As has been indicated in many posts on the forum, our species certainly has no problems with diverse opinions and sometimes with racial and/or prejudicial overtones and undertones that, more often than not, divide and cause conflict worldwide. I am dismayed at the recent news coverage of the African-American professor who was arrested by the white police officer for breaking into his own home. In most interracial neighborhoods in America, this would have been a simple arrest with a simple explanation that would have been cleared up and forgotten by now. But I must express my concern and ask, "Have we regressed so far that we must have presidential presence to solve such a simple affair?" It is a discouraging sign of our reluctance in America to see the fault in each of us and continue to live in denial and self-righteousness. Rather than take the higher plane of thinking and both parties admit it was an unfortunate misunderstanding, both hold to their claim that they did nothing wrong and expect an apologetic admission of guilt from the other. Is it any wonder why there is no peace on earth when one man cannot resolve simple problems with his neighbor through a healthy dialogue that usually reveals the truth as well as an acknowledgement of guilt on both sides. We seem to have regressed into a warrior race of Neanderthals that insists on being right, not according to God, but according to mankinds own doctrine and dogma of selfishness and egomania.

Back in the day when I was still a member of the Episcopal Church I took to heart the prayer of humble access, to whit;
"We do not presume to come to this thy Table, o merciful Lord, trusting in our own righteousness, but in thy manifold and great mercies. We are not worthy so much as to gather up the crumbs under thy Table. But thou art the same Lord whose property is to always have mercy. Grant us therefore, gracious Lord, so to eat the flesh of thy dear Son Jesus Christ, and to drink His blood, that we may evermore dwell in Him and He in us. Amen.

And as well in seriousness, the prayers of confession;
"Ye who do truly and earnestly repent you of your sins, and are in love and charity with your neighbors, and intend to lead a new life, following the commandments of God, and walking henceforth in His holy ways:Draw near with faith and make your humble confession to Almighty God, devoutly kneeling."
"Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, maker of all things, judge of all men:
We acknowledge and bewail our manifold sins and wickedness, which we from time to time have most grievously committed, by thought, word, and deed, against thy divine Majesty, provoking most justly thy wrath and indignation against us. We do earnestly repent, and are heartily sorry for these our misdoings; the remembrance of them is grievous unto us, the burden of them is intolerable. Have mercy upon us, most merciful Father; for thy Son our Lord Jesus Christ's sake, forgive us all that is past; and grant that we may ever hereafter serve and please thee in newnes of life, to the honor and glory of thy name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."

"Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against thee in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. for the sake of thy Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in thy will and walk in thy ways to the glory of thy name. Amen"

And I have found in every church denomination, in every faith of the world, in every political dynasty and in every social order, that as humans raise these beautiful words up to the Creator, they speak with forked tongues. These words, or words of like meaning, are said by rote by the participants of any given nation or society and have lost their meaning. They are recited by many leaders who should be living examples of this type of admission and humility, but they are recited to impress others of their own righteousness or to lay guilt upon those who do honestly strive to be just and in love and charity with their neighbors. Yes, much of the world has regressed into modern day Sodom and Gomorrah, modern day Babylon, towers of Babel believing they can attain the level of God, deification of self, self-righteous priests who lie and deceive their congregants, hypocrites by their own right, rites, and making. The words are glorious, but do you hear them when you speak them? Do they strike and convict your hearts? Or have they just become hollow words without meaning, without accountability or responsibility? Are you whining while sitting on the pity pot, or are you taking action by looking into the mirror and demanding changes of yourself and the world? Have you taken the position of self-righteousness, refusing to acknowledge the "manifold sins and wickedness, which we from time to time have most grievously committed"? When you have a problem with a friend, neighbor, or family member, or another nation or faith, do you take it to them and seek resolution, or do you continue to play the "blame game" with adamancy, screaming and demanding, "Justice , by God!!"?

