"As host of the only live, daily Native radio talk show that broadcasts nationally, I have to keep my eyes and ears wide open to know what's taking place in Native America — it's my job. So as we wind down the year, I'm going to reflect on a few issues that Native America Calling covered in 2007.
The firing of shock jock Don Imus was all everyone was talking about for awhile. But a Houston radio talk show host named Michael Berry, the city's mayor pro tem, for goodness sake, made little national fanfare for his comments about Indians.
Of course, the race for the White House was a major story. A group called INDN's list announced in January that they would host an event called "Prez on the Rez." It was supposed to be a debate between all Democratic nominees for president. Problem was the Big Three — Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama and John Edwards — soon let it be known they would not attend. (Our Gov. Bill Richardson was the first to accept, by the way). INDN's list fired away, especially at Hillary, for the Big Three being no-shows.
I received a call one morning at my office from Clinton's campaign headquarters wanting to know if I could interview Hillary on Native America Calling. I was tempted, but I certainly was not going to be used for doing damage control for her, and citing equal time laws, I declined.
Another story I thought was interesting in 2007 was the retiring of University of Illinois mascot Chief Illiniwek. I'd like to personally thank the NCAA that neither I, nor anybody else, will never have to watch one of his ridiculous pre-game or half-time routines ever again.
HBO's movie Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee might have picked up an incredible number of Emmy nominations, but most of the Indian people I've talked to found it repulsive in some way or another. I've yet to watch more than five minutes of it at any one sitting."
Get the Story:
Harlan McKosato: What a year! 2007 in Indian Country
(The Santa Fe New Mexican 12/29)
Relevant Links:
Native America Calling -
http://www.nativeamericacalling.com
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