Adding To The Ruckus!
Tradition, Responsibility, Our Future
BJ McManama
As urban American Indians and along with our work for The People, most of our efforts are concentrated on offering education and awareness for non-Indians about the continued genocide of indigenous populations, in the US and around the world.
Frequently we are asked about our culture(s) in regard to our traditions. People seem more interested in the mystical or ceremonial aspects in hopes they will find answers for their own confusion and lack of direction in their lives, than they do present reality. Most only want to know the “good parts” of being “Indian.” They love our regalia, music, the sage and sweet grass, but when it comes to the more difficult issues of responsibility and honor they shrink away mumbling to themselves.
I will admit it must be difficult for those seeking peace and tranquility to wrap their brains around the fact there is very little of either for today’s American Indian people. But the truth remains, from the reservations, to large urban centers and rural America, First Nations* people are suffering the effects, emotionally and physically from poverty, substance and family abuse, and for others from the bleak visions of the future given our present course. * (“First Nations” being used as a description for those nations of people who called North, Central, and South America home before the European colonists arrived, not to be confused with modern Canadian distinction of indigenous heritage/sovereignty.)
From the refusal by the US government to account for Indian Trust monies [1], to the unjustified invasion of another country, to the all out war on our environment by the corporate right-wing and their shameless, illegally placed, president, we are concerned with all policies which have brought more poverty, more death, and suffering by our present administration. The impacts are far-reaching and millions of people are falling victim to unchecked greed and ego.
Therefore, let me attempt to give another perspective for those seeking, and not finding the answers expected – one that has to do with today and as we’ve been taught by our ancestors to adapt in order to find a better way for the continuance of our race.
The question of tradition would be answered by some as recognizing our individual responsibility to participate for the good of The People. However, to understand the power and the reality of “tradition” one has to fully understand that those who were indigenous to the land understood much more than we do today about the environments they lived in. They used their knowledge and connectedness, to not only survive, but to thrive and participate in caring and nurturing relationships on personal, as well as, national levels. [2]
The governments, confederacies, brotherhoods, clans, etc., as we describe them in our modern language, created intricate and sincere “laws” that took the People generations to perfect. For these cultures to have existed for thousands of years and to be successful, every member of the group was committed to the “rules” that were proven to provide the continuance of the People. These tenets of life were accepted and mostly unspoken but followed with complete understanding. [2]
Not all were successful, our ancient teachings tell of past mistakes and these stories help us to avoid these situations in future generations. This is not exclusive to First Nations – human frailty is at the very core of our collective world mythology.
To understand tradition, one also has to understand that
First Nations people accepted and embraced the realities of Natural Law.
Natural law was the common thread among the People and was based on, and acted
upon the fact humans are just one more part in a much greater system, commonly
referred to as Creation. The animals, trees, water, air, sun, moon, etc., all
are necessary for humans to continue to exist. Cycles of life were celebrated
and not challenged by the hubris of man. This collective knowledge was and
still is the basis for tradition. [3]
Another principle of tradition, that applies as much today as it did before colonial-rule, is participation. Participation in the cultivation or gathering of the elements needed to feed, clothe and house the People, to the choosing of those who helped to keep order locally, as well as, in the council houses of great confederacies. It was unthinkable for someone to not give their share in debate or practice.
Our ancestors knew that for all to be successful – for individuals to prosper – it was the responsibility of everyone to make decisions based on the good of all
In this year’s presidential election, the American Indian vote, is being courted by both major political parties due in part by their influence in the so-called swing states. Two of those states are New Mexico and Arizona, where just a few hundred votes decided the outcome of the last election. Great effort is being taken to mobilize and convince the people of those First Nations to cast their vote. [4] [5] [6]
The record of the incumbent administration is riddled with little compassion, nor honesty, in dealing with everything from the war on terror to housing for Indian Nations. [7] So many in Indian Country, are directing much of their attention to the challenger. Kerry has met and talked with tribal leaders and has acknowledged the problems faced by some of the poorest communities on this continent and has promised to include native representatives in many government agencies and one placed on his staff, and present in the White House when elected. [8]
We all know politicians and their promises. Election years are filled with platforms that espouse to health care for all, equal rights, and living the “American Dream” that rarely materialize after the votes are counted. It’s difficult to have too much faith in the “system” when we see our collective civil and human rights becoming null and void right before our eyes.
Over the more than 500 years since Columbus/Colon (the Spanish/Italian, mercenary, terrorist, slave trader) stumbled upon the islands of Central America, the indigenous people of North, Central, and South America have been in the crosshairs of those who have and continue to exploit the land, water, air, and People. From the Spanish gold hunters to the religious outlaws/fanatics of Europe proper, almost all have stopped at nothing to take anything and everything they deemed valuable. Fur, gold, fish, and forests – all and more are worth killing for by the commodity brokers and thieves of the last few centuries. Now, we are facing a coalition of republican empire-builders who have been planning world domination and colonialism like the world has never seen. [9]
Most of the exploitation
and destruction is being perpetrated by a small minority of people who have
maneuvered over the last century into being those of privilege and entitlement
backed by wealth created from the hardships and suffering of millions of
people. They twist and convolute the truth to such a degree that almost anyone
interested in participation has to be a lawyer or scholar to understand the
innuendos and double-speak designed to manipulate the masses. Coupled with the
power money has in Washington and the collective apathy of a great majority of
people, borne of mass communications’ ability to deceive, millions of people
are now facing grave consequences.
