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Start of the April 2003 Newsletter - Part One
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Greetings,
This is part one of the newsletter. Part two will be along in a day, or
two.
March has definately flown by for me. With the start of the conflict in
Iraq, the CHP has been on 12 hour shifts. This ended yesterday. This was
so there would be more officers out there to deal with potential
problems or to look for "suspicious" activity. Not only do we patrol the
freeways and road in unincorporated areas, we also provide security at
state facilities. With all of the pro and anti-war marches, we stayed
very busy. Being the "TV guy," I did not do any patrols, but we all
stayed busy.
San Diego has had a special interest in the war. Many of the Marines and
sailors involved in the fighting are stationed in this county.
Unfortunately, many of the Americans who have died were stationed here.
Camp Pendleton is one of the largest Marine bases in the United States.
Many of the Marine pilots are stationed at Miramar Mareine Corp Air
Station. San Diego also has one of the busiest Naval bases. There have
been way too many memorials held here, recently. I have mixed feelings
about the war. However, I have nothing but positive feelings for those
people who are putting their lives on the line by serving in our armed
forces. Many American Indians are also involved in the war. More on that
later...
In the last newsletter, I showed you some of the pictures I took during
my trip to Utah. http://americanindian.net/utah2003.html There was also
a picture of a T-shirt. A couple of people have asked, so I will pass
this along. The picture is of four Chiricahua Apache warriors. Yes, the
one on the left is Geronimo, or his Apache name: Goyathlay. He got the
other name because of his ferocious and courageous actions during a
battle with Mexican forces. The story goes that the Mexicans gave him
the name either because it was the feast day of St. Geronimo, or because
they kept yelling for St. Geronimo's protection because he was their
patron saint.
This is a bit in the future, but I figure I should mention it briefly,
now. The University of Montana is holding a conference on Lewis & Clark
and "Native Americans." It will be held May 28-30th in Missoula. I will
be one of the presenters. You can learn more about it at their website:
http://www.umt.edu/cultures/ I'll tell you more about it in the May
newsletter.
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Some time in the next few weeks, I should be getting the first royalty
check for my book. This money is going to help me do something I have
wanted to do since the book came out. My plan is to donate copies of my
book to libraries on reservations and to Indian schools. My criteria for
picking them is very simple. I am going to give the books to
organizations who cannot afford to buy one. If you know of any group who
meets this requirement. and would like a copy, please let me know. I
will need the name of the school or library, an address, a contact
person, and an e-mail address would be helpful.
I am not sure how many books I will be able to give away. Some stores
did not sell their copies of my book as quickly as they wanted. They
reduced the price and sold their copies to some resellers. I will buy
copies from them and have them shipped directly to the schools or
libraries. So, the number of books will depend on exactly how much I get
in royalties, and the number of discounted books I can find. In any
case, I would appreciate your help.
I am also thinking about running an essay contest. It would be conducted
in Indian schools. The students would write a paper on their tribe's
history. The winner would get an autographed copy of my book and some
cash. I would post some of the entries on my website. I am still working
on the details. It might have to wait until the next school year.
What do you think about either of these ideas. I am open to suggestions.
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Here are some articles an information about the war in Iraq.
The American Indian Chamber of Commerce of Oklahoma has set up a page to
offer support to American Indian soldiers involved in the Iraq war. If
you are interested, thee are several ways you can get involved.
http://www.aicco.org/troops.asp
Lori Piestewa, a Hopi from Tuba City, Arizona, is one of the soldiers
missing in action in Iraq. You can read more about her on these
websites:
http://www.indianz.com/News/show.asp?ID=2003/03/25/piestewa
http://www.indianz.com/News/show.asp?ID=2003/03/28/piestewa
http://www.indianz.com/News/show.asp?ID=2003/03/28/piestewa2
http://www.kfoxtv.com/weather/2063657/detail.html
http://www.tucsoncitizen.com/local/3_25_03war_hopi.html
http://www.durangoherald.com/asp-bin/article_generation.asp?article_type=news&article_path=/news/news030330_10.htm
Indians historically high representation in military
http://www.daily-times.com/Stories/0,1413,129%257E6574%257E1282503,00.html
Tohono O'odham Tribe Honors Tribal Servicemembers
http://www.kold.com/Global/story.asp?S=1203374
Native Americans have noteworthy war record
http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/news/articles/0323war-nativeservice23.html
--------------
Joseph RedCloud sent along this humorous article:
Before you read the following story, be advised that the author is
another member of the famous and extremely funny Monty Python's Flying
Circus. As a result, you may find the humor somewhat dry and subtle.
