So this is very close to my heart. Always has been since I was young. Watching “The English” on Prime yesterday (highly recommend) there is a scene where the main character is trying to explain that the land already belonged to the Natives. The settler was adamant that the land was given to them by God.
Only after finishing school and as a young adult, did I begin to learn the real history of our treatment of the Indigenous peoples of this country. “Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee” had a profound effect on me. I follow some Lakota accounts on Twitter and continue to learn.
Our treatment of the Indigenous peoples of this land should be viewed the same as Hitler’s treatment of those of Jewish faith and slavery. My opinion, but I see little difference. For this, the people of this country, our government, carry a shame that hangs heavy around us.
Yes, I agree with the points listed Steve and believe those actions need to be taken now. No, these actions will not change the past, but maybe it is a way to say we were wrong. America needs to humble itself and admit wrong doing more often. Admitting wrong, is more from God, than taking away someone’s land.
“Let us put our minds together and see what life we can make for our children”.---Sitting Bull
I appreciate your comments Susan. I am Choctaw, and the white man is still trying to take our sovereignty. I don’t know one treaty that was not broken by the United States Government!
I know and I am sorry, Nancy. Wish there were words that could be written or spoken that would change the past, that would change hearts. Thank you for reaching out to me.
Steve in order to accomplish these things we can’t allow the spineless, haters of truth to continue and promote pushing for “pretend history” in schools.
The truth is hard and more often than not very ugly but until you accept the facts there is no way to fight for a better future for all.
Anything less is a fucking fairy tale, ignorance of the facts will be our demise.
I'm not sure what you are referring to as "pretend history". I'm also not so certain of what is this "truth" you claim is hated by someone.
There are at least 10 different biographies of John Adams. The same can be said of nearly all of our founding fathers, and of any of the prominent Native American Chiefs. Can you tell me which of these texts is "truth?" Science has advanced to the point that it recognizes that an object as tiny as an atom can appear different depending upon the point of reference of the sensor. What we call relativity applies to everything bound under natural Physical law. Relativity does not only apply to science experiments, it applies to ourselves.
We each have a unique perspective, and it is obvious that no two people share the identical opinion about most things. We each have a unique perspective from which we view the universe. We are each born at a different time and place, and live entirely different lives from one another. We share our perspectives with others in order to gain information from a number of points of reference. The more trustworthy the source, the better our understanding becomes.
In our childhood days we played the game of telephone, or "Chinese Whispers". In the distant past, oral histories were passed from generation to generation. Some of these histories retained an element of truth, but are largely regarded as myth.
Written word is only a few thousand years old. Massively distributed printed word about 600 years. When you consider that many subjects like the aforementioned biographies have been covered by multiple authors with differing opinions, you may soon learn that much of what we as individuals consider to be "truth" is really only opinion, and many opinions vary wildly. This is especially evident today.
If you were to travel forward in time and look back on today's political literature, you would surely wonder if this Trump fellow was a demon or a saint, when the "truth" actually lies in the eye of the beholder. Our descendants will be the arbiters of whether any of our actions are for the better or worst but even then, theirs will also be opinions, and not necessarily that elusive thing we call "truth".
"In the distant past, oral histories were passed from generation to generation. Some of these histories retained an element of truth, but are largely regarded as myth." Talk to the indigenous today and you will be instructed that oral histories are as valid as any written history of facts, and not myth. The passing down of information of the Flora and Fawna of any given area from one medicine person to another, for example, is/was not myth. This oral tradition of passing stories and information was enough to nurture and evolve the human species in this hemisphere for 10s of thousands of years. This continent alone having over 500 tribes speaking different languages and dialects, but most of all getting along and respecting each other's "right" to a place on "Turtle Island". What you have, GandalfGrey, is what we call a Eurocentric affliction. Wasi' chu/wašin icu sometimes.
The main driver of evolution is climate change. Language may have elevated our existence, but the reality of nature is what gives us life.
You are surely kidding yourself if you think Native Americans had some Idyllic society where everyone got along. Cultures have historically had conflicts at their boundaries and Native Americans were no different.
The possession of the land has always been won by adverse possession. Once it is won, it must be defended. That is nature's way from top to bottom of the web of life. I'm certain Native Americans knew this, at least until recently.