How far down the ladder have we fallen? How far have we regressed from being "civilized" and civil to one another? Will we continue to seek reasons for atercations and dissension because our brother has a bigger piece of bread than we? Have we lost the capacity or desire to do that which is right? The analogy might be like the president intervening in the recent story I spoke of, except the difference will be that God will intervene and provide justice to all the earth and her creatures....justly and righteously. And mankind may be on the losing end this time. One can only hope....Right?....May God's Spirit of Truth, Justice, Hope, and Peace be swift and merciful to us all.....To`na Wanagi

I know exactly what you mean. That case really disturbed me too. We can not escape the truth about the fact that we can find many racial issues on all sides. However often people want to cry out racisms when the event had nothing to do with race at all. I noticed how much more news coverage this event had before they discovered that it had been nothing more than a misunderstanding.

You’re so right about the blame game you can find it everywhere. You will also find it a lot in the work environments. Something goes wrong and people become more concerned about finding someone to blame than making necessary improvements.

As my children grew up they have done their usual blaming each other for whatever they got caught doing I would tell them this.

When you blame someone else for what you do than you have put the power into their hands. Power they often don’t want, because you’re saying that they have the power to influence you to do this. When you accept the blame yourself for your (and only your actions) than you have put the power into your own hands. Now you have the power to change them.

As we accept responsibility for our own actions than we place ourselves in the position to make improvements.

It’s too bad more people do not understand that. Sincerely Reverend Penny.

I agree with you To`na Wanagi.

I remember reading in the "Audacity of Hope" by then Senator Barack Obama that he thought it was sad it is, the social divide that has developed in America. Stating that it is believed by many, that America is more divided than any time before World War II.

The case with Professor Gates and the Police Officer should only bring an undeniable truth to that statement. The question remains for me, as it does for many of you as well, "Why do we subject ourselves to this type of relationship with one another?"

This is why I respect fellow ministers here at the ULC Monastery, I find non-judgmental believers in something higher and something better that isn't bigoted or discriminative. A common faith connected at times only by its psychologically shared understanding that we all disseminate from 'one universe' and that we should, in the best of our abilities live up to the truths and power that come from living side-by-side, country-by-country; peacefully and loving one another and respecting one another for our beliefs, heritage, culture and future.

Perhaps one day we will have complete religious tolerance. Wouldn't it be great?

This brings to mind a song which we should all listen to now and then, "Imagine" by John Lennon...

"Imagine there's no Heaven
It's easy if you try
No heck below us
Above us only sky
Imagine all the people
Living for today

Imagine there's no countries
It isn't hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace

You may say that I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will be as one

Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world

You may say that I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will live as one "

Perhaps I too am a dreamer, but it's a good dream to have.

Well said and done dear sister! And a great analogy as well.....God's Peace....To`na Wanagi

Another great philosopher, minister, and teacher murdered by the hand of mankind. Just as Jesus accused the Pharisees, Sadducees, scribes, and priests of His time of murdering the saints and the prophets and having their blood on their hands, so it has not changed to this day except that it is more frequent and worldwide. And yes, the song always brings tears to my eyes as I too have this dream. Thank you and God bless you for the words of John....God's Love and Peace....To`na Wanagi

I was grateful for the rain and mud streaming down my face that day 40 years ago. It hid the tears of my sorrow and fears. I was in deep meditation visualizing my brother carrying his M-16 and the commando type knife he was issued by the army to kill the enemy silently. And the sea of people swayed in unity as we listened to the music and lyrics of some of the greatest musicians and composers who ever lived. We wept together as we heard the violent rat-a-tat-tat of Hendrix's "Machine Gun" guitar, reminding us of the conflict overseas that so many of us regarded as insanity. And yet, he still played his version of the "Star Spangled Banner", hailed by many pro-war politicians as almost sacrilegious. We held hands as we listened to the Beatles singing "Come together, right now", praying for the safe return of our loved ones and for the souls of those we lost, and even those of the "enemy" who were also caught up in a political war of wills. We raised our fists in power as we heard the ballads of Dylan, and the screaming, almost painful wails of the great Janis Joplin as their voices cried for justice and peace. And as we sat in the mud and rain we visualized our brothers sitting in their flooded foxholes, writing scrawled letters home and appealing to us to stop this war, however necessary. They were just carrying out orders by their government. And when....if....they came home, the government would welcome them back as heroes, send them to school, give them jobs and a home.....not. And I remember the first time those uniformed officers came to our door, the freezing terror that nearly stopped our hearts. But this time he was only wounded. He would return to the killing fields in ten days to resume the battle. And about that same time I recall my anger when my little brother wrote to me to tell me he had dropped out of high school to join the Marines. And the less than honorable discharge he received for being "unfit" for military duty after suffering a breakdown caused by the trauma of what he saw....and did... under orders of his C.O. The same trauma that would cause his own death at the young age of 37......