Neither the original author nor I intend to upset any of you folks. Now,
read on and enjoy. Joe...
"Axis of Evil" by John Cleese
Bitter after being snubbed for membership in the "Axis of Evil", Libya,
China and Syria today announced that they had formed the "Axis of Just
as Evil", which they said would be more evil than that stupid
Iran-Iraq-North Korea axis President Bush warned of in his State of the
Union address. Axis of Evil members, however, immediately dismissed the
new Axis as having, for starters, a really dumb name.
"Right. They are just as evil . . . in their dreams!" declared North
Korean leader Kim Jong-il. "Everybody knows we're the best evils . . ..
best at being evil . . . we're the best."
Diplomats from Syria denied they were jealous over being excluded,
although they conceded they did ask if they could join the Axis of Evil.
They told us it was full," said Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
"An axis can't have more than three countries", explained Iraqi
President Saddam Hussein. "This is not my rule, it's tradition. In World
War II you had Germany, Italy, and Japan in the evil Axis. So, you can
only have three, and a secret handshake. Ours is wicked cool."
International reaction to Bush's Axis of Evil declaration was swift, as
within minutes, France surrendered. Elsewhere, peer conscious nations
rushed to gain triumvirate status in what has become a game of
geopolitical chairs. Cuba, Sudan and Serbia announced that they had
formed the "Axis of Somewhat Evil", forcing Somalia to join with Uganda
and Myanmar in the "Axis of Occasionally Evil", while Bulgaria,
Indonesia and Russia established the "Axis of Not So Much Evil Really as
Just Generally Disagreeable".
With the criteria suddenly expanded and all the desirable clubs filling
up, Sierra Leone, El Salvador, and Rwanda applied to be called the "Axis
of Countries That Aren't the Worst But Certainly Won't Be Asked to Host
the Olympics".
Canada, Mexico and Australia formed the "Axis of Nations That Are
Actually Quite Nice But Secretly Have Some Nasty Thoughts About
America", while Scotland, New Zealand and Spain established the "Axis of
Countries That Want Sheep to Wear Lipstick". "That's not a threat,
really, just something we like to do", said Scottish Executive First
Minister Jack McConnell.
While wondering if the other nations of the world weren't perhaps making
fun of him, a cautious Bush granted approval for most axis, although he
rejected the establishment of the "Axis of Countries Whose Names End in
'Guay", accusing one of its members of filing a false application.
Officials from Paraguay, Uruguay, and Chadguay denied the charges.
Israel, meanwhile, insisted it didn't want to join any Axis, but
privately world leaders said that's only because no one asked them.
----------------------------
My Mom sent this joke, or morality story, if you wish:
Three strangers at a small airport in the Texas Panhandle are awaiting
their flight. One is an American Indian passing through from Oklahoma.
Another is a local ranch hand on his way to Ft. Worth for a Stock Show.
The third passenger is a fundamentalist Arab student, newly arrived
student at the Texas Oil Patch from the Middle East..
To pass the time they strike up a conversation on recent events. The
discussion drifts to their diverse cultures. Soon the Westerners learn
that the Arab is a devout radical Muslim.
The conversation falls into an uneasy lull.. The Cowpoke leans back in
his chair, crosses his boots on a magazine table, tips his big sweat
stained forward over his face.. Finally the American Indian clears his
throat and softly he speaks: "Once my people were many, now we are few".
The Radical Muslim raises an eyebrow and leans forward, " Once my people
were few" he sneers, and now we are many. " Why do you suppose that
is?". The Texan shifts the toothpick to one side of his mouth and from
beneath his Stetson says in a drawl "that's cause we ain't played
Cowboys and Muslims yet"..
------------------------------
Here are some lyrics I wrote called "The Sound of Sirens." It is not a
pro-war or anti-war song. It is just I did. I am always making up new
lyrics to old songs. Feel free to pass it along to others..
Sounds of Sirens
by Phil Konstantin (with apologies to Paul Simon)
Hello darkness, my old friend,
It's time to bomb Iraq again,
A cruise missile softly creeping,
Left its seeds while Bahgdad was sleeping,
And dictator Saddam, is hiding in a drain,
Where he remains
Within the sound of sirens.
In restless dreams he walks alone
Along the rubble and cobblestones,
'Neath the halo of a street lamp,
CNN monitors the freeway offramps
When my eyes were stabbed by the flash of a neon light
Those bombs are bright
And still the sounds of sirens.
And in the naked light I saw
Ten thousand Iraqis, maybe more.
People running without packing,
Overhead satelites are tracking,
People with Swiss bank accounts they'll never share
And no one dared
Disturb the sound of sirens.
