What do we need to resist the Feds?

Community and education, says Russell Means, of the Republic of Lakota. The Native American expresses unusual wisdom in explaining why we need to strengthen our communities and educate the people for resistance. "While they destroyed our communities through consumption... we lost the will to resist through corporate consumption, because we did not have our communities anymore."

"Wake up! Take control of your children! Get back to your communities. When you get back to your communities, guess what happens. You can eat better, you can sleep better, you relate better, and have more interest in your children. And then you can resist!"

Our "allies"

I am at the library today catching up on my Internet activities. I posted a comment to the end of the discussion "League of the South: Learn to Use P.R.!" that summarizes my take [which remains favorable] on their organization eloquently. I won't be interested in receiving mail from them... but I may still purchase a Confederate Silver Dollar with my tax return! «laugh»
I am more intrigued with the issue of sovereignty as it applies to the indigenous peoples. I frequently infuriate both the "white supremacists" and the "black supremacists" with my views that if anyone ought to get "reparations" for the actions of our ancestors, it should be the Native Americans! Like so many young white people educated in public schools, I find that I don't really know anything about the indigenous tribes. But perhaps I need to begin educating myself quickly, because it may be well for us to make an effort to reach out to tribes native (or formerly native) to Ohio and make a space for them. (A real space, not a crappy rez on land nobody else wants.)

Lakota Update

I heard back in December that there was some division in the Lakota nation between Russell Means and his followers, and the tribal elders; but did not give it much thought at the time. It turns out that the "Republic of Lakotah" is a splinter group -- the mainstream Lakota, including the tribal elders, constitute the Lakota Oyate.

News prior to today was a bit confusing for most of us, as I demonstrated last Friday. I stand by the comments I made then (but respecting the Lakota Oyate, not the "Republic of Lakotah"), but wish the journalists would clarify what is going on (while understanding perfectly well why they ignore the whole movement).

Does a falling tree make a sound if no one is around to listen?

Does the formation of the Republic of Lakotah* have significance if virtually all of the North American (and apparently, Caribbean) media ignore it? (My post on Lakota independence)

The Lakota are serious, and have obviously given this considerable thought. Their republic is not a micronation -- it occupies territory and is capable of enforcing its own laws (though their police and military are undoubtedly spread a bit thin at the moment).

The deafening silence reflects more on the mainstream media than on the Lakota. Journalism used to be about reporting the facts, not propagandizing for corporate interests.

Ignore it at your peril -- the first domino may have just fallen!

* But see my 1/6/08 post for an update.

Lakota renounce treaties with U.S.

In a move unreported by any mainstream press in the United States* (but reported by Agence France-Presse** and Radio Netherlands), the Lakota (we used to call them Sioux) have formally renounced all treaties with the United States, thereby declaring their independence in a five-state area that includes most of South Dakota and parts of neighboring states. The list of grievances impelling them to the separation, documented on their website, details a history of treatment at the hands of the Federal Government that is nothing short of despicable.

The Ohio Republic stands with the Lakota in their struggle – and they know it will be a struggle – for self-determination. At the same time, we recognize the implications for other tribes and other States, including our own. We will all need to use reason, to find a fair balance between the rights of the native, and those that have built up for the rest of us.

The cause of the Lakota is the cause of us all.

* Note: Since this was initially posted, the story has appeared in mainstream U.S. media, including USA Today. Here is a link to news sources that have carried the story.

** As reported in Vermont Commons: I was unable to find the original source.