What I said was that the tribes respected each other's "right" to exist. They did not try to wipe out or annihilate the other tribe, which is what western "civilization" has done; whoever ends up on top, annihilates/exterminate those ending up on the bottom. This is a lack of respect for life, generally. As some tribes grew larger, others were absorbed or moved on to more open lands. That was reality. There was no mass murder or annihilation of other tribes and cultures. This "That is nature's way" that you state, is, like i said, a Eurocentric way of perceiving reality, and is/was not how the indigenous of any nation thought or thinks to this day. Tribes respected life, ALL life, whereas Western "Civilization" only respected life if that life went along with their believe system, religious, governmental, economic, or otherwise. And if you didn't "believe", you got the shit bombed out of you, and your women, children, and elders were/are murdered and raped. The Crow and the Sioux historically in the past didn't get along, and it was the Crow who joined with Custer, against the Sioux, Norther Cheyenne and Arapahoe, but the Sioux et al NEVER thought that the Crow shouldn't exist as a Nation of People.
Thanks Mary, you put into words thoughts and opinions that most indigenous people live by without even thinking about it. It is a natural comprehension of life.
There are victors and victims in nature. Surely no one wants to be the victim, but it's up to each of us to defend ourselves and our homeland. Native Americans were surely the victims of waves of Europeans carrying advanced technology. Many nations recognized this new frontier and attempted to claim parts of it. It was inevitable once the new world was discovered. Most of the Native American tribes do still exist, and have reservations established for their benefit.
You may rightly say that the advance of modern civilization into the Americas was inconsiderate of Native Americans, but I'm not so sure that you can assume that anyone had genocide in mind. In a typical war over territory, even in other creatures, the victor gains dominance over the victims. The victims either become subservient or die defending their turf. Subservience is difficult for anyone, but it always allows for the possibility to adapt to the new culture, to thrive, and perhaps even grow wealthy.
As a former soldier I've sometimes thought about those ordinary Joe's serving on the front lines of the Indian Wars out west. One truth I know is that the military is about following orders and the chain of command. How many of those Cav Scouts, Infantryman, etc, understood the evilness the mission endeavoured or even questioned the strategy? Will history look back upon our peers who slashed and burned their way across Vietnam or as in my own case, stepped off into Afghanistan in search of terrorism?
What happened was wrong. Period. I"ll withhold judgement for the everyday soldier following lawful orders for those in power who are exceptionally responsible and nearly always found blameless. Loved the history lesson Steve, thanks!
Surprisingly, it was a black unit of soldiers from the Union Army, as the close of the Civil War was just a year or so before, that was called in to set up the first ever Gatlin gun on the hill overlooking the encampment under a white flag of women, children, and elders at Wounded Knee. The Buffalo Soldier is what the Natives called them. There is great pride among black soldiers today for those first companies of black soldiers post-Civil War, so it has been a difficult thing for those African Americans descendants to give up those medals of "honor". Those might have been "lawful" orders as you say, but those lawful orders went against the laws of nature that say human beings don't partake in atrocities against the vulnerable.
Splendid and true. Thank you Steve. I live in Indian Country, in a city surrounded by 19 Pueblos and a big part of the Navajo Nation.
European settlers (especially the Spanish) have much to answer for, (including mass crucifixions and chopping off one foot of every male in the tribe, to make fighting impossible.)
It's high time to honor our treaties, investigate the mass disappearances of women on our Reservations, and see more representation of Original Americans in our branches of government.
We are very proud of our Deb Haaland, the first Native American to be Secretary of the Interior. Well done, President Biden... every journey begins with a single step, and that appointment was a step in the right direction. Keep 'em coming! And let's do everything Steve laid out in this moving essay.
Agreed, but I humbly submit that those of us living in the Americas today ALL live in the unceded lands of the Indigenous peoples who were here before the white man came. We all live in “Indian Country”.
Most of us who didn’t grow up in the Southwest were not aware of the vicious atrocities visited on our Indigenous Peoples by the Spanish who arrived here and settled here, and created hypocritical “missions”before the British, Dutch, and French gathered along the Eastern seaboard.
Its a lengthy, gruesome, and tragic story.
At the time the nascent east coast colonies were the only place that “mattered”. But its important to know ALL our land’s history to figure out where we are in these contemporary times.