"Iraqis" said I,"You do not know
Saddam like a cancer grows.
Hear my words that I might teach you,
Or the missles they will reach you."
But my words like silent smartbombs fell,
And echoed
In the wells of Baghdad.
And the people bowed and prayed
To the god of clay they made.
And the sign flashed out its warning,
In the words that it was forming.
And the signs said, The words of the prophets
are written on the subway walls
"I hope Saddam falls."
And it'll end the sounds of sirens.
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Here are some e-mails I received from newsletter subscribers:
Tina wrote me asking if I had heard of anyone using DNA tests to prove
they had Indian blood. Has anyone heard of any tribes doing this?
Peter Kangi Crowheart sent this link along: Plains spiritual leaders
issue mandate to protect ceremonies
http://www.thenavajotimes.com/plains.html
Joseph RedCloud sent along this websites:
Shoshone massacre site donated to Utah tribe (Yes, it is mentioned in my
book)
http://www.indianz.com/News/show.asp?ID=2003/03/25/shoshone
The Supreme Court's Recent Navajo Nation Decision: Ignoring Longstanding
Fiduciary Duties to Tribes
http://www.zsa.ca/En/Articles/article.php?aid=263
Western Shoshone crisis: Is the U.S. a nation of arbitrary laws?
http://indiancountry.com/?1047148085
He also sent along this humorous article:
Who was the first person to look at a cow and say, "I think I'll squeeze
these dangly things here and drink whatever comes out!"
Who was the first person to say, "See that chicken there? I'm gonna eat
the next thing that comes outta it's butt"
Why do toasters always have a setting that burns the toast to a horrible
crisp, which no human being would eat?
Why is there a light in the fridge and not in the freezer?
If Jimmy cracks corn and no one cares, why is there a song about him?
Can a hearse carrying a corpse drive in the carpool lane? (Note from
Phil: As a Highway Patrol officer, I know it is not legal in
California).
Why do people point to their wrist when asking the time, but don't point
to their crotch when they ask where the bathroom is?
Why does your OB-GYN leave the room when you get undressed if they are
going to look up there anyway?
Why does Goofy stand erect while Pluto remains on all fours? They're
both dogs.
What do you call male ballerinas?
If Wile E. Coyote had enough money to buy all that Acme stuff, why
didn't he just buy dinner?
If quizzes are quizzical, what are tests?
If corn oil is made from corn, and vegetable oil is made from
vegetables, what is baby oil made from?
If electricity comes from electrons, does morality come from morons?
Is Disney World the only people trap operated by a mouse?
Does the Alphabet song and Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star have the same
tune?
Do illiterate people get the full effect of Alphabet soup?
Why do they call it an asteroid when it's outside the hemisphere, but
call it a hemorrhoid when it's in your ass?
Did you ever notice that when you blow in a dog's face, he gets mad at
you, but when you take him for a car ride; he sticks his head out the
window?
Does pushing the elevator button more than once make it arrive faster?
Similarly, does striking the "Enter" key repeatedly force the computer
to function faster?
-----------------------
Ken Pratt sent along this article: It all happened on the islands first
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2003/03/18/DD254080.DTL#sections
-----------------------------------
Juliana Marez sent this article along:
Protection of Ceremony, Formal Stmt - Chief Arvol Looking Horse
I, Chief Arvol Looking Horse, 19th Generation Keeper of the Sacred White
Buffalo Calf Pipe, would like to thank all the People that attended this
historic 'Protection of Ceremonies' meeting.
