|
 |
| News updated daily... |
 |
| red lake net news |
 |
 |
| rlnn.com |
| Copyright © 2003-2007 Red Lake Net News All Rights Reserved. |
 |
 |
| Site Map |
| Links |
| Classified ads |
| Business cards |
| Birthday ads |
| Memorials |
| Classified ads |
| Memorials |
 |
| Red Lake Net News Michael Barrett P. O. Box 80 Redby, MN 56670 Telephone: 218-679-5995 |
 |
 |
 |
|
| www.sevenclanscasinos.com |
| Major Sponsors of rlnn.com |
 |
 |
| Advertisements |
|
| Date: Fri, 19 Oct 2007 14:50:18 -0500
Subject: KQRS Radio Issue From: riverlot@paulbunyan.net To: sovrn@hotmail.com; dseki@redlakenation.org; martin@paulbunyan.net; greene@paulbunyan.net Members of the Red Lake Council, For your information as you requested. The first attachment is the transcript from the program in question, the second is the actual audio of the program. It is much worse to listen to than read. Shakopee is responding and has encouraged the Indian Affairs Council to get involved. I do not know where that stands. Several tribes have written to KQ including Bois Forte, Fond du Lac, Shakopee, and Prairie Island. I have sent a copy of the audio to Joe Johnson who sits on the Beltrami Suicide Prevention Group, which I believe is sponsored by Healthy Communities, Healthy Kids. I have been told that they are having troubles getting the funding they need to fight this dreaded problem. Joe thought this transcript might help in describing the need in Beltrami County. Please let me know if I may be of further assistance. Respectfully, Michael Meuers |
| RLNN.COM does not know the full story on this KQRS Radio Issue at this time, but it does sound very disturbing. The transcript is on the side, and I will include the audio below this Email. When more information is obtained on exactly where KQRS Radio is and who these idiots are that are blatently attacking the Red Lake and Shakopee Tribes, I will post it on this page. |
| KQRS Morning Show
Transcript September 18, 2007 Tom: Beltrami County has the highest rate of suicide among young people in Minnesota. Terri: Where is that? Tom: It’s up north isn’t it, way, way up north. Terri: Like up on the border there? Tom: Yea, I think it’s that far. Terri: Or is that, is that Beltrami County, ah I’ll look it up. Tom: In any case, more than. Unknown: It’s Bemidji, Beltrami is Bemidji, there’s also I believe the ah the ah Indian reservation, I’m sorry what is the name of it? Tom: Red Lake. Unknown: Red Lake I believe is in Beltrami County. Terri: Oh yea that’s a depressing place. Tom: Well twice the rate of state average suicide, according to the report released yesterday, is that the state Health Department tried to reverse the trend since 1990, the central Minnesota county of 43,000 has led the state in suicides among 5- to 34-year olds. Unknown: Five year olds. Terri: What, five how do you even know to do it. Tom: I don’t know. According to a new analysis by the Health Department the rate 21 per 100,000 people was more than double the average rate of 9 for that age group in Minnesota said John Ressler, Supervisor of the Health Department’s Injury and Violence Prevention Unit. The reasons are not clear but Health officials say that poverty and a shortage of mental health services have probably played a role. The county which includes Bemidji and the Red Lake Indian Reservation has higher suicide rates among both whites and Indians than do other parts of the state. Terri: Maybe it’s genetic. Isn’t there a lot of incest up there. Tom: Not that I know of. Terri: I think there is. Tom: There is. Terri: Don’t quote me on that but I’m pretty sure. Tom: Well I’m glad you just threw it out there then. Ah, my reaction to that story is that you can thank all your, you know, people out there at Mystic Lake for helping out their fellow Native Americans. They’re doing a hell of a job helping them out, aren’t ya. Terri: They don’t give them anything? Tom: Hell no. Unknown: You guys remember a couple of years ago when, um, Esme Murphy did that big expose, ah what’s the channel, ah the I-Team. Tom: Yea, Channel 4 I-Team. Unknown: She took her cameras up to the Red Lake Indian Reservation and there literally is people sleeping in the backs of cars. Tom: Ah hum. Unknown: And then they went down and shot a little video down there by New Prague of some of those Zillionaires at Mistake Lake and they compared the two. Tom: Yea. Unknown: You literally have, some of those people at Mistake Lake living in five million dollar mansions. Terri: Why doesn’t Bellycourt protest that? Unknown: He’s a little busy. Terri: Oh, he’s busy. Unknown: Yea, taking a march on city hall. Terri: Well, maybe there’s that other thought process of why should we have to help people that won’t help themselves. Tom: Well then shut down the United States government. Unknown: Shut down the roads that taxpayers fund to get to your casino and back. If you don’t want to help out everyone