stated publically in 2000, "I hate the gooks"), someone that holds that sentiment despite his terrible torture in North Viet Nam- lacks nuance or temperment to lead our country.
BTW, Palin's husband is 1/8th Yupik...but she has not put ANY emphasis on Alaskan Natives; except when it may be monetarily expedient to her to do so. Apparentally, she was "too busy" to get involved with Native causes and issues when they called upon her.
Obama-Biden '08
Los Angeles Fighting 6 on Sep 30, 2008 at 16:15:08 said:
Well, you will be hearing from lots more from just us over the next day or so. It's great that there is somewhere we can channel our very disgruntled and angry dispositions against the Navajo Nation and all of the finger pointing at Rizzotto and MacDonald. I am in. I will take the avenue of recourse to much larger sources of news and get going on a time and place for a press conference. Again, I am in.
Debbie Stout on Sep 30, 2008 at 14:18:07 said:
Well, I am not going to hide behind any name. My friend had 41 one-way trips just this year alone to your Nation. One time she spent a full 7 weeks sitting in an RV by herself most of the time in the front of the Teec Nos Pos Chapter house. Her other busnesses suffered because of her time spent there and on top of that she was taken advantage of by someone she put her heart and soul in to. I too am in and I will forward this to Kathy Helms over at the Gallup Independent!!
Los Angeles Fighting 5 on Sep 30, 2008 at 14:05:16 said:
That's my Mom your talking about. I'm in!!!!
Los Angeles Fighting 4 on Sep 30, 2008 at 14:00:53 said:
I'm in. As a matter of fact I am forwarding this to the Gallup Independent and Navajo Times. Maybe they can help set something up for us. Very interesting. Did you know all of the work we did was on our own dime and time? None of us has yet to make a buck on anything we did there. Embarassing for you; not MacDonald or Rizzotto.
Los Angeles Fighting 3 on Sep 30, 2008 at 13:54:50 said:
Just got drift of all that is taking place. Well, Donovan. I am not as forgiving as LAF2. Mr. MacDonald did pull a bit of shinanigans on my friend Rizzotto. But at least she is professional enough to call him to the plate. But I have a much better idea. Let's set a day and time for a press conference. Bring your officials. They all have a part in this. We can have question and answer time just like in the first grade. Do you have first grade Donovan House? We don't need any particular day or time. Just give us a weeks' heads up and we will all be there; including Rizzotto. I will make sure of it. Come on Donovan. Let's get that big mouth working and get the press involved. We did more crap for your Nation then most of you will ever do in your lifetime. It is all of you that took advantage. You let Rizzotto do all of that work and just when she was about done, all of you pulled out on her at a RBDO meeting. So yes, she left some work unfinished. Why would she finish it up? Let's do it. Let's get a time and day. We will even come to your neck of the woods. Let's have a press conference up at Window Rock. Post the time and date on this site and we will see you then.
Los Angeles Fighting 2 on Sep 30, 2008 at 13:14:22 said:
I would love to jump on this band wagon. I have nothing personal against Mr. MacDonald. He was always very nice to me when I was there lending a helping hand. Talking about cheap opportunists. Donovan House is the cheapest using the media to bad mouth MacDonald and Rizzotto. I spoke with Rizzotto this morning. She doesn't even know you. And talking about political shinanigans. That's all you are pulling on MacDonald and Rizzotto right now. And name a business deal that either Rizzotto or MacDonald got out of any of this? As for the people who died .... read your own history. They died for a cause they believed in. I feel sorry for the families of the people that died because people like you keep bringing it up over and over again keeping their pain alive. Like my friend offered earlier .... pick a time and place and we will all meet you and yours and I can guarantee you 100% that you will lose. Quite putting your hand out. Stop blaming the past for your present issues. You guys are awful. You are lucky you have your own government because you would never be able to survive in our world!!!!
Los Angeles Fighting on Sep 30, 2008 at 11:23:20 said:
I can only assume that you are the reporter Donovan who has a personal thing for macdonald. Well, as a reporter, you should keep it that way. Your job is not to take advantage of others misfortune, or anything else for that matter. Your job is to report the news .... and that's exactly what you should be doing. Jeanne won't use cheap shots like you. She takes out full page ads for $1,100 like she did for MacDonald when all were beating her up for being his friend. Put your money where your mouth is young man. What have you done for your community and/or the Nation? When is the last time you bought a hamburger to a poor Navajo woman or fixed a broken window in another Navajo's automobile? Have you ever paid thousands of dollars to have luncheons and bring a community together? Have you started little league teams in your area and paid $2,000 out of pocket for equipment (gloves, bats, balls, baseball shoes, etc.)? Have you taken a free moment of your very unvaluable time and taken a ride to Teec Nos Pos to see all the work done by Rizzotto and her staff in their Chapter House? Do you know how many $20 bills she would give out in a day? Or how about all the money she put out to begin the LGA certification, much less the money she paid to MacDonald for his assistance? And why the hell haven't any of you picked up where she left off? Go make a difference. She did. I have contacted exactly 100 of my friends to begin to fight for Rizzotto. I challenge you to do the same. You are weak. I hope you do not call yourself a true Navajo.
Los Angeles Fighting on Sep 30, 2008 at 11:05:39 said:
I am not going to make this personal between 100s of us in Los Angeles but Jeanne Rizzotto has $100,000s invested in your Nation. Just because she trusted Mr. MacDonald like the rest of you did at one time does not put her in cahoots. Many of us volunteered 100s of hours at Teec Nos Pos and this is what we get for gratification! If you only knew what Rizzotto's outcome has drawn because of MacDonald you might sing a different toon. Unless of course your just another ignorant human being that loves to believe bad things about people rather than seeking the truth. You people are ungrateful and selfish.
Donovan House on Sep 30, 2008 at 08:58:36 said:
Peter Mac is a cheap opportunist. People have died because of his political shinanigans and most recently, him and this Jeanne Rizzotto are in cahoots scheming business deals placing small Navajo business owners out of business. Mac should have stayed in jail. He never learns.
Jeanne Rizzotto on Sep 29, 2008 at 20:33:32 said:
Mr. MacDonald: I challenge you to a public debate in the territory of your choice regarding McCain and anything else the public sees fit. Jeanne Rizzotto
Thomas on Sep 29, 2008 at 12:44:58 said:
Yadiilaa, Navajo Republican? HuH!
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