* Bernard Red Cherries - Northern Cheyenne Nation - Northern Cheyenne
Arrow Priest and Elk Society Headsman
* Tweety Little Bird- Northern Cheyenne Nation - Northern Cheyenne Elk
Horn Scraper Society
* Lee Pedro - Southern Arapahoe Nation - Southern Arapahoe Rabbit Man
(Holy Man)
* Dave Chief - Oglala Nation - Lakota Spiritual Leader
* Dave Swallow, Jr. - Oglala Nation - Medicine Bundle Keeper
* Kevin Horse Looking - Oglala Nation - Medicine Bundle Keeper
* Floyd Hand - Oglala Nation - Medicine Bundle Keeper
* Selo Black Crow - Oglala Nation - Medicine Bundle Keeper
* Sam Moves Camp - Oglala Nation - Medicine Bundle Keeper
* Chris Leith - Prairie Island Dakota Community - Medicine Bundle Keeper
* Gaylen Drapeau Sr. - I-hank-to-wa (Yankton Sioux) Nation - Medicine
Bundle Keeper
* Gaylen Drapeau Jr. - I-hank-to-wa (Yankton Sioux) Nation - Medicine
Bundle Keeper
* Ambrose Little Ghost - Spirit Lake Dakota Nation - Dakota Spiritual
Leader
* Calvin Medicine Bear First - Assinoboine Nakota Nation - Nation
Spiritual Leader
* Leonard Crow Dog - Si-c'an-g'u Rosebud Sioux Nation - Medicine Bundle
Keeper
* Roy Stone Sr. - Si-c'an-g'u Rosebud Sioux Nation - Medicine Bundle
Keeper
* Ned Medcalf - Si-c'an-g'u Rosebud Sioux Nation - Interpretor/advisor
* Leon Red Dog - Hoh'-wo-ju Cheyenne River Sioux Nation - Medicine
Bundle Keeper
* Steve Vance - Hoh'-wo-ju Cheyenne River Sioux Nation - Medicine Bundle
Keeper
* Francis Yellow - Hoh'-wo-ju Cheyenne River Sioux Nation - Medicine
Bundle Keeper
* Jacob Sanderson - Cree Nation Canada - Medicine Bundle Keeper
* Kevin Ta-c'an - Sioux Valley Manitoba Dakota Nation - Dakota Spiritual
Leader
On March 8th and 9th, Spiritual Leaders and Bundle Keepers of the
Lakota, Dakota, Nakota Nation, Cheyenne Nation and Arapahoe Nation were
called together to discuss the protection from the abuse and
exploitation of our ceremonies. The meeting was held at the Cultural
Center in Eagle Butte, South Dakota, hosted by the Cheyenne River Sioux
Tribe. I would also like to acknowledge the financial donation from the
Prairie Island Dakota Community.
Discussions in the meeting included the molestation taking place in
ceremony, indecent mockery, mixing of new age beliefs, charging for
ceremonies and death, which was never heard of before in our ancient
ceremonial history. There was also discussion of the use of other
"medicines" (drugs) in and around our ceremonies. When the White Buffalo
Calf Woman brought the Sacred Bundle, she instructed that only those
with a pure mind and heart should touch the C'anupa. The ceremonies in
question, in reference to all the Plains Tribes, were the I-ni-pi
(Purification Ceremony), Wi-wanyang-wa-c'i-pi (Sundance Ceremony) and
Han-ble-c'i-ya (vision quest) Sacred Rites.
We put out notice in the newspapers, native radio stations and also
contacted people through the phone. I offered prayers for the safe
journey of the People to this very important historic meeting. Those
that could not attend, I acknowledge their prayers for a good outcome
for our concerns.
After long discussion and testimonies of the concerns and issues, it was
decided that it would be up to me, as the Keeper of the Sacred White
Buffalo Calf Pipe to make a decision. It was good to feel the beginning
of a Unity amongst our People. This has been my concern for many
decades, especially now, when we are facing an oncoming war. We need to
stand strong with our ceremonies!
I will state what the decision is and also explain the reasons. I will
state the protocols to our Seven Sacred Rites, which were passed down to
me when I became the next Keeper at the age of 12 years old. These
protocols are traditional knowledge passed down through our oral history
and need to be brought back to strengthen our 'Ho-c'o-ka' (our sacred
alters) once again.
I will also address the areas that I cannot be involved in. My
responsibility is the Seven Sacred Rites.
It was decided, from March 9th, 2003 and forward, there will be no
non-Natives allowed in our sacred Ho-c'o-ka (our sacred alters) where it
involves our Seven Sacred Rites. The only protection with this decision
in Government law; is that only enrolled members can carry an eagle
feather. In all the Seven Sacred Rites, there has always been the
understanding of earning and a requirement of an eagle feather while
participating in these Rites. The eagle feather stands for Indigenous
knowledge and guidance in our spiritual ways.
* The Wi-wanyang-wa-c'i-pi (Sundance Ceremony): The only participants
allowed in the center will be Native People. The non-Native people need
to understand and respect our decision. If there have been any
unfinished commitments to the Sundance and non-Natives have concern for
this decision; they must understand that we have been guided through
prayer to reach this resolution. Our purpose for the Sundance is for the
survival of the future generations to come, first and foremost. If the
non-Natives truly understand this purpose, they will also understand
this decision and know that by their departure from this Ho-c'o-ka (our
sacred alter) is their sincere contribution to the survival of our
future generations...
* Please understand the Wi-wanyang-wa-c'i-pi Ceremony is not only taking
place in the center (Ho-c'o-ka) with the dancers. The ceremonial
participation also depends on all the supporters on the outside of the
arbor who should be in prayer. From the gate, to the cook shack, to the
fire-keepers, to the supporters around the arbor, to even the moon camp,
all people are still a part of this sacred ceremony.
