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From Indian Country Today:
“The U.S. government broke hundreds of treaties it made with Indian nations; these were government-to-government treaties ratified by the U.S. Senate,” Boren said. “The impact of many U.S. policies is the source of many of the social and economic disparities that tribes face today. It is time for our nation to face these injustices and reconcile our relations with the Native Americans.” He said it is important for the government to acknowledge injustices “such as forced removal and painful events like the Trail of Tears. While this apology doesn’t recognize the complexity of those wrongs, it’s an important step in moving forward. From my seat on the House Natural Resources Committee, I will work with Chairman Rahall (Rep. Nick Rahall) and Senator Sam Brownback to see that it gets the attention it deserves.”
Boren described the proposal as a resolution of apology and reconciliation.
“It is a first step toward healing the wounds that have divided us for so long – a potential foundation for a new era of positive relations between tribal governments and the federal government. It is time – it is past time – for us to heal our land of division, all divisions, and bring us together as one people.” Read more…
Related:
Video: Obama Seeks to Destroy Native Americans
Jim Kingsdale at SeekingAlpha.com reports, ” Two Congressmen, Rahm Emanuel (D-IL) and Dan Boren (D-OK) have introduced legislation to push NG into use for cars.”
Does this option interest you? Convert your vehicle to run on compressed natural gas..at what cost?
From Natural Gas Vehicles for America
While NGVAmerica recommends that potential customers contact the appropriate SVMs directly about vehicle conversion costs, the following are general “ballpark” estimates of retail light-duty vehicle conversion costs
provided by SVMs. Specific quotes will vary based on fuel capacity, number of vehicles, wheel base, etc. Crown Vic/Lincoln Town Car/Mercury Marquis with 13 gasoline gallon equivalent (GGE): $13,500
E350 Cargo/Passenger Van with 20 GGE fuel: $15,500
F150/250/350 Pick-up Truck with 20 GGE: $16,500; with 30 GGE: $18,500
E450 Cutaway Shuttle Van with 24-38 GGE: $18,500-22,500
Sierra/Silverado 1500/2500HD Pick-up Truck with 11GGE: $12,500; with 20GGE: $15,500
Savanna/Express G1500/2500 Cargo/Passenger Van 12-20GGE: $12,500-16,000Natural Gas Vehicle for America study available here. But never fear, you may qualify for tax credits for your conservation investment.
Related: Oklahoma’s Chesapeake Energy and Clean Skies America is encouraging corporations and government to convert vehicles to CNG.
Oklahoma’s own Dan Boren is taking a stand for our men and women in uniform and overseas. He wants to make sure their votes are counted in November. THIS TIME we couldn’t agree more…
“While he voted against the Employee Free Choice Act and supports the Columbia Free Trade Agreement…” Hat tip: Conium
Related:
Danny Boy delivering the pork!
While most politicians in Washington are running as fast as they can from earmarks, Congressman Boren doesn’t seem to have gotten the message yet. We’re all for the military and troop preparedness, but is this $35 million dollars in spending really justified?
• $15 million for the Excalibur extended-range artillery projectile. Excalibur is the Army’s only close-fight precision artillery projectile. The McAlester Army Ammunition Plant will be utilized in loading a portion of these shells.
• $8.5 million for Ground Warfare Acoustical Combat System (GWACS) development. GWACS is a small arms and light weapons detection system.
• $6 million for the construction of connecting rail at McAAP. The new rail will connect the existing rail at the 38AT Magazine Group to the existing rail at the Ashland Depot to allow for expedited movement of munitions.
• $4 million for the procurement of ammunition peculiar equipment (APE) out-loading equipment at the McAlester Defense Ammunition Center (DAC), allowing ammunition to be moved more efficiently.
• $1.5 million for power conversion equipment to be used in the research and development of power generation technologies for future naval vessels, including the U.S. Nave DDG-1000 Destroyer Program and the CG(X) Cruiser Program.
U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-OK) last week received the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s “Spirit of Enterprise Award” for his support of pro-growth legislation during the 110th Congress. Accepting the award, Inhofe said:
I am honored to receive the ‘Spirit of Enterprise Award’ from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. This organization provides an invaluable service to businesses nationwide. I will continue to fight for legislation that helps grow our nation’s economy, keeping America’s businesses the most competitive in the world.