Absolutely! Though I should add that it's not like those of us who grew up in the South -- even in a University town like Chapel Hill, NC -- were taught a single fact about slavery, other than that "there was slavery in the South, but it ended 100 years ago." The End.
Wow. Didnt realize that. I was educated in NYC and we did learn about slavery. But we never learned that the European Spaniards settled everything from Florida, thru TX, NM, Az, & CA long before other Euros stole the East Coast.
I always enjoyed reading James Michner. Each book was a history lesson disguised as a novel. Each book revealed uncomfortable facts, at least from my point of view.
We now have a movement afoot 1619 that wants to teach uncomfortable facts but is being targeted as “traitorous “ by a segment of Americans who feel it is ok for a President to yell “fire” in a crowded theater.
Their are white men” Christian Nationalists” who are still pushing people on to or off off reservations claiming to be “Holy Warriors” Mike Flynn and his revival tour.
I remember learning "history" in school (in quotes because we learn so little of real history), and one of the very few non-white historical figures I learned about was Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce nation, and how he surrendered to US troops after nearly escaping the US into Canada. This sentence from his speech still brings tears to my eyes: "From where the sun now stands, I will fight no more forever."
In an almost cruel twist of irony, the non-Anglicized name of the Nez Perce people is Nimiipuu, which means "We The People." The fact that this also comprises the beginning of the preamble to the Constitution speaks directly to the dignity and sovereignty we have stolen from indigenous peoples in order to establish the country we know as America. As Steve has written, if we don't acknowledge these parts of our past, we cannot move on.
"We The People" must include ALL the people, or else it is just another empty platitude.
WOW! Nimiipuu -- "We the People"! Absolutely mind-blowing! You must be much younger than me (almost 70), because we never learned a single thing about the First People. We only learned about the "courage" of Christopher Columbus. How sick is that.
Andrea, EVERY named tribe when said in their language means "The People". The bear is the bear; the elk, the elk; the wolf the wolf; and the human, the people.
Thank you, Steve, "Humility will be required to listen. Listening will be required to hear, and hearing will be required to obtain wisdom." May we listen deeply. May we keep our promises to the indigenous people.
We weren't here when the treaties were signed with the indigenous people so understanding our thinking then is not really possible. But, we are here now and those treaties are still valid. Today we adhere to treaties we sign. Was Tyler a traitor? I'm not so sure. At that time, there seemed to be more loyalty to one's state rather than the United States. Through today's eyes of course his actions would label him a traitor. Thanks for the history review, I had forgotten much of this. Those citizens who are seemingly calling for a cleansing of our history do their children and children to come much harm in stealing their past. Let's try not to let that happen.
"a cleansing of our history" -- you are so right. It's been untold for centuries. I learned in my 8th grade American History class that slavery used to exist, but it's ended 100 years ago. Next topic.
This is so powerful. I must admit, the honesty shocked me. One point not addressed us reparations for those who were ripped from a foreign continent, enslaved for free labor, and denied the opportunity after freed, equal access to success by government sanction actions.
YES! It is mind-blowing to me that reparations have NOT been made to the descendants of slaves, and that it is even a controversial idea -- let alone an idea that causes most white people to foam at the mouth.
(Optimus Prime is constantly, if not always, depicted as having strong moral character, excellent leadership, and sound decision-making skills, and possesses brilliant military tactics, powerful martial arts, and advanced extraterrestrial weaponry.)
I do enjoy your motivational writing. It requires a humble reflection of our moral character.
Thank you for a well needed history lesson. We as Americans have much to be proud of and still more to feel shame. However, I believe we have learned many lessons from those mistakes that formed our laws and our military justice system. I am not saying we have become a perfect nation but rather a more just nation. There is still things in our past that need to be rectified but the law and its processes moves painfully slow. Our history is thankfully still being written because it gives us time to right the wrongs of our past. Reflection is always needed to move forward so the same mistakes are not repeated.
I pray that we may live up to the ideal of a more perfect union our forefathers envisioned. I believe their cause is still our cause today, to live free and not bow to any King or tyrant. I further pray that no one person shall rule over us ever again.