* There should be a preparation of 'Han-ble-c'i-ya' (vision quest)
before you become a participant of the Sundance.
* We shall go back into this ceremony with the proper protocols before
and during
the ceremony itself. Only those that have had the dream or direction
through a ceremony, in concern of someone's health, should be dancing.
Dancers should be secluded from outside participants, as to not be
contaminated by other people's energy or thoughts. There should be
absolutely no food or water during this four-day ceremony. If there are
health problems, you should choose a person to finish your commitment.
This ceremony is supposed to be for those that believe they can fulfill
all required four days of the ceremony.
* Han-ble-c'i-ya (Vision Quest): The vision quest should be only for
Native People that have had the dream or vision. This Rite is also for
the young men and women that reach the age of 12 years of age.
* I-ni-pi (Purification Ceremony): Those that run this sacred rite
should be able to communicate with Tun-ca-s'i-la (our Sacred
Grandfathers) in their Native Plains tongue. They should also have
earned this rite by completing Han-ble-c'i-ya and the four days and four
years of the Wi-wanyang wa-c'i-pi.
* The other four sacred rites of the Hun-ka ka-g'a (Making of a
Relative), the Ta-pa kah'-g'o-ya (Throwing of the Sacred Ball), Wi-yan
is'-na ti (Womanhood Ceremony) and the Na-g'i glu-ha (Keeping of the
Spirit Ceremony), should be only handled by legitimate L ta, Dakota,
Nakota Oyate (People).
* It was also decided only legitimate Lakota, Dakota, Nakota Oyate
Medicine Bundle Keepers should handle any other ceremonies that are
connected to our Ho-co-ka, such as the Lo-wa-pi and U-wi-pi ceremonies.
* There should be no price tag allowed to participate in any of our
Sacred Ceremonies. The only protocol needed for a ceremony is to
o-pa-g'i, meaning to offer your C'anupa or offer tobacco that has been
prayed with, in which the Medicine Person accepts or not accept if he is
not able to assist. Medicine People do need to survive, and if people
wish to give a monetary or any other gifts after they receive their help
from ceremony, giving it from their hearts, I see no problem with that.
We have to have faith that the Grandfathers will provide for our needs
to survive in this modern society; whether the gift is money, blankets,
food or anything that represents how much they appreciate the help. Some
people can afford big gifts, some people cannot. It all balances out.
* My position is only for the Seven Sacred Rites. I cannot dictate to
our Medicine People who they allow to attend and support these Rites, in
reference to non-Native People. I cannot dictate who they choose to
doctor in their ceremonies. I cannot dictate where they travel to
doctor.
* I have my own personal feelings on who should be Keepers of our Sacred
C'anupa (Pipe). The C'anupa is very sacred and the Keeper should first
be given a dream and be of Native decent. This issue should be further
discussed in our future meetings. The reason for my feelings is that I
am aware the C'anupa has gone out to the International community and has
been for sale. I know that most non-Native People do not understand the
important protocols or have had the Traditional background to carry this
sacred item properly. I am aware of women in their moon and men with
blood on their hands (to take ones life intentionally) have been allowed
to touch and carry the C'anupa. These serious situations were never to
be allowed. I offer thanks to the non-Native People that have returned
the C'anupa to our People, after I privately shared my concerns with
them. I acknowledge their true sincerity in assisting our Nation to
protect the survival of our Traditional way of life on behalf of our
future generations. They have helped us bring back honor and respect to
our sacred Ho-co-ka and C'anupa.
* There was also discussion of only the Plains Tribal members to
participate in the Ho-co-ka of the Wi-wanyang wa-c'i-pi and the Han-ble
c'i-ya Ceremonies. In the early 70's, Chief Fools Crow and my father
Stanley Looking Horse decided to allow other Native Nations to
participate in these Rites. Their reasons were based on the fact that
most Nations have lost their ways through assimilation or lack of
Teachers to teach their Indigenous ways. They honored and understood the
unity of the First Nations People when different Tribes came to the aid
of the Wounded Knee Occupation. I cannot undo their decision out of
respect for our Chief and Elder. It has also been in our history that
our Ancestors have respectfully shared our ceremonies with other
Indigenous Nations.
* The original teachings were that the Pipe Carrier should make their
own C'anupa. There was an understanding of the sincere spiritual energy
and the traditional values passed down through our bloodlines. All the
values of compassion, love, honor, respect and truth are molded into the
spiritual life they are creating. I hope that one day the future
generations will again pick up this important protocol.