else then we don’t want to help you out either. Or put up a toll road as Scott County proposed in Savage a couple of years ago when they wouldn’t come up with a penny to you know scoop snow out of the roads that lead in and out of Mistake Lake. Unknown: That’s exactly the thing to do, put in a toll road in and out of there. Terri: They won’t. Unknown: Yea, and Savage, God bless them, said okay, you don’t want to help foot the bill here, we’ll put up a toll road. That changed their attitude in a big hurry. Tom: So they coughed up some dough? Unknown: I think they did, it was like, ah if I remember right I was living in Savage at the time. Terri: So they were having the City of Savage plow their roads. Unknown: Of course so Terri. So this why should we have to pay for anyone else, that argument goes until you start sucking off the taxpayers. Tom: There is that. |
| Additional Information added October 24, 2007 |
| Hey Mike !
What are you going to do about that KQRS slander of our Red Lake Nation ? If that is not comparable to "Imus in the morning", then I don't know what is... Mistic Lake responded & Red Lake should, as well. Racism is very much alive and well against the Anishinabe. Though there are some decent people who are non-indian, there are those few who think that they are "one up" on Native Nations and can say anything that they want without any response. Like I've always said, there are two sides to every story-one is the Anishinabe side and the other is, genocide. Thanks for your time. Sincerely, Jim White. |
| Dearest KQRS,
I am hearing for the first time the audio feed from September 18, which initially was a report on suicide. Being that I was born and raised on the Red Lake Indian Reservation I feel compelled to respond. It is in my opinion that Terri is very ignorant, foolish, shallow and presumptuous to say the least. It is one thing to be opinionated, however the judgments this woman makes are HORRENDOUS. Poverty, let's talk about poverty. It sounds to me that Terri and her cohorts measure wealth a lot differently than myself and my fellow Red Lakers. I know a lot of people have great use of their limbs. Can you ask Terri for me if she has ever assisted an amputee to the restroom, or possibly to a table in oh let's just say a CASINO restaurant? How about helping a visually impaired person across the street? Or is it possible that she has a grandmother who lived to be 200 with no vision or hearing problems. I know some people haven't had the use of their ears in years and would love to hear the sound of a child's laughter. To be able to hold your child's hand as you walk through colorful leaves at the park, or enjoying the smell of the autumn air after it rains. Being able to see your child smile as you push them on the swing or maybe the merry go round. It is this measurement of wealth that makes Red Lakers and probably "MISTAKE LAKERS" the richest people on earth. I think Miss Terri has lost the use of her brain. Poverty in the dictionary refers to FINANCIAL hardships. So yes, there are some financial difficulties that people from the Red Lake Indian Reservation face. So riddle me this, aren't there people who are labeled poverty stricken in Minneapolis as well? Or what about our state capital? You see a lot of homeless, poverty stricken people lined up against fences in this city, or is Terri unable to go there because this is where our white house stands? Now if my ears don't deceive me, I know Terri doesn't want to be QUOTED on this, but Terri blatantly put the claim out there that WE are GENETICALLY INCESTUOUS to one another. I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to know where Terri's education on this subject comes from. If you could please pass this information on to her, she so desperately needs to be enlightened. Native Americans, Indigenous people, First Nations People, Anishinabe, which ever is politically correct for you, have always treated one another with respect. Each person within the family unit was treated fairly and had their own personal jobs they needed to attend to within the tribes. ALL tribes of Anishinabe refused to tolerate Sexual Assault within their communities, the crime was punishable by banishment or death. It wasn't until a known TERRORISTIC, MURDERING, RAPIST became lost in the America's and Christianity and the worship of Alcohol was introduced to Native people that this type of behavior was shown to us as "Acceptable". Native people were taught this behavior by REMOVAL of their children and thus became THE BOARDING SCHOOL ERA. It was in these church based schools that Native Americans were beaten, raped, denied their language, culture and heritage. Now for a country to CELEBRATE CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS, you tell me who the SAVAGE is! As for Mr. Unknown finger up his patooty, It would be interesting to see where Esme Murphy did her video