And since then, the trauma of war has never stopped as we engage in conflict after conflict....But the music, the sea of people, the desire for peace and love, the great spiritual movement of all people, white, black, red, yellow, and many shades of brown, the Christians, the Jews, the Muslims, the Buddhists, the Hindus, the Sikhs....has it stopped? Is this "The day the Music Died?" This more than music event that temporarily engaged the whole world in a unified voice and vision that called and dreamed of peace; Woodstock....40 years ago...continues to live in the hearts and minds of those who were there. Their spirits were moved and they received a great calling from God. But the event, and those who participated, would be villified by an American government that wanted them to be silenced. And so, the "Hippie" movement was stigmatized and propagandized to quell the exercise in civil disobedience, and we were labeled as commies, drug addicts, sexual deviants, filthy perverts whose goal was to destroy the very foundations of freedom and democracy.....Hmmm...and many believed it to be true...But we have survived the subtle underhanded tactics and are much older and much wiser...enlightened...by the Spirit of the Universe. We have not gone away. Nor have we forgotten the virtuous precepts, the philosophies of peace, the advocacy of equality, the love of all human beings, the power to dream of a new world that is led by theSpirit of the One True God of all people that speaks to our hearts and minds of reason and logic and tolerance. We remember...and we have not gone away.

So, as we celebrate the 40th anniversary of this more than music event called Woodstock, I ask of you; Where wereyou that day? What were your dreams for the world's future? Does the music still live? Or, is this the day the music died?....God's Peace and Love to all....To`na Wanagi

This as well as the opening of this thread are both very well said. I am a bit young ( not much) to have been at Woodstock, but your words ring true.

In answer to your final question........ resounding " N O "

I cannot and will not believe the music died. It lives within each of us. Granted today may be lacking in the musicians and visionaries of that time as writers and performers, but all ages have a golden age. If you listen, things said musically those days are as valid today as that day(s) in Woodstock.
Personally I see music as the breath of The Divine or God (or what ever your values sees as the divine) that infuses every pore and molecule of our being.



BTW. I so enjoy your posts

Pilamaya Mita`ko'la (Thank you my Friend) ......God's Peace to you..... To`na Wanagi

I felt compelled to continue the dialogue on this question after a friend from Phoenix sent me yet another rant of the most unholy prayers of the man Steve Anderson who calls himself a Pastor. This time Mr. Anderson (I will not priviledge his ego by calling him a Rev., Pastor or Minister) has prayed that President Obama gets brain cancer like Ted Kennedy and dies and goes to h e l l.

Now, while many of us can recognize the mental instability of this man, there are some fanatics and extremists who will jump on his bandwagon, if for no other reason, hoping for notoriety and fame. There will always be one who will submit to the lies of these liars and pick up a weapon and decide to take violent action against our leaders. This is an example of how historical genocide and holocausts begin. It only takes one person to play with the emotions of an already beleagured social order and excite them to an unrational lynch mob mentality. To those who may feel oppressed, they can easily justify their civil disobedience even though their actions may be grounded in false accusations, blame, and innuendoes. If the 'Father of Lies' can convince the many that what he says is truth, he can create an army of irrational, uninformed mobs who will gladly take up arms in self-righteousness and instigate a civil war, gathering others who are just as ill-informed to their ranks.

Take a look around this world and consider how many conflicts and wars are started by the same types of comments Mr. Anderson is making. Some of us may have the mental capacity to recognize the rantings of a mentally and emotionally unstable peson and pray for his salvation from himself, his own ego. But there will be many who give credence to his rantings and lift him up to a prophet status. And, while I respect the rights of free speech, expression, religion, and press, I must also express my concern that there are those who will undermine any and every good thing by using these doctrinal instruments whose intended purpose was to implement and secure a free and equal society within our own borders. We must realize that within these 'presumed-safe' borders are mal-contents who serve the Father of Lies and whose purpose is to fulfill the desires of the spirit of anti-christ, the children of Caine, the Kenites who propagate and perpetuate unrest and dissension. The process is a regression of the holy to an unholy state that is acheived through a subtle progression of untruths and half-truths whose spirit is intent on dismantling that which is good and right. And they come bearing the name of God and Christ...... an abomination to Him.