I would like to invite all our Lakota, Dakota, Nakota Nations to the
next ceremony when I bring out the Sacred White Buffalo Calf Bundle. The
dates in the Fall will be announced. During this time we will place the
12 honorable compassionate men to assist in taking care of the concerns
of the Sacred C'anupa. We will also discuss the protocols of the need to
have a good mind and good heart to be a member of the Societies that
will carry out these decisions in a respectful manner.
There will be another Protection of Ceremonies meeting to further
discuss and address these serious issues in the future. This meeting
will be sponsored by the Cheyenne Nation.
Once again, I thank all those that have offered prayers for these very
serious issues to be discussed and handled in a good way.
In the Sacred Hoop of Life, where there is no ending and no beginning!
Mitakuye Oyasin,
Arvol Looking Horse,
19th Generation Keeper of the Sacred White Buffalo Calf Pipe
---------------------------------
My old friend Alan Sconzert sent this to me:
The Washington Post has a yearly contest in which readers are asked to
supply alternate meanings for various words. Some of this year's winning
entries:
Coffee (n.), a person who is coughed upon.
Flabbergasted (adj.), appalled over how much weight you have gained.
Abdicate (v.), to give up all hope of ever having a flat stomach.
Esplanade (v.), to attempt an explanation while drunk.
Willy-nilly (adj.), impotent
Negligent (adj.), describes a condition in which you absentmindedly
answer the door in your nightie.
Lymph (v.), to walk with a lisp.
Gargoyle (n.), an olive-flavored mouthwash.
Flatulence (n.) the emergency vehicle that picks you up after you are
run over by a steamroller.
Balderdash (n.), a rapidly receding hairline.
Testicle (n.), a humorous question on an exam.
Rectitude (n.), the formal, dignified demeanor assumed by a proctologist
immediately before he examines you.
Oyster (n.), a person who sprinkles his conversation with Yiddish
expressions.
Circumvent (n.), the opening in the front of boxer shorts.
Frisbeetarianism (n.), The belief that, when you die, your soul goes up
on the roof and gets stuck there.
Pokemon (n), A Jamaican proctologist.
----------------------------
This article came from Davondra L.Owens:
Why "Handicapped" is not Cool by Jerry Kainulainen
The young man had lost his legs in the war. Sitting on a bard with
wheels attached to the underside, he swiftly pulled himself along the
street. The bottom parts of his pants legs were neatly tucked under the
stumps of his legs. He wore an old worn coat; a cap was handily nestled
in his lap. As people passed by, he held out his cap, hoping to beg
enough to buy his next meal or replace his old worn coat.
The word "handicapped" was first used in Great Britain after the Crimean
War. Medicine had advanced to a point where large numbers of soldiers
were returning home with injuries that would have proved fatal in
earlier wars. To aid the severely disabled men, Parliament made it
legal for war veterans to beg on the streets; they could keep a "cap
handy" to accept donations from passersby.
Because the word "handicapped" implies making beggars out of people with
disabilities, the term is no longer acceptable. The preferred term is
"people with disabilities" (M.A. Hickman, ALRID). There is a difference
between "handicapped" and "disability."
Disability is a condition, either emotional or physical. A handicap is
the cumulative result of obstacles, which a disability interposes
between individuals and their maximum functional level. Therefore, not
all disabilities are handicaps. A person using a wheelchair is not
handicapped in an environment where there are no steps. A person who is
deaf is not handicapped when using a TDD. People who are blind are not
handicapped in jobs where they use voice-output computers. The real
handicap is often the built environment, e.g., stores with steps into
them, inaccessible taxis.
Often the built environment is the severe handicap. Such environments
limit participation, productivity, integration, independence, and
equality. If a person using a wheelchair cannot accept a job because it
is on the second floor and there is no elevator, the real handicap is
that there is no elevator. If someone cannot attend school because
there are no ramps or curb cuts, the real handicap is no physical access
to an education.
In using language, we can choose to emphasize people's similarities or
differences. The term "disabled person" is a sloppy short cut to the
more psychologically sound _expression, "person with a disability." The
latter places the person first, not the disability. Placing the
disability first distorts and undermines who people with disabilities
are and how they want to be seen. We don't refer to people with broken
legs as "broken-leg people!"
A woman experiencing polio, using a wheelchair, can also be a mother, a
wife, an executive, a student, a board member, a gifted public speaker,
etc. A man who has cerebral palsy is not a "vegetable!" Although he may
have a severe disability, he may also be extremely mentally able, a
contributing, productive member of society, e.g., Stephan Hawking,
probably the most famous living scientist, author of the book, A Brief
History of Time.