taping. Was she at a community gathering and children were asleep in the backseat for a quick nap to again put on their regalia to celebrate the 4th of July? Or possibly the Fair pow wow in which their family members were trying out for Red Lake royalty. Native Americans have been over coming this generational trauma for centuries and it's disheartening to say the least that someone such as Terri isn't forcibly made to apologize publicly for her idiocy. The sad thing is, if history books were written the way history actually happened, Miss Terri wouldn't have so much to say. Her culture, her spirituality, her sense of self is nothing to be proud of...the oppression, the negative that drips from her mouth is so apparent. She doesn't even realize the "ISMS" that fall from her lips. I will pray for Creator to mend her careless mind and heart. Shari Mountain Proud Red Lake Nation Member |
| Mike,
Do you have a fax? I will fax you some letters from tribes and Indian Affairs that have been written to KQRS. I also attach a suggested course of action that Indian Affairs and Shakopee have suggested. Maybe you then can let people of Red Lake know things are being done. I think Buck will tell you they are doing things as well. I know Kevin Leecy has also written but I don't have a copy of his letter. I don't know which suggested courses of action have been acted on, but at the bottom there is addresses if someone wants to write. Michael |
| MEMO:
To: John McCarthy From: Nate Dybvig Date: 9/27/07 Re: KQRS Response John- As we discussed yesterday, here is my memo with suggestions for dealing with the KQRS incident. Marcia and I talked about this yesterday as well, and she may be submitting additional suggestions as well. -Nate KQRS Response Suggestions: Station Boycott: We should do an assessment of which tribes currently buy advertising from KQRS, as well as sister stations 93X and LOVE 105, and make a concerted effort to pull these funds. To help ease this decision with skeptical tribes, copies of the tape and transcript should be used to put an exclamation point on our case to them. And if we are successful in pulling a large block of advertising dollars, we should send out a press release to the Twin Cities media announcing the cause and the result of the boycott. The only pressure that has any chance of reforming Tom Barnard is financial. He has run roughshod over his program director for years. Contact Management: Obviously we need to contact the station management, as well as station ownership to register our formal complaint. Included in the letter should be a suggestion that minus remedy to the situation, we plan to file a formal protest against their license when it next comes up for renewal. Our basis for this protest will be the station’s ongoing verbal assault on the state’s Native American people. Unfortunately for us, their license does not appear to come up for renewal until 2013. In addition to a formal letter from Red Lake, all of the state’s tribal councils should be provided with a synopsis of the situation, and the contact information to send their own letters to the powers that be. Additionally, tribes should include in their correspondence their intention to not advertise with KQRS until corrective action is taken. Tom Barnard will not be fired, but a suspension or fine could get his attention. Contact the FCC: The content of the comment does not appear to violate the FCC standard for obscenity or indecency. But there is a case that can be made that the station is in violation of its license, ironically enough, by not informing us that they attacked us. According to the FCC website, they have a responsibility to do so. To wit: Retention of Material Broadcast. We generally do not require stations to keep the material they broadcast. However, there are limited exceptions to this policy for personal attacks and political editorials. Personal Attacks. Personal attacks occur when, during the presentation of views on a controversial issue of public importance, someone attacks the honesty, character, integrity, or like personal qualities of an identified person or group. No more than a week after a personal attack, the station must transmit the following three things to the person or group attacked: (1) notification of the date, time, and identification of the broadcast; (2) a tape, script or accurate summary of the attack; and (3) an offer of a reasonable opportunity to respond on the air. SOURCE: http://www.fcc.gov/mb/audio/decdoc/public_ and_broadcasting.html File a complaint with the Minnesota News Council: While traditionally, KQRS would not be seen as a news outlet, this statement was made in a segment analyzing the news of the day. If found to be in error, the morning show would be forced by the news council to apologize to the people of Red Lake on the air. We have copies of other examples of their attacks on Shakopee. We should