This is one of those things that make me SO glad that Obama is our President. And it is the kind of thing that most people won't even be aware of, but it will help some of America's most victimized people.

Most Americans barely realize the levels of rape and domestic violence directed against Native American women. In some cases it is violence committed within the tribal community. But all too often it is rape committed by outsiders, a major problem that Amnesty International drew our attention to some years back. Too often the criminal justice system makes it impossible for rapists from outside the tribal community to be brought to justice. From Amnesty International:

"Maze of Injustice: The Failure to Protect Indigenous Women from Sexual Violence in the USA"

A Summary of Amnesty International's Findings  read more »

I have brought up the Pretty Bird Woman House Woman's Shelter on the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation when I discussed the horrific Amnesty International report on the high incidence of rapes of Native American women by outsiders who seldom get procecuted. This shelter's sad story has continued. It was vandalized and is not being sold off. This will leave many women on the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation with no support system. On Daily Kos a fundraiser is being held to raise enough money to buy the property and set it up to be a safe and secure women's shelter again.

I am asking you to help out. I donated $100. Some are donating as much as $500. This is pure, old fashioned good works in keeping with the holiday season.

From Daily Kos:  read more »