In spite of some of our individual, momentary, urges to just let it all fall apart and then start from scratch – many people from all walks of life continue to fight for our collective futures. We even fight for the lives of those who oppose us but now, the dedicated few who have fought for environmental, human, and civil rights do not wield enough strength to hold the spoilers back – to continue to work for positive change more “Participation” by “The People” is needed.
This pending election is, without a doubt, one of the most important in our lifetimes. It seems to most this may be our last-best opportunity to take back a bit of what is ours as The People – which is Choice.
It is our right of choice to maintain clean water sources – to choose clean air over industrial pollution killing Mother’s children – to choose to dedicate time and energy to our communities and to ensure that no child or elder goes to bed cold or sick, or hungry. This is what we as “The People” have to do – to make a commitment to act within our power to effect change. Tradition IS to work toward the collective good. Tradition IS to choose to vote for the people who have our collective best interest as their goals. From local to state to federal – government is the People’s responsibility.
The present round of elections for a new (hopefully) President and Vice President has been building since the last election or theft thereof. The blatant disregard, beginning with the Supreme Court’s ruling in favor of George W., against the majority of voters has brought people to a point where many more than before are speaking out publicly. Books, movies, op-eds, television and radio constantly offer the general public a very frightening picture of the influence of corporate greed. And this is good – knowledge is power – as long as the People are listening and considering and participating.
The Bush reelection committee has heard the rumblings of “regime change” from liberals and conservatives alike. So, the far-right wing of the Republican National Committee and supporters began to attack anyone and everyone running from the very first primary.
However, the only arguments they can present are empty accusations designed to confuse the already befuddled masses. Their economic policies have failed miserably – they tried to tell us they “inherited” a bad economy. The truth is, we had a governmental budget surplus – we had the lowest unemployment rate ever – we were involved with NATO in keeping the peace in several areas and we had Saddam fenced in [11] – and there seemed to be progress between Israel and Palestine.
John Kerry is under attack because he spoke out about the atrocities and politics of war and he was branded by the empire-builders as being anti-American. His testimony before Congress after his service in Viet Nam was just one more voice of dissent and a brave step to show how he and a majority of U.S. citizenry felt about a war that took over 58,000 of our warriors – and for what end? (www.c-span.org/2004vote/jkerrytestimony.asp )
Our soldiers are suffering and dying once again, this time in a war for oil – a war for money – a war to show the world we are powerful and designed to send a message to the world that you’d better work with us – hand over your oil, give us your natural resources, and the very soul’s of your people, or we’ll invade your country too!
War is ugly, and war has negative consequences far beyond the imagination of most people, especially in our fantasy world of instant gratification. War is not glorious, nor does it initially or overwhelmingly bring peace and prosperity to any people.
Those who are chosen or choose to serve The People in the uniform of their country are asked to experience atrocities and a gruesome reality most humans, at least in our country, have no knowledge of. Movies, no matter how graphic don’t substitute for personal experience. It is truly a sacrifice to serve – to endure the blood and destruction – the weather – and the acts of extreme violence. It is also an honorable sacrifice when true defense of life, and liberty are at stake. Soldiers don’t start the wars, politicians do. We humbly give our thanks to those who make these sacrifices by honoring the commitment of their oaths.
We should applaud and support those warriors who are willing to stand up and tell the world the truth – and who will use force only when all other options are exhausted. It is also our responsibility as The People to choose those we can be sure have the experience and commitment necessary to NEVER ask those in our military to experience these things unless there are no other alternatives!
Kerry’s senate voting history is a matter of public record and if one is willing to look at the votes for and against a plethora of issues over the 19 years of service in the Senate they will find someone committed to doing the best job possible given knowledge and circumstances at the time of each vote.
Always remember, when we are deciding whether a vote for or against legislation or appropriations is in the best interest of the People, we also have to look at what was/is really at issue. Yes, Kerry voted to take action against Saddam, most of our representatives did because they were given the same false information as ‘we the people’. Most also believed all other options would be considered before major combat. However, we see now that was never the objective – it was to wage war against Iraq at all cost [9] – and those costs are being paid by innocent men, women and children.
I’ve heard critics of Kerry charge he voted against the last military spending bill, so he must be against a strong and safe United States. The bill in question also had millions of dollars of questionable spending and the senators that voted against it were opposed to those extras as well as the tax cuts for the wealthiest 1% of taxpayers.
If you really want to know who is “for or against” the military, one only has to look at what the present administration has cut in regard to military benefits, especially for veterans and reservists. When comparing records we see without a doubt who is really ‘supporting’ our soldiers.
What we have to remember, always, is it’s not just the President we are voting for. We are also looking to someone who will choose staff and advisors who are also willing to be public “servants” and who are responsible, open, and not driven by huge egos and ignore reality and shove blatantly self-serving laws and legislation down our throats.