look at the “personal attack” rule Invite advertisers to join the boycott. By listening to the morning show for a week, we can craft a log of their main advertisers. Then we reach out to all of them with a letter and a transcript of the segment in question, and suggest that their advertising dollars are supporting a racially intolerant station and let them know that the tribes will be urging a boycott of Bernard's show because of its consistently racist messages, and that this boycott may be extended to advertisers as well--give them a chance to pull their dollars and get some public relations out of it. We would then also provide them with the contact information for ad sales reps at Clear Channel and Hubbard who would be more than willing to help them attain their advertising goals in a more racially sensitive manner. This effort would no doubt get their attention. Host a benefit concert at one of the casinos with portions of proceeds going to a suicide awareness organization in Beltrami County, and some to a group like Pillsbury House Theater in Minneapolis which works specifically on racial sensitivity issues. We then implement a media campaign around the event listing the insensitive comments on KQRS as the reason for the event. We may want to consider putting up a billboard as close to KQRS as possible saying something like, "Hate speech is not entertainment. †Turn off KQRS." ††If we could get an anti-racism group to pay for it (we can contribute the cost), it would have more impact. The contact information for KQRS is as follows: Company Name Citadel Broadcasting Las Vegas Office Citadel Broadcasting 7201W Lake Mead Blvd. Las Vegas, NV. 89128 Phone 702-804-5200 Fax 702-804-5200 New York Office Citadel Broadcasting 142 West 57th St. 11th Floor New York, NY 10019 Minnesota Office KQRS Radio 2000 SE Elm St. Minneapolis, MN. 55414 Minnesota Contacts General Manager: Mark Kahlman Program Director: Dave Hamilton Sales Director: Peter Frisch |
| ADDED FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2007 |
| According to Steve Blake, a Red Lake member who lives in the Twin Cities, a meeting has been scheduled with KQRS Radio executives at their corporate headquarters on Monday, at 10 am. That address is KQRS Radio, 2000 SE Elm St. Minneapolis--right off Hwy. 280. Red Lake Tribal Chairman Floyd "Buck" Jourdain and others from the Tribal Council have been invited to this meeting, along with Stan Crooks and his people of the Shakopee Tribe, and other members of Native American Communities. - Michael Barrett RLNN |
 |
| According to sources, Terri Traen from the KQRS Morning Show will be in her hometown of Delano, MN. for Halloween. I wonder what kind of remarks she'll make there. |
| NEW PRESS RELEASE FROM RED LAKE BAND OF CHIPPEWA INDIANS Twin Cities KQRS Shock Jocks under fire by American Indian Communities (click here) |
| ADDED 10/29/07 |
| |
| LETTER: I just wanted to express my outrage over the comments by the KQRS morning show crew that appeared in today's Star Tribune and on local news stations This radio show needs to be taken off the air for their ongoing malicious ethnocentric and racist attacks against minority groups - plain and simple. There is no excuse for their ongoing lack of sensitivity, and their band-aid offers to appease people after the offense is a joke. This is an absolute embarrassment to the State of Minnesota as well. I know that most Minnesotans (of all ethnic backgrounds) take pride in the culture and history of our Minnesota Native Americans. I have written complaints about KQRS to national media centers like CNN and MSNBC and I complained to my local State Representative. I hope that other Minneostans do the same. Best regards, Corby Pelto President and CEO Pelto Group Inc. |
| LETTER: Dear Mr Barrett, I emailed the radio station to fire the DJ, Mr Barnyard. Meanwhile here in IL, 59 horses were tipped over in truck that ran a red light. The stupid truck was not designed for horses and the driver doesn't know who owns the horses! I would say I simply hate people altogether but many people in the region showed up to care for, gentle, and help the horses that might make it. About seven horses had to be put down. It took hours & hours to get the poor things out of the truck. The human race is a miserable lot. Love to all at Red Lake, Gloria Picchetti |
