Coming Out of the Political
Fog...
It does not require a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless
minority keen to set brush fires in people's minds. - Founding Father, Samuel
Adams.
Don't Get Out of Line.
Diversity and sensitivity principles have created a controlled political
environment, very psychologically controlled. The strategy is to promote focus
groups for purpose of consensus building so that one voice, the voice of any one
particular citizen is ignored, minimized or deeply submerged. This has never
been more evident than with current Federal Indian Policy and Indian lobbyist
propaganda. Here's how it works:
Certain lies, myths and political agendas, repeatedly expressed in words and
print, can quickly become accepted beliefs, even community and national values.
Two such examples are: 1) "You stole our (Indian) land," and 2) "We (Indians)
were here first." Neither statement is true, but both statements are current
political mantra heard not just among Indian propagandists, but in the halls of
national, state and local elected office. However, these now entrenched myths
are so embedded into the American psyche that one who even questions, much less
speaks an opposing perspective, is likely painted with the racist brush, viewed
as a troublemaker, and is at risk for direct character assassination. Tribal
entities will threaten economic boycotts too.
The reality of these two myths is that land was lawfully acquired or purchased
(Louisiana Purchase, et al.) by the United States. Kennewick Man, as well as
other recent anthropological discoveries raise serious question about who was
here first. No wonder the panic and urgency to bury Kennewick Man bones.
Blend in With The Sheep.
Prearranged and orchestrated public forums or planning sessions make it easier
for a propagandists to frame the debate and to keep any opposition from having a
balanced opportunity to state a position. A psychologically controlled
environment gives a propagandist the platform from which to operate and prevents
a citizen from injecting an alternate viewpoint or opportunity to take back the
discussion. Consensus is generated from such forums and taken to state and
federal legislators as "what the community really wants."
National and Community Neuroses.
Following lock-step with consensus groups or the current politically accepted
viewpoint sets up a kind of permanent paranoia because we know it isn't true,
but we don't want to make waves. We want to be a part of... We would prefer to
go along with... Maybe things will get better tomorrow...
Going along with what we know is not true sets us up for internal
conflict and frustration. As we build with confusion we lose our frame of
reference, our own personal sense of what is true and what is right. When this
process is blanketed upon an entire community, or region, or nation, we become
collectively alienated. An alienated electorate, particularly if it is the
backbone of society, the ones who foot most of the bills, is a tremendous boon
to a propagandist. It effectively gets his primary resistance out of the
picture.
The fog of Federal Indian Policy has alienated the national electorate. That is
why people of good will often wait until it's too late to save themselves or,
indeed, their way of life. The only antidote for coming out of this political
fog is to speak your truth and act with courage. A daily supply of truth and
courage is invaluable to challenge the lies, stand for what you believe, and
defend your American rights of property, civility, a republican form of
government, equitable and even-handed taxation, and a free and balanced
marketplace.
Courage is Not an Endangered Species.
It is possible to be privately courageous while publicly sensible. It is
possible to quietly support organizations that reflect your values. As courage
strengthen, it is absolutely fulfilling to experience the thrill that follows
when one can say, "There, I just utilized and defended my American rights."
It's actually o.k. to believe in the U. S. Constitution, - really!. It's still
o.k. to honor all cultures without being governed by a single one. Tribalism if
fine for the willing. But only American government may govern U.S. citizens,
unless citizens stay cowed and shrouded in the Federal Indian Policy fog.
I've popped my head up out of the fog, and I see more and more heads and
shoulders rising above the clouds.
Elaine D. Willman, Chair
Citizens Equal Rights Alliance (CERA)
P.O. 1280
Toppenish, WA 98948
Phone: 509-865-6225
Fax: 509-865-7409
Email: toppin@aol.com
Website: www.citizensalliance.org
An organization seeking Constitutional and civil rights for individuals on or
near Indian reservations.