It saddens me to recall the memories of my childhood when, in my innocence, I dreamed dreams of a world free of the same violence perpetrated against me. When I dreamed of a world living in peace and harmony, and believed in the goodness of every person, in truth, justice and the "American Way". It saddens m to see this same unholy spirit of the 7 deadly sins survive and replace that which is good and right, neighborly love, and the Light of God that once shone so brightly in this nation. It saddens me to see so many of the blind and deaf travelling down a path of illusion, delusion, and self-destruction.

But I am called to serve our one true God, the Spirit of the Universe, with unwavering faith and content in His grace and secure in His knowledge and Wisdom. To dream dreams that He will some day prevail over unrighteousness and open the blind eyes and deaf ears of those who were deluded and who fell for the lies and deceptions of the prince of the power of the air. So, while the regression continues for now, I will remain steadfast in the surety of my God and in His magnificence and Love. I pray there will be many more who will forego the doctrines and precepts of men and awaken to the Spirit of Truth, Justice, Hope and Peace. That is my prayer for all of you who get caught up in the hype and frenzy that distracts us all and is a tool of the unholy sons of perdition to divide and conquer....God's Love and Peace....To`na Wanagi

Dear To`na,

Please do not despair so dear Sister. There are many who share your dreams of peace and harmony (myself included), and have worked for years toward such a goal.
I know things might look bleak to say the least; however, it is important to remember that the things and people we are exposed to through the media are just one small portion of the world’s population activities.
As you know, the media acts on behalf of financial gain and will constantly report those stories which will promote the largest following. Sex, crime, hate, disaster, and tragedy are headlines, unfortunately most look to read, view, or hear about consistently. For some, it is considered entertainment, for others, justification for their own actions and thoughts; but for most I believe, the attraction is due to the distraction from ones own woes. They find a twisted measure of comfort from these stories that stems from the satisfaction of knowing that they certainly cannot be considered the worst person or biggest failure in the world with such examples to be heard about daily. (It is most difficult to go on trying if you consider yourself a failure). It is also unfortunate that these same people do not realize the extent of damage they do to themselves in actively participating in their constant exposure to such material. This is not to say we must burry our heads and pretend the world has no issues; however, one must question the benefits and purpose in hearing of only such darkness.
The media, over recent years, have been criticized for this exact reason. They have been accused of the promotion and the sensationalizing of such topics for the purpose of sales. As a result, now effort to include what is known as “fluff” pieces to offset those accusations. Every newscast will produce approximately 75% of local news and current world affairs, but the other 25% must be divided between sports, weather, social events, and of course, the mandatory fluff piece. We will hear about rescued kittens, or the occasional adopted dog that saves a family from tragedy. We may hear about the child who has won the local spelling bee or has started some fund raising activity, but this is the most we hear about “good news” these days. Is it any wonder people are in the mindset that the world around them is dark and foreboding. Hopelessness, fear, panic, depression, paranoia, frustration, and anger are all results of being bombarded with negativity on a daily basis. The need for self-preservation is kicked into overdrive, and the conditioning of “do unto others before they can do unto you”, becomes the delusional, but believed and justified way of life.
People in our countries, have been told for years, that we may have the good life if we are obedient, lawful, and work hard. When our time came to receive this good life, we found our rewards for doing as we were told, was far better in promise than of the delivery, and sought out reasons why we were so easily deceived. Enter the personally designated scapegoat or a much-welcomed ride on the bandwagon of the day.
We were also told that good guys finish last, and what comes around goes around. Based on these words of “wisdom”, we look to the world for justice that is incurred upon the unjust, but when we are rudely awakened to the truth of mans laws, we are embittered by not only the lack of justice, but also the betrayal of the dearly held trust in those laws we once had.
So then, what is it we are to do? We cannot ignore the world around us and pretend everything is good, nor can we go on delivering doom and gloom and expect a better way of life.
Like you, I believe the answer is in our childhood. Though I grew up very poor, I was quite satisfied with my life and found much happiness then. I was too young then to know I was poor, and required the well-meaning input of others to know the difference. I too became caught up in the “good life” hype, and the pursuit of such fairytales became my main focus, and the exact source of my discontent. I was forced to recognize that one cannot serve two masters, and which of the two were truly valuable to me. Family, friends, sharing, and loving proved themselves to be delivery of promises I had been searching for. It occurred to me that the good life is what you think it is, and not what you are told it is. Being satisfied with something perceived as less than others have is worth far more than having those things which hold no meaning for you.
