Funeral for a Friend
By Ed
Wednesday, June 7, 2006
Ed here,
As I told you before, I get up on Sunday morning and pick a topic. Here's the exception to the rule. One of my beautiful daughter-in-laws tragically lost her mother this past week. My wife and I had the honor and privilege to attend the funeral ceremony. We traveled to the Rosebud Reservation for the ceremony in hopes of supporting Kimimila (Beautiful Butterfly) and to help in any way we possibly could. What I didn't expect was that I would come home thinking of how ignorant I've been for the past 48 years. Funny how one weekend can change a man's way of thinking as this past weekend has changed mine. As I drove the 250 miles home, I found myself feeling ashamed, mad, and thinking that something needs to be done.
Over the weekend I met many wonderful people. People that welcomed my wife and I with open arms. Not one person had an unkind thing to say. I can honestly say that 100% of the people we met treated us like we were one of them. When I say 100%, I mean 100%. The few people we knew introduced us to several people that I hope I can now call friends. The people we weren't introduced too introduced themselves to us. It was without a doubt, a very special time in my life. Yes, it was a sad occasion, but what I saw in this group of people was something special. I asked myself several times. "How can this group of people be so friendly to an outsider, be so happy, be so unified?" I'm not sure I'll ever be able to answer these questions, but knowing them makes me think that somehow I can be a better man. I found myself wanting to know more about The Lakota Sioux Tribe. I hope that Kimimila's father didn't get tired of me asking questions constantly. If he did, he didn't show it. I'd like to thank him for that.
How can this group of people be so happy? The unemployment rate is 82%. Of the 18% that are employed, 80% of them are living well below the poverty guidelines. Yet they all seem to maintain their smiles. You now know why I'm having a problem answering these questions I've asked myself. The federal government has robbed these proud people of everything they possibly could. Democrats and Republicans alike. What they haven't been able to take, and never will, is their dignity. The rest of America throws a fit if the unemployment rate gets above 7%. As I said, I felt shame. WE SHOULD ALL BE ASHAMED. Nearly every treaty we've signed with Native Americans we've broken, not them. Yet, as I said, I saw everyone with smiles on their faces. Since they were here for thousands of years before we showed up, how can we feel good about ourselves knowing this is happening?
How can they be so friendly to an outsider? There are 562 different tribes of Native Americans in the U.S. today. Basically what has happened is they've been herded up like animals onto reservations all across the U.S. They've been given the bare minimum and told to like it or be exterminated. Yet when my wife and I entered the community center we were treated like family. I can't answer the question. If it were me, I don't think I could be so friendly to outsiders.
How can they be so unified? I may have this one figured out. The Lakota Sioux are a proud people. As are 561 other tribes of Native Americans. They have history and traditions to hand down from generation to generation. When you shake hands with a Lakota Sioux, he will look you in the eyes. I respect a man that will look me in the eyes. I have a newfound respect for all Native Americans. After all, they were Americans before we were.
I had no idea of what to expect when we arrived at the ceremony. The Spiritual Advisor that spoke is the Spiritual Advisor that was chosen by all 562 tribes to represent them to the federal government. His words had me mesmerized. The Reverend that conducted the ceremony is the oldest reverend of all 562 tribes. Both men, Lakota Sioux. I felt as though I was in the presence of royalty. It was an honor to hear them speak.
As I said, I was ashamed and mad. Although I'm a hard-line Democrat, we are as much to blame as the Republicans are on this issue. So all partisan politics aside. We are blowing billions of dollars in Iraq. All in the name of liberating Iraq? Or has it been spent for record profits for Exxon, Mobil, and Halliburton? I say that the Democrats are to blame as much as Republicans because when the Democrats were the majority, the same thing was happening to the Native American as what is happening now. We can't push it off on W. Much as I'd like too.
If we took just 25% of the money that has been wasted in Iraq and put it towards helping the Native Americans, this country would be a much better place for all. Since the people of Iraq hate us and our way of life, and they will never conform to the standards that W has set forth. Since the oil companies are recording record profits, they don't need the money. This money could be used for education, upgrading infrastructure on the reservations, and helping the Native Americans to be more self-sufficient. A far better investment than Iraq and oil companies in my book. This would not be a handout; this would be an investment in our future as a country. A very profitable investment as it would make our country stronger in the long run. I wish everyone could spend a little time on a reservation as my wife and I have. If everyone did, I can assure you that America would be a much better place to live for all. I witnessed true American Spirit last weekend. I would like to thank the Lakota Sioux Tribe for allowing my wife and me to spend a little time with them. I would mostly like to thank Kimi, as we call her, for allowing us to be a small part of a very important time in her life. We love her very much.
ED
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