Did Markwayne Mullin forget who he is? He is supposed to be a Cherokee man, a warrior, one who
protects the women of his nation. Instead, he betrayed American Indian women, including the women of the Cherokee Nation, when he voted against the passage of the
Violence Against Women Act.
Apparently he has forgotten, or maybe he never knew, from whom he descends. If I have managed to trace his Cherokee ancestry correctly,
which I strongly believe I have*, then he descends through Dawes enrollee, Bert Morris (#1613). Bert was the son of Dawes enrollees, (Susan) Fannie Cleveland (#1610)
and John Morris (#1609.) Through Fannie’s line, Mullin's ancestry goes back to Richard
Bark Foreman, a Cherokee healer known as “The Cherokee Physician.”
 |
| Pg 2 of the Fannie Morris ECA #2229 |
Richard Bark Foreman’s contribution to knowledge of Cherokee
medicines is invaluable, not only because of his documentation of use, but also
the documentation of Cherokee names for plants and diseases. He was a well known medicine man and so good
that even white people used him because of his extensive knowledge of herbs. He
was a well respected man who brought healing to people.
Passage of the VAWA was needed to protect American Indian women who are victims of assault or rape
on tribal lands. Too many times in the past, offenders of such crimes went free to harm Native women
again and again. Because the VAWA passed, now tribes have the authority to
charge and prosecute offenders and give Native women hope for justice. This is
important because without justice, how can one ever heal from such horrific
crimes?
Markwayne Mullin could have played an important role in helping women,
not just Indian women, but all women, get justice after these crimes have been
committed against them. He had the opportunity to follow in his great great
great great grandfather’s footsteps and vote to do something that would help people heal. He made the decision not to do that.
Whether he likes it or not, Mullin
has a responsibility to Indian people, not just Cherokees, but all Indians, to
do the right thing. It is not just an option, but an obligation. Obligation, you say? Yes, obligation, for you see, Mullin didn't have a problem embracing his heritage when he used Indian preference to get jobs for his business. He didn't have a problem embracing his heritage when he was presented with a blanket from the Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. He didn't even have a problem embracing his heritage and listing himself as an American Indian in the US House of Representatives. But, when he had to make a choice between embracing his heritage or clinging to his political party, he dropped that Cherokee identity like a hot potato and strictly became "a Republican" and then voted against something that would help American Indian women.
Mullin is in a position to actually make a difference now, to be a voice for American Indians, but up
to this point, he has seriously failed in this role. To a degree, he reminds me of someone else Cherokees are upset with, but this time, it is more troubling.
It wasn't that long ago we were watching as a woman, a fake, used a Cherokee identity when it benefited her and then as she tossed it aside when she no longer needed it. As bad as that was and as much as that angered a lot of Cherokee people, it did not upset us as much as a real Cherokee doing the same thing. For most of us, "Cherokee first" means we are Cherokee first, and all other things, like being members of a US political party, come after that. For Markwayne Mullin, it seems "Cherokee first" only means he gets to cut to the front of the line for a job that has Indian preference.
Did Markwayne Mullin forget who he is? I don't know, but I think nearly all the of the rest of us Indians can see him for what he is.
Thanks for reading.
*I don't think it is appropriate to list the names of people still living who are not the topic of the post, therefore I did not share Mullin's line documented back to the Dawes Roll. I did research it and and have supporting documentation. I believe what is stated above is accurate, but will not post the names of living people to show it. Thank you for understanding.
copyright 2013, Polly's Granddaughter - TCB
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Excellent article, as always. Mullin needs to be made aware of how he is first and foremost a Cherokee and keep his focus on doing what is right for his own people, and all the people in his jurisdiction. Going along with the Republican agenda for his own sake and "fitting in" with other Repubs in Washington is a slap in the face to his people.
ReplyDeleteTwila up to bat.....and HOMERUN! He had no problem taking Cherokee money either did he? He is the epitome of failure. When his daughter takes a beating he might change.his feeble mind.
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