We have paid a dear price for abandoning those values that were based on biblical teachings. Our desires became our masters, as we have chosen to believe the teachings of man. Seek only pleasure, seek only personal gain. Ignore the teachings of our elders, as they are old and irrelevant to our lives today. Forget things like morality, ethics, respect, loyalty, and integrity, for you have no need of reproach if it makes you happy. Don’t worry about lying that you own such attributes, for the laws and courts of man will demand the proof of your deceit for your protection, and even if that proof is provided, you need only money to make that proof discredited, and the laws of man will exonerate and apologize for the inconvenience to you.
Because we have been taught and believed the lies of the “good life”, it is easy to see why we despair, and why we go on being seduced by the teachings of man. The seduction is everywhere we look. It is in our television programs, our music and lyrics, our newspapers, magazines, radios, computers and movies. We find it in the people we associate with, and even in those we don’t. Now we are surprised to find it in our churches. We are so desensitized to the shock; it requires a catastrophe of biblical proportions before we even notice enough to shrug our shoulders. The seduction draws its strength by our need of false hope that there is better in life than we deserve, and that the deserving is based on what we perceive it to be. The quick buck, promiscuity, artificial chemical relief, surgical enhancements, advancement no matter the way, are all promised and encouraged to those who seek these things, as all are reported to be free of guilt or responsibility by the various media everywhere.
So then, why did I ask you not to despair? Here’s the good news for once. Those things we see on our televisions or movies, or what have you, are only those things reported or exploited, and represent only a sensationalized small fraction of the daily goings on in the world population. We know of “Doctors across boarders”, various legitimate charities, tireless social workers, ministers, nurses, firefighters, police, ambulance attendants, benefit concerts, Green Peace, Humane societies, Children’s wish foundation, and many many more. So why is it so hard to believe there are just as many people promoting the good? Simple, their stories don’t sell as well. The good does exist, and I believe, in far greater numbers than we are led to believe or know about, but those who have been hypnotized by false idols and seek only the reward of this life, would have the rest think otherwise. For there is another lie we were told, having to do with safety in numbers, and for those who seek reward, the more the merrier as there is comfort in ensuring there is no one left to accuse or dispute their way; but for those who have not been mislead, they are left with the illusion that they are all alone and needlessly suffer.
I know this is not your situation, so I send this happy reminder that God loves us, and this is all part of His plan. For those of us who believe, we knew this was coming, and we were well warned ahead of time not to be deceived by the temptations offered us.
When we hear of people like Steven Anderson, we gasp with amazement and disgust, and wonder how a person in this day and age, let alone a self-proclaimed servant of God could say and encourage such hateful things. But in my mind, who better to offer the temptation we were warned of?
Yes, it is true, wrongs of the past, both religious and otherwise, have started wars and genocides with statements just as ridiculous as Steven’s. But those were by people who could speak the word of God, but would not live it, those who would chastise for their own perception or gain, but were without belief. There will always be such people till God’s plan is complete, and we who believe, already know how it all ends anyway. So be of good cheer dear Sister, and be loud in your celebration. God will choose who and when the eyes of the blind will be opened, we need only concern ourselves with each our own efforts to reach those He would bless us by sending. The outcry of those deceived will be deafening, but our devotion of faith and our continuing illumination from that faith will shine like a beacon and draw them from the darkness they know now. Keep in mind that Steven is not lost, he is just misplaced, and those who would follow his words are misplaced as well. God has many true servants, and all those misplaced will have many chances to be found again. There are several who lurk in the darkness to secretly pass on their venom, (there has always been such people), the only difference between them and Steven is his words made headlines. Our stories, (those of the believers) are not considered news worthy, but I believe people enjoy the feeling of feeling good about who and what they are, and our example is testimony that such feelings are possible for even for those who consider themselves the greatest sinner. The need for people like you is already most obvious, imagine how much more you will be crucial to God’s people in the near future. No matter how things look to us right now, God will see us through!
This is just my opinion, but it is also my belief.

