This is a little late in the scheme of breaking news, but I was overjoyed when 2,000 veterans [gave] protesters a break at Standing Rock. I was greatly encouraged by all the support these Native American protesters have received. Even the warrior dance of the Maori had an amazing effect on me. It was, once again, an amazing thing to see!
It is truly a sign of our times when former military personnel provide respite for protesters. I salute these men and women that stood with these, who should always be, our Native American brethren. These families and tribes have more claim to the land than any whites do. However, to our collective shame, after centuries of neglect and disrespect, have not the means to force the issue.
But why did it come to this? Why were such methods even considered much less implemented against our most native of citizens? Why did it become necessary for so many people to come together to oppose such a flagrant violation? Are we destined to fight over everything, deny basic survival needs, even shed blood to make our point known?
Where is our federal government in times like these? When do true-to-life grievances become a threat to national security? Why weren’t these protesters given a fairer hearing? How many people want an unlimited source of potential poison running their backyard? Why does it seem that the people and the government are more at odds with each other? Is our government becoming obsolete?
Their are some things that must be fervently reflected upon: 1) Why was the will of the people ignored? 2) When did corporations become more powerful than the people? 3) When did law enforcement become corporate enforcers? 4) Have the treaties been revoked? 5) Where are the energy alternatives that would have made this protest unnecessary and irrelevant?
While I was ecstatic that the veterans came to the protesters assistance, I am disappointed and disturbed that it was necessary. Was the decision to halt the pipeline based on public pressure, veteran presence, or common sense? Why has it been so necessary to protest so many events, actions, decisions, and incidents?
In short, “Lack of public trust.”
We no longer trust the processes. And for good reason. We feel we must rant and rail against all that oppose us because NOTHING seems to be working. All we hear is “No” and “Don’t” and see are “bullets” and “blood”. Our privacy is invaded even as we are isolated. We are often insulted by ‘strangers’ who seem to know us as ‘friends’. We are nation of division, isolation, and devastation. We are being picked apart by our own passions.
Should we as Americans ‘simmer down’? Sure, to a point, but anymore than that and we cease to be Americans! We US citizens, either by blood or initiation, have earned and developed the fine art of being ‘touchy’. We know what we believe and live as we believe. Right or Wrong. Left or Right.
Yet, we must realize that we are a sorely bruised nation. Every inch of our nation hurts. Droughts, fear, hurricanes, despair, fire, death, brokenness, and destruction have ripped through our land. Needless to say, we are a bit touchy. So, it doesn’t surprise me that ANYTHING can put EVERYONE on edge.
I don’t expect this tension to ease anytime soon, but we’ve been screaming at each other for the last ten years. We need a break. We need to separate. We need to breathe. We need to heal. We need put aside the division that rules our nation and preoccupies our lives. If we don’t, we will unravel into dust and ruin. We will march ourselves into our respective trenches. When next we look, EVERYONE we will see will be an enemy.
So, my American brethren, protest on! Yell and scream, and stop, and shout Maori war songs (and other equally excellent and meaningful dialog). Welcome another 2,000 US veterans to your side. But be warned and reminded, for every protest and protester there is another that is just as alarmed, desperate, angry, passionate and fearful as you.
When next you protest let’s reconsider our methods. Maybe it’s time for a soccer match or a shave inside no man’s land and get to know each other as citizens and friends again. Let’s bind our nation’s wounds so we all can make American GREAT again!
