"RTRIII," 3/31/2005

(Chief opinion: For)

Being native means a lot of things. I have been called a few names as a child, and had to deal with things and situations differently than most. I chose to rise above it all. Now, I have an education and make more money than most everyone on the reservation. But it is things like this (Chief debate) that stick in my craw. As a child I remember hearing stories of proud, stoic, brave men and women and their achievements. Contrast that to what I see on the reservation today. High unemployment, a very high drop out rate, drugs, alcoholism, broken homes. Where does one find pride in that? Lately all I hear is complaining. They took this from us, my situation is a direct result of the white man doing this or that. To top it off, my tribe wanted to boycott Disney because of the cartoon Pocahontas. Stating that in today’s world John Smith would be put in jail for his relationship with a young girl. Times have changed since then. And I don't know many people how hit the rapids in a wooden canoe singing, and conversing with racoons. Has anyone noticed Atlanta changed the symbol on their hats? Most the people on my reservation wear Mariners, Yankees, or the old Braves hat. When do we take responsibility for ourselves and stop blaming other people for our situation? When do we stop pointing the fingers outward, and start pointing them inward? Instead of jumping on the “anti-chief” bandwagon, do some research. Apparently Andrew March 24, 2005 did. Pictures of young men in war paint inspired me as a child. Their warrior mentality, damning the odds in front of them, the pushing forward with intelligence, ingenuity and integrity. What is wrong with someone, or some school, seeing the same thing in a Chief that I saw as a child? Looking back I have more pride than what I see now. But to be a true Chief is to look forward, with optimism.

"RTRIII," via the web.