May God continue to bless you and keep you strong in His service.

Rev. Campbell.

See what I mean about you!? Aye, you help so many with your discourse and faithful spirit! And of course you know I understand all you have stated and concur with it all. And of course you also know that we, among others, have been endowed with God's most indomitable and sacred Holy Spirit. And just a reminder to those who doubt;
1 Peter 1:22-25 & 2:1-5 22."Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: 23, Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever. 24. For all flesh is as grass, and all glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away. 25. But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached to you.
2:1Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, 2. As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: 3. If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. 4. To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, 5. Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up a spiritual sacrifice, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ."

What a great promise and gift we have inherited! No, there is no dismay in my words. Nor hopelessness. But only an exhortation to those who have ears to hear and eyes to see the world around them, and the deceit of the prince of the power of the air who comes as an angel of light but is only darkness and lies. It is a cautionary word to all to be as the above scripture has expressed so eloquently; "lively stones...... acceptable to God by Jesus Christ." And I daily give thanks for servants like you and so many other friends who share with me an unfeigned love.

1 Peter 2:15 "For so is the will of God, that with well doing, ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men."...God's Love and Peace Ha`ka'ta....To`na Wanagi

Ahhh yes, as the topic title suggests'Have we regressed so far?', I am reminded once more of the ignorance of foolish men/women.

As it says in 1 Peter 2:15 "For so is the will of God, that with well doing, ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men(/women)." We should strive through well doing and not through the continual barrage of judgemental bigotries as exhibited on the 10-23-2009 edition of Good Morning America's interview with the female version of Rush Limbaugh, a.k.a. Ann Coulter. In the dialogue around Obama's position on Afghanistan, Coulter stated, he(Obama) "is not putting the fear of God into the savages."

Indeed, I must ask, "Have we regressed so far as to impose our historical position of forced religious conversion upon yet another population?" As a Native American whose ancestral heritage was nearly exterminated by this same mentality of the conqueror imposing the 'fear of god' as a tool of intimidation, and a very real threat of death, for refusing to assimilate the invaders doctrines of organized religion, I must protest to her words. But more than that, it should serve as an offensive reminder to all who believe in freedom and the democratic way of life, that no man or woman has the right to impose their particular faith upon another. And her reference to the Afghan people as 'savages' has pooled them into the same cistern as Native Americans, pagans, witches, and every other population that does not aspire to the so-called 'christian' (small 'c') notion of a god (small'g') of war and wrath and vengeance. Is this then where we are as a free nation? Do we aspire to the hateful dictions of these misguided cretans who desire to be superior over another of God's children? Are we forever doomed to hear the bigoted, racist, prejudicial, judgements that are a seemingly endless spew of vomit from the mouths of those elitists who only want freedom for themselves, and at the expense of the proletariat?

The hateful language that is a perpetual tool of the prince of the power of the air does have power. And as many as may find the words of Coulter offensive, there will be a cult following of ignorant and foolish men/women, who will rush to jump on her bandwagon seeking their 15 seconds of fame, and at any cost. They are the blind who somehow admire the literalistic misinterpretation and misconception of 'the fear of god'. They desire to undermine the least of God's children by threats and intimidation for their own gain.They are blinded from the truth that the citizens of Afghanistan are just like most of us. They want food and shelter for their children. They want schools and fresh water. They want to go to bed at night feeling safe from war, and missiles, and bullets. They want to worship as they believe, to live in peace, and to retain their identity as a unique people who have something to offer the rest of the world. They are not 'savages'. Coulter has failed to separate extremists from the rest of the population, just as those who first landed on this continent failed to give the Indigenous people their rightful dues. Those bigots sought only to villify and condemn them through propaganda, political rhetoric, religion, capitalism, and corrupted historical facts. So, while I might ask, 'Have we regressed so far?", maybe a more appropriate question would be, 'When will we see the truth of God; that all humans are created equal and that, with well doing, we may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men/women?'
May God be merciful to the just and the meek, and may He save them from the ignorance of foolish men and women....God's Peace....To`na Wanagi