Thank you, Patrick. Along with reflection and listening, I'd add humility to the list. And I find it so interesting that the source of the great religions all stress love and humility. Unfortunately, many who now lead the Christian Nationalist movement have forgotten these important components. I am a woman of deep faith (I'd call myself Christian-plus, follower of Christ's teachings, but acknowledge the great breadth of God). One of my Board members is Muslim. He and I have more in common regarding faith than I do with many who call themselves Christians. The deep spiritual focus of this land's Indigenous heritage is powerful. I'd forgotten that the move west by politicians and the military was postured as ordained by God. A God made in man's image, rather than man made in God's image. Sad commentary on humanity.
I think this is one of the most perfect things you have ever said. "Strength will be required to forge reconciliation. Weakness will be required to sustain more fighting. Humility will be required to listen. Listening will be required to hear, and hearing will be required to obtain wisdom. It's sad to think of the soldiers in the "Indian wars" who were really just following orders. Should orders not be followed if one thinks they are dangerous or just morally wrong??? I believe so. So the small person follows orders and we suffer the consequences. Thanks again Steve for a wonderful essay.
This is one of your best posts yet. I have long felt the same way, especially about our treatment of Native Americans. We have a long way to go to escape our violent past.
James Michener was a wonderful author. His novels were filled with well researched history. Google him and his list of history/novels. He will be well worth your time.
So this is very close to my heart. Always has been since I was young. Watching “The English” on Prime yesterday (highly recommend) there is a scene where the main character is trying to explain that the land already belonged to the Natives. The settler was adamant that the land was given to them by God.
Only after finishing school and as a young adult, did I begin to learn the real history of our treatment of the Indigenous peoples of this country. “Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee” had a profound effect on me. I follow some Lakota accounts on Twitter and continue to learn.
Our treatment of the Indigenous peoples of this land should be viewed the same as Hitler’s treatment of those of Jewish faith and slavery. My opinion, but I see little difference. For this, the people of this country, our government, carry a shame that hangs heavy around us.
Yes, I agree with the points listed Steve and believe those actions need to be taken now. No, these actions will not change the past, but maybe it is a way to say we were wrong. America needs to humble itself and admit wrong doing more often. Admitting wrong, is more from God, than taking away someone’s land.
“Let us put our minds together and see what life we can make for our children”.---Sitting Bull
Totally agree. Thank you.
I appreciate your comments Susan. I am Choctaw, and the white man is still trying to take our sovereignty. I don’t know one treaty that was not broken by the United States Government!
I know and I am sorry, Nancy. Wish there were words that could be written or spoken that would change the past, that would change hearts. Thank you for reaching out to me.
Steve in order to accomplish these things we can’t allow the spineless, haters of truth to continue and promote pushing for “pretend history” in schools.
The truth is hard and more often than not very ugly but until you accept the facts there is no way to fight for a better future for all.
Anything less is a fucking fairy tale, ignorance of the facts will be our demise.
I'm not sure what you are referring to as "pretend history". I'm also not so certain of what is this "truth" you claim is hated by someone.
There are at least 10 different biographies of John Adams. The same can be said of nearly all of our founding fathers, and of any of the prominent Native American Chiefs. Can you tell me which of these texts is "truth?" Science has advanced to the point that it recognizes that an object as tiny as an atom can appear different depending upon the point of reference of the sensor. What we call relativity applies to everything bound under natural Physical law. Relativity does not only apply to science experiments, it applies to ourselves.
We each have a unique perspective, and it is obvious that no two people share the identical opinion about most things. We each have a unique perspective from which we view the universe. We are each born at a different time and place, and live entirely different lives from one another. We share our perspectives with others in order to gain information from a number of points of reference. The more trustworthy the source, the better our understanding becomes.
In our childhood days we played the game of telephone, or "Chinese Whispers". In the distant past, oral histories were passed from generation to generation. Some of these histories retained an element of truth, but are largely regarded as myth.
Written word is only a few thousand years old. Massively distributed printed word about 600 years. When you consider that many subjects like the aforementioned biographies have been covered by multiple authors with differing opinions, you may soon learn that much of what we as individuals consider to be "truth" is really only opinion, and many opinions vary wildly. This is especially evident today.