Dan Boren, the only Democrat in the entire House of Representatives to receive the award, said:
I am honored to receive this award. The small business community, energy industry, and other manufacturers are an integral part of Oklahoma’s economy. I am committed to doing everything I can in Congress to help them grow our economy and create additional jobs in Oklahoma.
Tom Donohue, Chamber president and CEO, stated:
Senator Inhofe has proven to be an effective ally to the business community, supporting legislation that helps grow the economy and creates new jobs for hardworking Americans. The Chamber is grateful for Jim’s commitment to these important issues and is proud to present him with this award.
[...]
Representative Boren has proven to be an effective ally to the business community, supporting legislation that helps grow the economy and creates new jobs for hardworking Americans. The Chamber is grateful for Dan’s commitment to these important issues and is proud to present him with this award.
The Oklahomans who were honored were:
The U.S. Chamber is the world’s largest business federation representing more than 3 million businesses of every size, sector, and region. A complete list of the 2007 Spirit of Enterprise recipients is here.
The Indian Healthcare Bill, called “morally bankrupt” by Senator Tom Coburn (R-OK), because of what he views as more empty promises to Native Americans, has passed the Senate, and is now in the House. It includes an official apology to the Native Americans, authored by Sam Brownback (R-KS) and supported by Representative Dan Boren (D-OK).
Tribal members wonder if it, too, will be full of empty promises, according to News from Indian Country:
Jim Gray, Osage Nation principal chief, said he was surprised but glad Boren championed the effort.
“After the broken treaties and broken promises over all these years, I certainly didn’t expect to see that in my lifetime,” Gray said.
A Tulsa attorney who specializes in Indian law, Michael McBride, agreed the measure was overdue, but he wondered about current factors that may have prompted the official apology.
“I just hope that the United States would do more to rectify prior injustices, like appropriations to address the mismanagement of trust funds, that would go a long way towards making the apology have real substance,” he said.
The week of February 11th-15th has been designated, “National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans Week.” US Rep. Dan Boren (D-OK) tells the Muskogee Phoenix:
At long last, it’s a new day for America’s veterans. For years the Department of Veterans Affairs’ budgets have barely, if at all, kept up with inflation. This year Congress has kept its promise to honor veterans with substantial budget increases.
On his Washington website, Boren writes:
At 155 VA hospitals all across our nation, there are veterans everyday who face the physical and mental wounds of combat long after their military service is complete. We can never fully repay our debt of gratitude to them, but we have a moral obligation to thank and support them with our words and our deeds.
If you live near a VA hospital or clinic, take the time this week to visit and say “thank you” to our veterans. Those two simple words can make a big difference in the lives of those who have done so much for us.
If you don’t live near a VA hospital or clinic, then call someone you know who has served in uniform and thank them for their service. If you’re traveling through an airport and see a young serviceman or woman departing for training or combat, walk a few steps and let these veterans of tomorrow know you are grateful for their service. A few steps and a few words can go a long way.
“I’m hearing more and more frequently a sense of rage with the Democratic leadership in Congress. From failing to stop the war to expanding Bush’s wiretapping authority, the swing vote of conservative Democrats in the House are forming an effective conservative majority that is enabling Bush to govern as he wishes.”
“Bush’s Dogs”
Jason Altmire, PA-04
John Barrow, GA-12
Melissa Bean, IL-18
Dan Boren, OK-02
Leonard Boswell, IA-03
Alan Boyd, FL-02
Chris Carney, PA-10
Ben Chandler, KY-06
Jim Cooper, TN-05
Jim Costa, CA-20
Bud Cramer, AL-05
Henry Cuellar, TX-28
Lamar Davis, TN-04
Joe Donnelly, IN-02
Chet Edwards, TX-17
Brad Ellsworth, IN-08
Bob Etheridge, NC-02
Bart Gordon, TN-06
Stephanie Herseth, SD
Baron Hill, IN-09
Nick Lampson, TX-22
Dan Lipinski, IL-03
Jim Marshall, GA-08
Jim Matheson, UT-02
Mike McIntyre, NC-07
Charlie Melancon, LA-03
Colin Peterson, MN-07
Earl Pomeroy, ND
Ciro Rodriguez, TX-23
Mike Ross, AR-04
John Salazar, CO-03
Heath Shuler, NC-11
Vic Snyder, AR-02
Zack Space, OH-18
John Tanner, TN-08
Gene Taylor, MS-04
Tim Walz, MN-01
Charlie Wilson, OH-06