You won't find a word "handicapped" in the Americans with Disabilities
Act (ADA) or any of its supporting documents. Nor will you find the
word "special." Although the term is used in descriptions such as
Special Education and Special Olympics, it is seen as patronizing and
distancing. "Special" is the euphemism of segregation. The drafters of
the ADA and the disability community are saying, "We want to change the
image of people with disabilities and the environment." A parking space
that is accessible allows a person using a walker or a wheelchair to
exit with enough room to maneuver; it does not handicap people with
disabilities!! Those signs should say "Accessible Parking" instead of
"Handicapped Parking."
Please join us in changing 19th century language habits. Join us in
increasing equal treatment, community awareness, acceptance, and access.
Be concerned: take the time to be vigilant about your own language.
Language does play an important role I shaping ideas and attitudes.
"Our words affect our thoughts
Our thoughts affect our beliefs
Our beliefs affect our feelings
Our feelings affect our behavior and
Our behavior affects our world"
(Shirley Devol VanLieu)
This article is borrowed from June Isaacson Kailes' writing Language is
More Than a Trivial Concern.
I hope you enjoyed this and I would recommend we all think about how we
address those with disabilities. Natives never had a word for
"disability." We always took care of our own and shown equality. Thank
you for taking the time to read this.
August Martin, Program Director - Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation -
Juneau, Alaska 99801 (907) 463-7325/(907) 789-4062 Fax
---------------------------
Rico sent along this article about political activity in Maryland:
The bill (HB991) submitted by Delegate Proctor who is a House
Representative of the Brandywine community, has been assigned to the
Health and Government Operations Committee.
The bill essentially is the same as HB341 as passed in the 2002 session
of the Maryland Legislature, but will be heard this session by a
different committee. The Bill amends the current statute on the
Recognition process by including time frames upon which a petition is to
be acted on. The Piscataway-Conoy Tribe petition has been sitting idle
for seven (7) years, because of this oversight.
As you may recall the Governor vetoed HB341on frivilous grounds, and it
is presumed that the current Governor will act on the merits of HB991
and not creative license.
To assure passage of the current Bill, we (that means all of us) need to
start sending letters, emails, endorsements and making telephone calls
to the committee members NOW.
A listing of the Delegate Committee members telephone number, email
addresses, and office addresses,who are members of the committee will be
sent to you today. Please share this information with all your friends,
relatives, co-workers, church members, and anyone else that can or will
assist us in this matter. Ask that they call, write, or email every one
of them.
A form letter will be sent to everyone on Mervin, Natalie, and the
Newsletters mailing lists for you to copy and send to the House
Committee members. Please make copies to distribute or forward the
letter to everyone on your email list and be sure to get it to those
members that do not have internet access; especially our elders. Rico
PS:
there has been concern about language about land in the bill. Be
assured, our leaders will not sign anything that compromises your rights
in order to get recognition. Our leaders are in possession of legal
documentation that assures the provision in the bill pertaining to this
issue makes it a mute point and unenforceable.
If you have questions contact Mervin Savoy; Piscataway-Conoy Provisional
Tribal Chair, or Natalie Proctor; Cedarville Band Chair for answers.
-------------------------------
Jay Crosby sent along this list of names:
Hi, my name is:
Art, I'm a museum curator.
Chuck, I'm a butcher.
Gene, I'm a DNA researcher.
Curt and Rod, we are in the drapery business.
Will, I'm a lawyer.
Sue. I'm also a lawyer.
Mary. I'm a justice of the peace.
Phillip, I'm a service station attendant.
Bill. I run a collection agency
Grant, I am a loan officer.
Mike. I'm an announcer
Toni and Bob,we are hair dressers.
Gail. I'm a meteorologist
John. I'm a plumber
Herb. I'm a cook.
Stu. I also cook.
Wade and I'm in swimming pool maintenance.
Rob. I'm a thief.
Rod. I sell guns.
Russell, I'm a cattle thief
Woody. A Forester
Rusty, I'm an iron worker.
Les. I'm a dietician
Hans. I'm a manicurist
Harry. I'm a barber.
Nick. I was a barber but I'm looking for a new job.
Emmy, I'm a T. V. star
Oscar, and I'm a movie star.
Hugo, I write science fiction
Pete Moss. I sell ferilizer.
Iris. I'm an optometrist
Teddy, I'm in lingerie
Josh. I'm a talk show host
Mark. I price items at the supermarket.
Dustin. I'm a school custodian
Matt. I'm a doorman.
Homer. I am a realter.
Carol. I sing during the holidays.
Clay. I make pottery.
Derek. I'm in the oil rig business.
Neal. I lead prayer groups.