Kerry/Edwards is not the end all – they will only be able to serve The People unless The People stay involved and aware and commit to their individual responsibilities’. However, I do fully believe they will listen – they will not consider millions of people a “focus group!”
Our founding fathers framed the documents of government almost exclusively from the Haudenasaunee (Iroquois) Great Law of Peace. This was a confederacy of nations that for countless centuries lived with and perfected the ways of democracy for their people. The tradition we all want to return to is the tradition of equality and prosperity for all – accomplished by our individual recognition of responsibility toward shared goals. [2]
The system adopted by the United States, has been compromised and tainted by those wishing to bend and extract meaning that was never intended for individual, ego/greed driven agendas. The founding fathers copied words only – with little working knowledge of the commitments of each and every person within the original nations. From that twisted interpretation of democracy to the present day we are witness to hubris at its most destructive form.
This administration has also alienated almost every nation on our small blue planet in some way or another. Today, at this moment in time, we don’t have the luxury of telling the rest of the world we will “go it alone”!
In addition (and this
one’s personal because my son was serving in Iraq at the time!); NO ONE who is
NOT STANDING on the BATTLEFIELD has the right to tell anyone to “Bring it on!”.
What an utter coward we have as our supposed leader! In essence, this man stood
behind the power of our loyal warriors and challenged those on the opposing
side to fire – and guess what – they took that challenge and now the U.S. death
toll in Iraq is close to a thousand. This is the kind of outright disrespect,
for the lives of the soldiers he commands, the rest of the world sees. At the
same time they hide the flag-draped caskets of the ones that gave their life
for their OIL! Shame on them for hiding the real cost of this war for their own
gain! We can only hope they don’t believe this is our collective mindset
because we really do have to rely on many people worldwide to try to reverse
some of the anti-US sentiment, IF we get the chance after 2 November.
In closing, each First Nation had their own way of communicating and participating in the world around them. To deepen and collectively connect to their Creator, environment, and the People of their Nations. They realized the tradition of participation was necessary for the race of humans to continue. [10]
Each in their own way they held true the knowledge of life, death, and continuance in the context of Natural Law. They knew without a shadow of a doubt that greed and ego had brought nations to ruin and they confirmed these truths regularly with ceremonies and ritual designed to remind the people of their responsibilities and their place in the grand scheme of things.
For far too long we have separated ourselves from Natural Law and given power to greed and ego driven individuals. It’s time to take back our traditions and our self-respect and participate for the good of ALL.
Be Safe and Well in the Struggle
Copyright 2004 American Indian Movement – Asheville (AIMAsheville). All Rights Reserved.
References:
[1] Indian Trust: Cobell v. Norton
[2] Morgan, Lewis Henry.
“League of the Iroquois, A Classic Study of an American Indian Tribe With The
Original Illustrations” Introduction by William N. Fenton. Citadel Press Book.
Carol Publishing Company 1962, 1990, 1996. ISBN 0-8065-0917-1
[3] Deloria, Vine, Jr.
1994.”God Is Red – A Native View Of Religion” Fulcrum Publishing. Golden
Colorado. ISBN 1-55591-176-5
[4] "Kerry seeks Indian votes"
<http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/0808kerryindian08.html>
[5] "Not all Dem hopefuls in state will get Native
American vote"
<http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/0808kerrynatives08.html>
[6] Kerry White House will
'respect' sovereignty
http://64.62.196.98/News/2004/003734.asp
[7] "Bush praises federal housing program for Indians
but plans cuts"
<http://www.daily-times.com/artman/publish/article_13362.shtml<http://wwwdaily-times.com/artman/publish/article_13362.shtml>>
[8] COLUMNIST DORREEN YELLOW BIRD: Politicians show a sad
ignorance about Indians
http://www.grandforks.com/mld/grandforks/news/columnists/dorreen_yellow_bird/9425389.htm
[9] "Rebuilding America's Defenses" – A
Summary
Blueprint of the PNAC Plan for U.S. Global Hegemony Some people have
compared it to Hitler's publication of Mein Kampf, which was ignored until
after the war was over http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article3249.htm
[10] Hirschfelder, Arlene
and Martha Kreipe de Montano. 1993. “The Native American Almanac – A Portrait
Of Native America Today” Prentice Hall. New York, NY. ISBN 0-671-85012-1
[11] Retiring GOP Congressman: War in Iraq Not Justifiedhttp://www.truthout.org/docs_04/081904V.shtml
Other references for further understanding… and please don’t stop here… there are many more!
New
anti-terrorism bill makes face paint and masks criminal offenses in public
forums Civil rights and media latest
casualties of our times http://www.truthout.org/docs_01/11.27E.anti.terrorism.htm
"Politicians reminded of diversity
of people and interests in the U.S."
<
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/opinion/185202_trahant8.html>
Kerry Steers Native American Small Business
Development Act Out of Committee
http://sbc.senate.gov/democrat/107press/july2402a2.html
Native American vote could be key By CNN's Richard Quest
http://edition.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS/08/17/quest.native/index.html