Renzi release creates Hale storm
Incumbent blasted at Simon rally

By John Christian Hopkins
Diné Bureau

ST. MICHAELS — Arizona State Sen. Albert Hale wants the Navajo people to "look down my mouth" and take to heart his true words.

Hale was one of the speakers at the St. Michael's Chapter House Friday for a veterans rally in support of Democrat Ellen Simon, who is seeking to unseat U.S. Rep. Rick Renzi in representing Arizona's 1st Congressional District.

The Renzi campaign issued an "erroneous press release" claiming that Hale had endorsed the Republican, Renzi.

"I have been a Democrat all my life, my parents were Democrats," Hale said.

But when he asked Renzi for a correction, his campaign issued a statement calling Hale a convicted felon. "All of the Navajo people know I am not a convicted felon. Albert Hale knows Albert Hale is not a convicted felon."

The way the Renzi people responded to this issue says a lot about their integrity, Hale said. He asked Renzi to issue an apology, not only to him, but to the entire Navajo Nation.

"I want to publicly endorse Ellen Simon," Hale said. "I wholeheartedly support her campaign."

Simon is a successful and nationally prominent civil rights attorney, with a reputation for standing up for the down-trodden and poor. Both of Simon's parents survived the Holocaust during World War II. Her parents stepped on American soil in 1949, and every year since then her family has celebrated that day. Simon grew up cherishing freedom and nurturing a love for America.

U.S. Rep. Bob Filner, California's "Border Congressman," who represents the 51st District in San Diego County, has a vision for the election night. As the results come in, the seven-term Democrat sees his party picking up 14 congressional seats and then the West Coast returns come in and "Ellen Simon is victorious and gives Democrats the 15 seats we need to take back the House (of Representatives)," Filner said.

Under Republican control, the federal government has ignored the working people, who are "overlooked and overtaxed," Filner said.

Filner sits on the House's Veterans Affairs Committee, as does Renzi.

"I never see him. I think he's maybe been to one committee meeting," said Filner, who would chair the committee if Democrats regain control of the House.

If no, when the Democrats recapture the House, he will make sure veterans Native and non-Native get a fair shake from a country that made them promises and has not lived up to them, Filner said.

Filner came to understand early that one person can make a difference. His father was a union leader, and Filner himself was among the first of the Freedom Riders in the 1960s. He was arrested and jailed for his non-violent protest and came to learn that doing what's right is not always easy, but it's never right to do what's easy.

Simon has that same spirit, he added. "She's a fighter," Filner said.

Simon looks to bring a message of positive change, and restoring people's faith in government. The Hospice volunteer says she understands the struggles of working families.

"We have an agenda of hope, for optimism," Simon said. "I have a great sense of protection, of justice," she said. "I have fought for people denied their rights."

In Congress, she will fight on behalf of the Navajos, to see they get more money for infrastructure, water, health care and education, Simon said.

Today, when the United States spends $2.5 billion every two days in Iraq, it's a shame that the Navajo get such a pittance.

Before building up the lifestyles of foreign countries, the U.S. should make sure its own citizens have their needs met, Simon said.

"The government is giving $21 billion for infrastructure in Iraq imagine if they gave the Navajo Nation just one day's worth of the money they spent in Iraq," she said.

Renzi is a tool of big business interests, supporting gas, oil and pharmaceuticals over the average person, Simon said.

Renzi supported President George W. Bush's tax cuts for the rich, while the gap between rich and poor widens, she added. The profits of the rich are built on the backs of the poor, Simon said.

"You have the right to a congressperson who will be guided by morals instead of greed and deception," Simon said.

Filner agreed. "When you buy gas, you're paying a hidden Bush tax. When you buy pharmaceuticals, you're paying a Bush tax, when you pay to send your child to college, you pay a Bush tax," he said. But Simon will be "a real fighter for the people," Filner said. "I look forward to working with her."

Chinle Chapter Vice President David Yazzie Jr. said he supports Simon and will help spread the word among Navajo voters of the 1st District.

The Republicans' record for supporting veterans speaks for itself, said Arizona State Rep. Albert Tom. The GOP talks about supporting veterans, but offers them nothing tangible, Tom said.

"I hope the Democrats wake-up across the Navajo Nation," Tom said. "What the Republicans give us are nickels and pennies."

John Christian Hopkins can be reached at hopkins1960@hotmail.com or by calling 505-371-5443.