Eileen. I make orthotics for people with one leg longer than the other.
Irene. I'm Chinese and also make orthotics.
Rusty. I undercoat cars.
Sly. I'm a detective.
Bea. I'm in the honey business..
Hugh. I'm a painter.
Jim I train boxers
Brigham I'm a chauffeur
Dean A college chancellor
Nat. I'm an entomologist.
Bud. I'm in flowers.
And I'm Rose. I'm a gardener. I work with Violet, Iris and Lily.
Clarence, I specialize in end-of-season inventory closeout sales.
Manuel, I write intruction books.
Boris. I lecture at the University.
They call me Pops. I sell soft drinks.
Jules, Ruby and Pearl. We're jewelers.
Marshall. I'm a peace officier.
Gil. I'm a fisherman.
Avery. I raise birds.
Cliff. I'm a mountaineer.
Sherry. I'm a wine-master.
Cary. I'm a porter.
Barry. I'm an undertaker.
Chevy and Mercedes. We are car dealers.
Abbie. I'm a Mother Superior.
Belle. I play the carillon.
Candy. I'm a confectioner.
Jack. I wanted to be a banker but ended up installing tires.
Dick. I'm a plain-clothes policeman.
Bet. I'm a coupier.
Sherry. I work in a vineyard.
Leo. A lion trainer.
Ham. I raise pigs
Otto. I'm a car mechanic.
Herald. I'm a messenger.
Sandy. I'm a lifeguard.
Guy. I install antennas.
Ray. I'm a roentgenologist.
Doug, I'm a grave digger
Faith. I'm a minister.
Hope, I'm a stock broker
Charity, a televangelist
Joe, an espresso vender
Bart. I drive a bus.
Frank, the Hot-Dog vendor
Brandy. The bartender.
Holly, I'm a holiday decorator
Shelly, I'm an expert on mollusks
Rich, A successful investment banker.
Moe, I'm a gardener
Brooks. I'm an irrrigation consultant
Haley, an astronomer.
Tom and Tammy. We bred cats.
Cookie, I'm a baker.
Chip. I'm a professional gambler when I'm not playing golf.
Bette, I'm also a gambler
Lute. I'm a musician.
Melody. So am I.
Tellie. A gossip columnist
Ira. I'm an investment advisor.
Annette, I sell fishing supplies
Pat. I am a masseur
Rex. I own a junk yard.
Hortense. I'm a psychologist working with prostitutes.
Haley, I am an astronomer
Sandy, I just hang around the beach.
Dusty, I run a cleaning service.
Victor, and I'm a winner in everything I do.
----------------------------
Louie Freiberg sent along this e-mail about an effort to erect a
monument at Wounded Knee:
Information on proposed memorial at Pedro on Cheyenne River at Chief big
Foot 1890 campsite & village for your Wall, SD April Chamber meeting.
The stone for the 1890 sweat hut at the Chief Big Foot Camp are still
piled near the Deep Creek where the originial sweat hut was located
according to Bill Stone 1010 St. Patrick St., Rapid City. SD
605-394-0359 (owner of the ranch where camp was located for many years,
now owned by Kjerstad's)
Below is link to the originial proposed legislation on Wounded Knee
Memorial and a North Unit on the Cheyenne River at Chief Big Foot's camp
& village. (40 miles north of Wall, SD and Five miles south of Freiberg
ranch http://louienet.com and the Sioux Spiritual Center
http;//louienet.com/family/spiritualcenter.htm
I would hope the Wall Chamber and Wall Drug will under take efforts for
the completion of this North Unit memorial as well as the the
establishment and marking the route taken by Chief Big Foot and his band
from the Cheyenne River Camp (at mouth of Deep Creek) to Wounded Knee as
a National Historic Trail. Hope Wall Drug Wall-@gwtc.net
605-279-2175 and Wall Chamber Wallch-@gwtc.net will take up this
effort.
I am sending copy of this eamil to some individuals I think would be
interested in such a memorial.
WOUNDED KNEE ORIGINIAL BILL IN CONGRESS
http://www.yvwiiusdinvohil.net/politicial/s382is.htm Originial
Wounded Knee Bill
The originial bill among other things suggested a North Unit:
"(A) a North Unit that may include --
(i) such sites relating to the 1890 Wounded Knee Massarcre and
Ghost dance Religion, including the campsite of Chief Big Foot at Deep
Creek, as the as the Cheyenne River Tribe, in connection with the
Director of the National Park Service, considers necesary to include in
such unit;"
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Part Two will be along in a day or two.....
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Stay safe,
Phil
phil-@rocketmail.com
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End of the April 2003 Newsletter - Part One
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