Natives at the RNC, too

Convention Notebook:  Delegate celebrates 81st birthdayThe Red Lake Veterans of Foreign Wars color guard post kicked off Tuesday night’s convention session.

Working with a New Brighton, Minn., color guard, the four Red Lake men entered the hall dressed in full Native American regalia. Most noticeable was Jim Brown, Bemidji, carrying a staff with eagle feathers. Others carried flags.

John Barrett, who lives on the reservation, said: “It’s a great honor, really.”

There was no doubt the post would accept the invitation, even though Red Lake is heavily Democratic, Rocky Cook, Bemidji said. “It’s a no-brainer. It really is an honor to do this.”Comment:  Compare this minimal presence with the huge Native presence at the DNC. That tells you all you need to know about which party respects Indians the most.