A message from June 2010 Candidate Louis Gray-May

Osage leaders for the coming years have to make up a lot of ground in a short amount of time. Legislation to assist our people has been sorely missing. But, all that can change on June 7th, 2010 on Election Day. First things first, vote to implement the federal budgets on October 1, no more using vulnerable people, and endangering grants as political pawns. Make the ethics laws apply to Congress as well. This is not an aristocracy with a superior people running the government. We are all the same. Repeal or amend the open records act to protect the rights of individual Osages who now have their lives exposed by anyone congress says should have access to them including Congress. Privacy measures should have been enacted in concert with these laws to protect individual Osages. Support fighting all outside interest which want to take away our reservation status and stop the unproductive infighting. The lies spread throughout the nation is unseemly and harmful to tribal unity. It’s time to bring our people together. I urge you to vote for a progressive slate of thoughtful, creative, courageous and traditional leaders on the next congress. I want to be a part of that leadership team. I don’t seek to run just to sit in those big leather chairs. Spend too long in the chair and you will never understand what needs to be done for our people. As a former Task Force Member of the Osage Strategic Planning initiative, which developed a blue print for creative and innovative goals, called the Will of the People. I’m proud to be a part of that process. One out of four adult members of the Osage participated in this plan for our future. I pledge we will implement that plan. Not just because its full of great ideas. Because my name is on it and we promised to carry it out. We must learn to work together and put aside past challenges so that we can bring the promise to life. It is a good plan and the Osage people deserve the best we can give them. If the casinos start to grow in expanded in rebuilt sites there will be much more to work with. Other developments are now possible. But, first this nation has to have the courage to elect new leaders who work hard for the people. We don’t work for them; they work for us. I understand as a congressman, I am not the old council member who held so much power in one person. The old council was the legislative, judicial and executive power all in one person. We know now that didn’t work. We have to share power now. Or at least we are suppose to. The current congress is under the mistaken impression they are still that old council. It has created a lot of problems for Osages everywhere. Time for a real change. Vote for a progressive slate on June 7th and see that change you seek.