After 500+ years of war, genocide, destitution, and oppression, the Native American has been given the month of November to commemorate their contributions to this nation that once belonged to them. November 1st is the first day of Native American Indian and Alaskan Native Heritage Month and is only the second time I have seen it listed on a public calendar. Most Americans are not even aware that there is such a day, or that the Indian deserves any such recognition. The romanticized Hollywood version of the brave and stoic Indian is the picture most people have engraved in their minds. My people have been stereotyped for political, religious, financial and educational (the four horns of Ezekial) purposes for the benefit of those who hold these high offices.
It is not the fault of many Americans that they should believe my people still live in tipis or that we still wear skins and feathers.
It is not their fault that our educational system has villified the American Indian as savages or lessor beings who should be pitied on the one hand and deified on the other.
It is not their fault that the charlatans who are wannabes should corrupt our sacred ceremonies causing the death of the participants or that some see the continued exploitation of the Indian as an opportunity for financial gain.
It is not their fault that they are unaware that our lands are continuing to be raped and stripped of minerals with the toxic sludge being left behind to poison our lands, air, waterways, wildlife, and occupied communities of women and children whose incidence of cancer is ever-increasing.
It is not their fault that they are not aware of the continued pressure to assimilate to the false religious teachings being imposed upon them and the shame these institutions impose on the communities that choose to follow their ancient traditions and spiritual paths.
It is not their fault. Because they absorb what they are taught by a westernized society full of ulterior motives that are solely focused on the four horns of selfish gain.

I ask all those who read this to take the time this month to investigate the true history of my people. To help us eliminate the stigma and stereotypes that have prevailed over 500 years of ugly history of conflict, coercion, and forced assimilation and acceptance of the four horns. I ask that you not only seek to understand the contributions my people have made, but also to understand their modern-day struggles on the impoverished reservations, the issues of alcoholism and drug addiction, the extremely high incidence of diabetes (about 54%) that is the result of government provided commodities full of fat, starch, and sugar, of unhealthy lifestyles the result of being isolated in harsh terrains and the unavailability of transportation, the lack of employment opportunities that exacerbate their poverty and contribute to depression and high rates of suicide amongst Native American young people. I ask that you look at my people as your brothers and sisters, your mothers and father, your children and spouses, or partners. I ask that you see us also as children of the Spirit of the Uiverse, the same God and Creator of all. I ask that you not regress into the perpetual propaganda and prejudice perpetrated by those who have desires of wealth, power, authority, and control. But rather progress into a new light that is based on authenticated history, the good, the bad, and the ugly, because yes, we are human too.
I ask most of all, that you remember the original spirit of my people and how they received the strangers who landed on our shores so many centuries ago. They did that which Jesus commanded of us. They fed the hungry, sheltered them, and taught them how to survive in what could be a harsh and dangerous environment. They embraced them as friends, married into them, and shared their religions freely without an expectation of conversion. They loved their Great Spirit above all and loved their neighbors as they would also wish to be loved. In that, they already knew the truest of all Christian values and principles.
But it was the strangers desire for want of more land, more wealth, more power, and the self-righteousness of their faiths that became strangely alien to my people and caused the breach in their relationship, the ensuing wars, and extermination policies or "termination act" by the U.S. government that would end in genocide and a policy of ethnic cleansing supported by political, capitalism, and religious intolerance.
And it is an unfortunate reality that these same policies exist today, albeit much more subtle and discreet. But in the end, the Spirit of Truth will be revealed, God's Justice will prevail, the Spirit of Hope will be renewed, and God's Peace will reign.
So please join me in celebrating the spirit of my people and the wonderful cultures and ceremonies they celebrated so many years ago and are reviving today.....Wakan Tanka nici un yawaste'.....To`na Wanagi

The beat goes on my dear friend, though much more silently in the minds and hearts. A much greater event than Woodstock is about to occur. It shall be worldwide this time. An all shall rejoice. But your word brings forth the need to remember; to reflect. Well spoken.

In the love of God,

DW Suiter