| Red Lake Tribal Chairman, Floyd "Buck" Jourdain's, letter/complaint to KQRS October 26, 2007 Farid Suleman Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer Citadel Broadcasting Corporation 7201 W. Lake Mead Blvd. Suite 400 Las Vegas, NV 89128 Jackie Orr General Counsel Citadel Broadcasting 142 W. 57th St. 11th Floor New York, Ny 10019 Marc Kalman Station Manager 92 KQRS-FM 2000 S.E. Elm St. Minneapolis, Mn 55414 Dear Mr. Suleman, Ms.Orr and Mr. Kalman: My name is Floyd Jourdain Jr. I represent the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians as the Tribal Chairman. It is with great concern that the Red Lake Band is lodging this formal complaint against the KQRS radio station, and in particular the KQ morning show Staff members Tom Bernard, and Terri Traen. The September broadcasts that cast the Red Lake reservation in a negative light by suggesting that incest, and genetics are contributors to high rates of teen suicide in Beltrami county, and the Red Lake reservation are both irresponsible, and intolerable. The Twin Cities are home to one of the largest concentrations of Native Americans in the country with American Indians numbering in the thousands from throughout Minnesota, and the United States. Our tribe alone has over 4000 members who reside in, and around Minneapolis/St.Paul. This type of ignorant, and insensitive broadcasting is no different than the attacks on people of color that have been dealt with swiftly, and appropriately by CBS in the case of Don Imus, and the Rutgers women’s basketball team. If reputable companies such as CBS, in major markets like New York will not tolerate such racism, then Minneapolis/St Paul, and companies that operate in Minnesota should not either. Red Lake has gone to great lengths to support the youth of the Red Lake reservation, and surrounding communities. The Red Lake Band is working closely with Beltrami County and the city of Bemidji to curb teen suicide, and to prevent such tragedy from occurring. In fact, there has not been a successful suicide attempt on the Red Lake reservation since August of 2005. It is a great discredit to the people of Red Lake, and to the individuals from throughout Beltrami County who work so hard on these issues, when their efforts are made fun of publicly by a profit driven radio station. In regards to Indian Tribes not helping one another as also broadcast on KQRS, the Red Lake Band has received ½ million dollars to help build a new St Mary’s School, and to assist in establishing a sexual assault/family advocacy center in Bemidji. In addition to that, the Shakopee Mdewakanton community has granted 1 million towards a new Boys and Girls Club, and 2 million to help jump start the Red Lake Walleye fishing industry in hopes of combating poverty on the reservation. All together this is nearly 4 million dollars that the Shakopee tribe has granted the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians. In a state that emphasizes “Minnesota nice”, tasteless, and inappropriate humor at the expense of those who have suffered tragedy and loss is beyond intolerable. If this type of shock radio is dismissed as mere humor, then Minnesota has truly reached an all time low that is unacceptable even to Americas most diverse and populous cites. Whatever course of action you see fit in holding these individuals accountable will speak volumes about the character of Citadel, and the radio station KQRS. Sincerely, Floyd Jourdain Jr Red Lake Band of Chippewa Tribal Chairman |
| A LETTER FROM THE METRO AREA Hello, I saw Channel 4 news in the metro and noticed Mr. Jourdain interviewed regarding Tom Barnard. I worked in radio and KQRS so I don't want my name published, but Mr. Jourdain is using the wrong approach. Contact the FCC and the owners of KQRS which is ABC broadcasting and file complaints from you readers. Listen to KQRS radio during the 5 am show and write down everybody who advertises on Barnard's show, particularly any personal endorsements that Tom and Tracy do. Contact those advertisers and tell them [they will lose your business] unless they pull their ads off KQRS. In the 1990's Tom made offense remarks about Indians. The Indian community complained and nothing came of it. Why not demonstrate in front of Tom and Tracy's house. Tracy is so "religious," so demonstrate at her Church. Name Withheld by RLNN |
| CONDITIONS AND COURSE OF ACTION AS A RESULT OF TRIBAL LEADERS MEETING WITH KQRS In a meeting with Tribal leaders today, station Manager Mark Kalman, openly expressed embarrassment, and apologized to American Indian leaders, and to their community members for the comments made in September by KQ morning show disc jockeys Tom Barnard, and Terri Traen. Mr. Kalman called the statements both inappropriate, and just plain dumb. He assured Red Lake and Shakopee that KQRS had issued reprimands to both Barnard and Traen, but indicated that neither would be fired despite Tribal leader's calls for their dismissal. Mr. Kalman issued the following recommendations as a course of action, and assured all in attendance that KQRS will follow through with the following steps. Promises made by Mark Kalman, President/General Manager KQRS radio KQRS will issue a public apology on air, and in writing to the Red Lake, and Shakopee Tribes, and the MPLS/St.Paul Indian communities. KQRS will assure adequate rotation of such apologies. Will invite “issue invitations” to Native American communities to educate the public about