Native Americans
I have heard the obvious truth that black lives matter over and over. I have heard the gay and lesbian cry for help or recognition. If those alone are expected to deliver respect to people, they are going to be disappointed. We Americans, whether from Europe, Asia or Africa, all seem to constantly vie for wealth and power based on heredity alone. It just does not work that way. A scientist who was asked about his commitment to climate change education said, “Because if we proclaim our right to be here, but do nothing to justify it,we should ask what are we here for?”
I think that this is another truth, and one that involves race relations, economics, science and our socialization committed to acting to improve our world as a whole. If black lives matter, what about the Native Americans who have been here much longer than us? Even if you narrow it only to justice and police enforcement of laws, it is they, the natural citizens of this country, who deserve more.
In 1975 Leonard Peltier went to Milwaukee to try to help the American Indian Movement. He was arrested and charged with murder but was acquitted. He sought company on the Indian Reservation but the Federal Government again became involved. Two FBI agents were killed and Peltier was charged. He has been in federal prison ever since.
Joseph Reichert, Belleville
This story was originally published July 15, 2016 at 7:00 PM with the headline "Native Americans."