Re: Indians and the Reservation

Posted by Bill R on January 28, 1998 at 12:36:04:

In Reply to: Re: Indians and the Reservation posted by Rich on January 28, 1998 at 12:17:00:

Ah. Now THAT is an entirely different subject. I agree with everything Rich said in that regard. You have to kind of think in two levels. the native american is an american citizen with all the rights and privileges of any other american citizen. You will find them in all walks of life, in all occupations, and in all states of humanity. In our country, nobody is forced (legally at any rate) to live in any particular place. But many americans, through economics or other situational factors, do not have the ability to choose. The native american life on a reservation is far from utopic. I think it presumptious of me to even try to describe it not having lived it. But it is a given that, born on a reservation, you may well die on a reservation. There are still prejudices and beauracratic mechanisms that attempt to control and contain these peoples. There has been a rise, I think, in self government and determination among some tribes at least on some reservations. Like any people in our counry they have the opportunity to become what they wish or live where they wish.....but for these peoples as for some other groups in our country.....it is a harder struggle to do so. They must overcome some obstacles that others of us do not have to.

And the funny thing is.....just as with the Japanese Americans during world war II who were confined to "resettlement" camps (such as Manzania)....and otherwise unjustly treated....the sons of those peoples joined what were to become known as Nisei battalions and performed with greatest distinction. The famous 442 regiment received more decorations for valor than any other unit. Intriguing is it not? That sons of groups thus treated should serve so well? And when done serving, should be still, along with their families, have to stuggle for some recognitions and privileges we others take for granted. It is more than intriguing....it is a damn disgrace to the flag and the constitution I swore an oath to. But.....I seem to be on my soap box again. My apologies.

Bill R

Follow Ups:

• Re: Indians, Vietnam, and the Navajo codetalkers Petra 20:39:38 2/05/98 (1)
  • Re: Indians, Vietnam, and the (WWII) Navajo codetalkers Petra 21:06:03 2/05/98 (0)

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: Ah.  Now THAT is an entirely different subject.  I agree with everything Rich said in that regard.  You have to kind of think in two levels.  the native american is an american citizen with all the rights and privileges of any other american citizen.  You will find them in all walks of life, in all occupations, and in all states of humanity.  In our country, nobody is forced (legally at any rate) to live in any particular place.  But many americans, through economics or other situational factors, do not have the ability to choose.  The native american life on a reservation is far from utopic.  I think it presumptious of me to even try to describe it not having lived it.  But it is a given that, born on a reservation, you may well die on a reservation. There are still prejudices and beauracratic mechanisms that attempt to control and contain these peoples.  There has been a rise, I think, in self government and determination among some tribes at least on some reservations.  Like any people in our counry they have the opportunity to become what they wish or live where they wish.....but for these peoples as for some other groups in our country.....it is a harder struggle to do so.  They must overcome some obstacles that others of us do not have to.

: And the funny thing is.....just as with the Japanese Americans during world war II who were confined to "resettlement" camps (such as Manzania)....and otherwise unjustly treated....the sons of those peoples joined what were to become known as Nisei battalions and performed with greatest distinction.  The famous 442 regiment received more decorations for valor than any other unit.  Intriguing is it not?  That sons of groups thus treated should serve so well?  And when done serving, should be still, along with their families, have to stuggle for some recognitions and privileges we others take for granted.  It is more than intriguing....it is a damn disgrace to the flag and the constitution I swore an oath to.  But.....I seem to be on my soap box again.  My apologies.

: Bill R


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