positive issues occurring in Indian Country, including the Red Lake and Shakopee Tribes. Will recruit, and hire American Indians in broadcasting and other company positions. Will run public service announcements promoting Native youth suicide hotlines, and suicide prevention programs. Will issue invitations to Shakopee, and Red Lake tribal representatives to appear on the morning show broadcast, to enlighten the general public about Native issues. Written Apology by Terri Traen “On the September 18th KQRS Morning Show, I made some ignorant and inappropriate comments regarding incest that leads to suicide among the people of the Red Lake Chippewa Nation. I apologize for this. I have come to learn that these are good people who deserve our respect and compassion. Again I am sorry for my unacceptable comments.” Written Apology by Tom Barnard “In September I made some inappropriate comments. I said that I wished an airplane would crash into Mystic Lake Casino. Although I meant it as a joke, there is nothing funny about planes crashing and people getting hurt, for this I apologize. I would also like to correct a statement I made regarding the lack of charitable donations on the part of the Shakopee Mdewakanton tribe. I was mistaken about this . I have come to learn that this tribe had donated over 100 million dollars, much of it going to help other Minnesota plus North and South Dakota Tribes.” |
| ANOTHER LETTER FROM THE METRO AREA Mr. Barrettt, After the supposed apology from KQRS I thought you might find it interesting that they are hanging billboards today that read "Our Lawyer Is Always Busy." (I saw one going up on the west side of I-494 in Plymouth). That doesn't sound very contrite to me. As a matter of fact, it seems they are using the controversy to try to increase their audience. I believe you need to tell them to remove the billboards immediately. BOB |
| It would be interesting to learn 'when' this billboard campaign was planned--before or after they attacked Native Americans. And it doesn't surprise me at all that they would do something like that--I mean, look at what they allow their people to do? I think ABC needs to take a serious look at their employees and who's running their affiliates--unless they are behind in the ratings and this is a way for the company to boost them. I think we seriously need to take a look at alternatives ourselves--such as contacting ABC directly, the FCC, erecting billboards against KQRS and their racist actions ("Hate speech is not entertainment. †Turn off KQRS."), contacting those that advertise with them, and maybe even lawsuits. It's not over until it's over, I guess--and maybe this is just beginning. Come on, Neil Young, if you're going to promote your concerts on this station, I'm no longer going to listen to your music...And that's 'my' Heart of Gold. RLNN |
| Mr. Barrett – Please accept my apologies and condolences for the painful, ridiculous, and demeaning comments offered on the KQRS morning show. Even though I am not in any way connected to that radio station, and can offer no “official” apology of any kind, I was saddened and angered by the complete lack of regard for Native people reflected in the comments made on air. I am glad to see that some kind of apology has been issued by the offending parties. I would ask you to see if you can be part of spreading forgiveness towards KQRS, Tom, and Terri among those who have been offended. I do not offer that suggestion easily or lightly. I am not in your shoes, and have no position among Native people. I ask you to consider forgiving instead of hating because it seems to me that radio shows, etc. driven by the need for ratings and market share, find quick success by tempting themselves and others to get as close as possible to sordid, inappropriate, and offensive behavior. It shouldn’t be surprising that Tom and Terri, choosing to live in and participate in this kind of activity, should end up with degraded consciences and hearts. It seems to me that these ugly, disrespectful, and painful comments flow naturally from hearts that have been poisoned by this degradation. Please note that forgiving them shows compassion, nobility, and courage, allowing this ugly behavior to die of its own folly. Please also be aware that the forgiveness offered to Tom and Terri can be given with full awareness that they will be held to complete account for their behavior by their Creator – and that He is fully capable of administering justice to them as part of demonstrating His love and care for those wronged by them. I am not part of the entertainment industry, nor am I in any way part of the Native peoples. I offer this to you as humbly as I can, and invite any feedback you may care to offer. I am deeply sorry, and hope that better days full of appreciation, mutual understanding, and reconciliation lie ahead. Many blessings! Mike Moline Coordinator, ZOOM & Life Coaches for Kids Urban Ventures Leadership Foundation |
