VIDEO Haaland: As A Native American, I'd Never Tell Anyone To Leave This Country | The 11th Hour | MSNBC

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Haaland: As A Native American, I'd Never Tell Anyone To Leave This Country | The 11th Hour | MSNBC In a powerful segment on MSNBC's "The 11th Hour," Congresswoman Debra Haaland, representing New Mexico and a member of the Democratic Party, deeply reflects on the recent racist attacks directed at her and three of her colleagues by President Donald Trump. As the first Native American woman elected to Congress, Haaland's insights are rooted not only in her political role but also in her cultural identity. Key Highlights and Commentary 1. Addressing Racism: Haaland articulates her hurt and disappointment over the president's comments, which she views as not only a personal attack but a direct assault on the values of decency and respect that Americans hold dear. She emphasizes that as lawmakers, they were elected to serve and represent their constituents, and such rhetoric undermines that mission. 2. Cultural Significance: In her discussion, Haaland highlights a poignant truth: Native Americans were not recognized as U.S. citizens until 1924, illustrating how marginalized her community has been throughout history. This context frames her disdain for comments suggesting anyone should be told to leave the country—something she fundamentally believes goes against the spirit of America. 3. Unity and Resilience: Throughout the interview, Haaland speaks on the importance of unity among diverse communities. She conveys a message of welcome, stating, "This is a country…that we share with everyone," a sentiment that echoes the core values of inclusivity. She stresses that the work they do in Congress is crucial, even when faced with adversity from national leadership. 4. Confronting Silence in Politics: Haaland notes the troubling silence from her Republican colleagues regarding the president's inflammatory remarks. She considers this silence as tacit approval of such language, calling on all lawmakers to champion respect and diversity, reinforcing the idea that it’s crucial to stand against bigotry for the health of the nation. 5. Personal Narrative: Haaland shares her upbringing, taught by her mother to respect and welcome everyone. This personal narrative is a powerful reminder of the values that shape public service and civic engagement. As we reflect on this powerful discussion, it's essential to engage with these topics around race and representation more critically. What can we, as a community, do to foster a more inclusive environment? Have you experienced similar sentiments that resonate with Haaland's message? Let's discuss how we can continue to ensure that all voices are heard in our discourse. Feel free to share your thoughts or related experiences below!