If you were to travel forward in time and look back on today's political literature, you would surely wonder if this Trump fellow was a demon or a saint, when the "truth" actually lies in the eye of the beholder. Our descendants will be the arbiters of whether any of our actions are for the better or worst but even then, theirs will also be opinions, and not necessarily that elusive thing we call "truth".
"In the distant past, oral histories were passed from generation to generation. Some of these histories retained an element of truth, but are largely regarded as myth." Talk to the indigenous today and you will be instructed that oral histories are as valid as any written history of facts, and not myth. The passing down of information of the Flora and Fawna of any given area from one medicine person to another, for example, is/was not myth. This oral tradition of passing stories and information was enough to nurture and evolve the human species in this hemisphere for 10s of thousands of years. This continent alone having over 500 tribes speaking different languages and dialects, but most of all getting along and respecting each other's "right" to a place on "Turtle Island". What you have, GandalfGrey, is what we call a Eurocentric affliction. Wasi' chu/wašin icu sometimes.
The main driver of evolution is climate change. Language may have elevated our existence, but the reality of nature is what gives us life.
You are surely kidding yourself if you think Native Americans had some Idyllic society where everyone got along. Cultures have historically had conflicts at their boundaries and Native Americans were no different.
The possession of the land has always been won by adverse possession. Once it is won, it must be defended. That is nature's way from top to bottom of the web of life. I'm certain Native Americans knew this, at least until recently.
What I said was that the tribes respected each other's "right" to exist. They did not try to wipe out or annihilate the other tribe, which is what western "civilization" has done; whoever ends up on top, annihilates/exterminate those ending up on the bottom. This is a lack of respect for life, generally. As some tribes grew larger, others were absorbed or moved on to more open lands. That was reality. There was no mass murder or annihilation of other tribes and cultures. This "That is nature's way" that you state, is, like i said, a Eurocentric way of perceiving reality, and is/was not how the indigenous of any nation thought or thinks to this day. Tribes respected life, ALL life, whereas Western "Civilization" only respected life if that life went along with their believe system, religious, governmental, economic, or otherwise. And if you didn't "believe", you got the shit bombed out of you, and your women, children, and elders were/are murdered and raped. The Crow and the Sioux historically in the past didn't get along, and it was the Crow who joined with Custer, against the Sioux, Norther Cheyenne and Arapahoe, but the Sioux et al NEVER thought that the Crow shouldn't exist as a Nation of People.
Thanks Mary, you put into words thoughts and opinions that most indigenous people live by without even thinking about it. It is a natural comprehension of life.
There are victors and victims in nature. Surely no one wants to be the victim, but it's up to each of us to defend ourselves and our homeland. Native Americans were surely the victims of waves of Europeans carrying advanced technology. Many nations recognized this new frontier and attempted to claim parts of it. It was inevitable once the new world was discovered. Most of the Native American tribes do still exist, and have reservations established for their benefit.
You may rightly say that the advance of modern civilization into the Americas was inconsiderate of Native Americans, but I'm not so sure that you can assume that anyone had genocide in mind. In a typical war over territory, even in other creatures, the victor gains dominance over the victims. The victims either become subservient or die defending their turf. Subservience is difficult for anyone, but it always allows for the possibility to adapt to the new culture, to thrive, and perhaps even grow wealthy.
https://www.investopedia.com/7-native-american-entrepreneurs-you-should-know-5205052#:~:text=One%20of%20the%20wealthiest%20Native,vast%20chain%20of%20convenience%20stores.&text=The%20founder%20of%20the%20Famous,both%20Choctaw%20and%20Chippewa%20heritage.
Enjoy your time in nowhere, troubled by nothing.
As a former soldier I've sometimes thought about those ordinary Joe's serving on the front lines of the Indian Wars out west. One truth I know is that the military is about following orders and the chain of command. How many of those Cav Scouts, Infantryman, etc, understood the evilness the mission endeavoured or even questioned the strategy? Will history look back upon our peers who slashed and burned their way across Vietnam or as in my own case, stepped off into Afghanistan in search of terrorism?
What happened was wrong. Period. I"ll withhold judgement for the everyday soldier following lawful orders for those in power who are exceptionally responsible and nearly always found blameless. Loved the history lesson Steve, thanks!