| Hello all from the Twin Cities. Let me introduce myself. My name is Nancy Chase and I am enrolled in the Leech Lake Tribe, but I live in the Twin Cities and have all my life. I e-mailed KQRS and they took my message seriously. I e-mailed them three times about Tom Bernard and how I will quit listening to their station and sister ones. I am an educated biracial native american who was brought up native and to fight for your rights and speak up. I e-mailed the article in the Star and Tribune to the Minnesota Mental Health Association. In my mind, this does not just degrade Native Americans, but anyone with a mental disease, suicidal tendencies, and that does not prejudice to just one group, the famous actor Owen Wilson did it himself also. Our troops who are overseas will be facing the same mental issues and they probably would be enraged themselves! I stated that to KQRS. The Star and Tribune is doing a good job of keeping up with the story because it is one of the most read yesterday and today and maybe Star and Tribune want consumers and listeners to know what kind of garbage the station supports. The general population down here is sick and tired of negative media in general. I am doing all I can to boycott. I will forward you the e-mails to them. Thank you for your time. I wish thirty somethings my age would stand up to this kind of garbage, I am getting scared that no one will stand up to the plate and not be scared to stick up for our rights! This is a start for our generation I guess and hope. Thank you Nancy Chase |
New Additions - November 14, 2007 I have read the transcript of the offensive morning show banter. It is disturbing. My 12 year old son is one quarter Ojibway. I am very sensitive to negative comments about the Indian community in any way. This is clearly a situation that features uninformed men and women, bearing the title of professional broadcaster, speaking in a thoughtless and reckless manner. A sad day for KQRS. Our Indian community has done so much to further the growth and development of our country! The early settlers from Europe could not feed themselves or survive the winters without the knowledge, expertise and kindness of the Indian. I recently visited the NW Fur Trading Post in Pine City to enjoy the culture and Native Ways evhibited there with my son Dustin. I would advise a tript to the MN Historical Society for the morning team at KQRS. Knowledge us power....if they knew how much we actually owe the Indian...they would never speak so callously about the People who have given us so much. I am a fomer broadcaster. I am fully aware of the great responsibility to the listeners, the License, and to the sensibilities of a variety of cultures in the community. With big ratings comes big responsibilty...to do one's homework...'know before you speak'! More show 'prep' would also be advised. Sitting down at the mike with a newspaper that you have never read before and tattling off the top of your head about content is unprofessional. Plain and simple. Tom has known much struggle in his life. It is surprising to hear him speak with such disregard for others who may be facing what he once had. Insensitive? Perhaps. Running from his own truths? More likely. My best to your community. On behalf of my son, whom I love so dearly, please continue to erode the stigmas, the negatives, the pain caused by those who sit in judgement and speak out of ignorance. What efffects one member of the Indian community affects us all who are connected to it. My family is Proud to have Indian blood in our veins. We are enriched by it. Gigawababbin (sp) We try :) Your efforts on all of our behalf is apprecited more than you know. Our future generations depend on you. Mesa Kincaid |
| Letter of the day from the Star Tribune: It's the same old shtick for Barnard, KQRS With due respect to the Star Tribune's Neal Justin (Star Tribune, Nov. 5), the latest dustup over the racism on Tom Barnard's KQRS morning show doesn't prove that broadcasters are being more careful. It proves that nothing's changed. As a Minnesota Public Radio reporter, I also reported on the anti-Hmong comments he and others made on the show all those years ago. If something significant had changed, the show would be off the air or the content would be different. But he's still at it. The station's still at it. The only thing that's changed is that the owners have a bigger budget line item for FCC fines and community outreach. Obviously, what he does sells, and the fines are a drop in the profit bucket. Same for Don Imus and all the other shock jocks and their owners. The sad thing is that Barnard has some real talent and can be funny. But I guess he doesn't have the guts to stand up to the suits and stop being their hired bomb-thrower. They're not making money by accident, folks. JOHN RABE, LOS ANGELES CALIF. |