Surprisingly, it was a black unit of soldiers from the Union Army, as the close of the Civil War was just a year or so before, that was called in to set up the first ever Gatlin gun on the hill overlooking the encampment under a white flag of women, children, and elders at Wounded Knee. The Buffalo Soldier is what the Natives called them. There is great pride among black soldiers today for those first companies of black soldiers post-Civil War, so it has been a difficult thing for those African Americans descendants to give up those medals of "honor". Those might have been "lawful" orders as you say, but those lawful orders went against the laws of nature that say human beings don't partake in atrocities against the vulnerable.
Splendid and true. Thank you Steve. I live in Indian Country, in a city surrounded by 19 Pueblos and a big part of the Navajo Nation.
European settlers (especially the Spanish) have much to answer for, (including mass crucifixions and chopping off one foot of every male in the tribe, to make fighting impossible.)
It's high time to honor our treaties, investigate the mass disappearances of women on our Reservations, and see more representation of Original Americans in our branches of government.
We are very proud of our Deb Haaland, the first Native American to be Secretary of the Interior. Well done, President Biden... every journey begins with a single step, and that appointment was a step in the right direction. Keep 'em coming! And let's do everything Steve laid out in this moving essay.
Agreed, but I humbly submit that those of us living in the Americas today ALL live in the unceded lands of the Indigenous peoples who were here before the white man came. We all live in “Indian Country”.
OMG! I never know that the Spanish tortured and mutilated the First People. Horrifying! (I guess that's one way to convert people to your religion.)
Most of us who didn’t grow up in the Southwest were not aware of the vicious atrocities visited on our Indigenous Peoples by the Spanish who arrived here and settled here, and created hypocritical “missions”before the British, Dutch, and French gathered along the Eastern seaboard.
Its a lengthy, gruesome, and tragic story.
At the time the nascent east coast colonies were the only place that “mattered”. But its important to know ALL our land’s history to figure out where we are in these contemporary times.
Because all of history informs today.
Absolutely! Though I should add that it's not like those of us who grew up in the South -- even in a University town like Chapel Hill, NC -- were taught a single fact about slavery, other than that "there was slavery in the South, but it ended 100 years ago." The End.
Wow. Didnt realize that. I was educated in NYC and we did learn about slavery. But we never learned that the European Spaniards settled everything from Florida, thru TX, NM, Az, & CA long before other Euros stole the East Coast.
I'm almost 70. Are you younger, and therefore raised in a more enlightened generation? Or is the difference North v. South?
I don’t know. Im 73... maybe N v S.
But I’ll bet it really is the diff between states that fought for the union, and those that fought to keep slavery.
Study the Missions history along the California coast and you will be truly horrified.
Oh, dear Lord. I will, but on an empty stomach.
And that was what it was all about conversion to the one God. Even though those natives were more Christian in there actions than the priests.
I always enjoyed reading James Michner. Each book was a history lesson disguised as a novel. Each book revealed uncomfortable facts, at least from my point of view.
We now have a movement afoot 1619 that wants to teach uncomfortable facts but is being targeted as “traitorous “ by a segment of Americans who feel it is ok for a President to yell “fire” in a crowded theater.
Their are white men” Christian Nationalists” who are still pushing people on to or off off reservations claiming to be “Holy Warriors” Mike Flynn and his revival tour.
You are right, we are a violent people.
I remember learning "history" in school (in quotes because we learn so little of real history), and one of the very few non-white historical figures I learned about was Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce nation, and how he surrendered to US troops after nearly escaping the US into Canada. This sentence from his speech still brings tears to my eyes: "From where the sun now stands, I will fight no more forever."
In an almost cruel twist of irony, the non-Anglicized name of the Nez Perce people is Nimiipuu, which means "We The People." The fact that this also comprises the beginning of the preamble to the Constitution speaks directly to the dignity and sovereignty we have stolen from indigenous peoples in order to establish the country we know as America. As Steve has written, if we don't acknowledge these parts of our past, we cannot move on.
"We The People" must include ALL the people, or else it is just another empty platitude.
WOW! Nimiipuu -- "We the People"! Absolutely mind-blowing! You must be much younger than me (almost 70), because we never learned a single thing about the First People. We only learned about the "courage" of Christopher Columbus. How sick is that.
Pretty sick, CRT way back then. So sad!
RIGHT ON!! Thanks.
Andrea, EVERY named tribe when said in their language means "The People". The bear is the bear; the elk, the elk; the wolf the wolf; and the human, the people.
Yes, I'm aware. Is the point I'm trying to make invalid?
Thank you, Steve, "Humility will be required to listen. Listening will be required to hear, and hearing will be required to obtain wisdom." May we listen deeply. May we keep our promises to the indigenous people.
I agree we need to follow through with the commitments on the Treaties with the Native Americans (the few commitments we are still able to accomplish)
We weren't here when the treaties were signed with the indigenous people so understanding our thinking then is not really possible. But, we are here now and those treaties are still valid. Today we adhere to treaties we sign. Was Tyler a traitor? I'm not so sure. At that time, there seemed to be more loyalty to one's state rather than the United States. Through today's eyes of course his actions would label him a traitor. Thanks for the history review, I had forgotten much of this. Those citizens who are seemingly calling for a cleansing of our history do their children and children to come much harm in stealing their past. Let's try not to let that happen.
"a cleansing of our history" -- you are so right. It's been untold for centuries. I learned in my 8th grade American History class that slavery used to exist, but it's ended 100 years ago. Next topic.
Yikes, kdsherpa!
“Stealing the Past”
👍🏼
It is a real pleasure to read your profound and relevant commentary, daily.
This is so powerful. I must admit, the honesty shocked me. One point not addressed us reparations for those who were ripped from a foreign continent, enslaved for free labor, and denied the opportunity after freed, equal access to success by government sanction actions.
YES! It is mind-blowing to me that reparations have NOT been made to the descendants of slaves, and that it is even a controversial idea -- let alone an idea that causes most white people to foam at the mouth.
I shall dub thee: Optimist Prime
(Optimus Prime is constantly, if not always, depicted as having strong moral character, excellent leadership, and sound decision-making skills, and possesses brilliant military tactics, powerful martial arts, and advanced extraterrestrial weaponry.)
I do enjoy your motivational writing. It requires a humble reflection of our moral character.
I like that... "optimist" prime. 👍🏽 good one.
Thank you for a well needed history lesson. We as Americans have much to be proud of and still more to feel shame. However, I believe we have learned many lessons from those mistakes that formed our laws and our military justice system. I am not saying we have become a perfect nation but rather a more just nation. There is still things in our past that need to be rectified but the law and its processes moves painfully slow. Our history is thankfully still being written because it gives us time to right the wrongs of our past. Reflection is always needed to move forward so the same mistakes are not repeated.
I pray that we may live up to the ideal of a more perfect union our forefathers envisioned. I believe their cause is still our cause today, to live free and not bow to any King or tyrant. I further pray that no one person shall rule over us ever again.
Thank you, Patrick. Along with reflection and listening, I'd add humility to the list. And I find it so interesting that the source of the great religions all stress love and humility. Unfortunately, many who now lead the Christian Nationalist movement have forgotten these important components. I am a woman of deep faith (I'd call myself Christian-plus, follower of Christ's teachings, but acknowledge the great breadth of God). One of my Board members is Muslim. He and I have more in common regarding faith than I do with many who call themselves Christians. The deep spiritual focus of this land's Indigenous heritage is powerful. I'd forgotten that the move west by politicians and the military was postured as ordained by God. A God made in man's image, rather than man made in God's image. Sad commentary on humanity.
I think this is one of the most perfect things you have ever said. "Strength will be required to forge reconciliation. Weakness will be required to sustain more fighting. Humility will be required to listen. Listening will be required to hear, and hearing will be required to obtain wisdom. It's sad to think of the soldiers in the "Indian wars" who were really just following orders. Should orders not be followed if one thinks they are dangerous or just morally wrong??? I believe so. So the small person follows orders and we suffer the consequences. Thanks again Steve for a wonderful essay.
This is one of your best posts yet. I have long felt the same way, especially about our treatment of Native Americans. We have a long way to go to escape our violent past.
Excellent writing again. Now I want to read a book of American history written by you. I was glued to every word. Thank you.
James Michener was a wonderful author. His novels were filled with well researched history. Google him and his list of history/novels. He will be well worth your time.
Thank you. I will definitely do that.