9/02/2008
Anti-Mormon
vs
Anti-Indian
It really is perplexing to me that I can be accused of being anti-Mormon for telling the story of the Black Hawk War in Utah. Whereas ignoring the history of the Ute is not considered anti-Indian.
7/08/2008
Forgive, yes, but never should we forget."
by Phillip B Gottfredson
"Personally I am horrified that our fellow citizens living in this age are being treated with such indifference. And that we, we who live as neighbors to indigenous people know so little of their lives. We can say "that's all in the past and we just need to forget about it." But it would be criminal to do so.
We assume that the Indian people have been given every opportunity to succeed, that "its their own damn fault." But I have lived with the Native people, I have listened to them talk about what it means to be Indian. I can say with certainty we are the ones who are blind to the harsh realities that they are faced with each and every day of their lives, and because of this there is a direct correlation to poor health and political strife.
It is difficult for Indian people to talk about their painful past, especially to non-Indians. And I can't blame them, they have been so demoralized and beaten down, it is very hard for them to trust. And for non-Indian people it is difficult to come to grips with the truth, that our ancestors were involved in such a horrible tragedy.
So it is that there is much healing that is needed on both sides. Healing that can only come from mutual respect, self-respect, and understanding. Some how we need to find a common language that will bring us together as one people, without having to compromise our individuality, our traditions, our culture, but in a good way, where there is freedom for all to live our lives according to the dictates of our own conscience. Without forcing our individual beliefs upon one another. That we may walk our paths together with integrity, honesty, respecting each other, being kind to each other.
Instead of arrogance there should be humility, and instead of hate, there should be love. Both Indian and non-Indian should realize that we all are suffering from the evils of the past in ways we all need to understand.
We need to talk, but we also need to stop talking, and listen. From our hearts we should talk, and listen.
We need to learn from each other. Who is more qualified to teach us about human equality than those who are the victims of the American holocaust? While our ancestors came to America for various reasons, some sought religious freedom, some wealth, and others for political reasons. But unlike our ancestors, the American Indian were not then fighting for independence, or wealth, or religious freedoms, but ironically would find themselves victims of the very injustices that our forefathers died defending for themselves. It is very difficult to explain why our people who advocated human equality, and rebelled against aristocracy and religious dictatorship would come to America and dispossess the Native people of their unalienable rights as human beings. 300 years have gone by and still, to this day, the American Indian continue to struggle for equality as American citizens. It is a disturbing reality that so many cling to the old ways of thinking that one is inferior, and others are superior.
The Black Hawk War was not about race, it was not about religion, race and religion later became the excuse to justify greed, and superiority. It was a human condition where each were putting their lives on the line to defend their freedoms and culture according to the dictates of their own individual beliefs, beliefs that had evolved long before they encountered each other.
It is time that we stop blaming each other. It is time we stop viewing these injustices as simply white or Indian processes, and begin viewing them as human processes.
It is time that our schools adhere to federal mandates and teach the truth about our history in the spirit of equality, and explain compassionately the dynamics of the time that led to such a horrific human tragedy, that we may avoid repeating those mistakes again and again. Explanations give us the tools to bring change. We need to recognize that there is still much work to be done before we can say with a clear conscience that we live in a country that guarantees liberty and justice for all, and not just for some.
It is time that we forgive, and reconcile the past with the present. Forgive, yes, but never should we forget."
GIVE ME A BREAK!
"Testimony to the Ute Indians" ...?
Give me a break! I came upon the website called "Parley P. Pratt" today and found this:
"As the Book of Mormon is very concerned with the history of the Native Americans, Mormons have always been interested in spreading the Gospel to them. Apostle Francis Marion Lyman went on a number of missions to the American Indian tribes throughout Utah, some of which were partly focused on making certain these tribes had fertile land to work with, beyond teaching the Gospel as revealed through Joseph Smith."
I normally don't get upset at other people's articles, but this one really made my blood boil. The sentence "making certain these tribes had fertile land to work with" has anyone visited the Uinta reservation and looked at the so called "fertile" land the Ute were given to work with? Well in case you haven't look at this 
photo which gives us an idea of the so called "fertile land" the Ute were exiled to beginning in 1868. Of the three million acres they were originally allotted, less than 25% of that land remains, the rest, the most fertile, was turned back to public domain. The Ute were given a choice, either join the church and do everything the Mormons commanded them to do or suffer
dire consequences. And suffer they did, even though many did join the church they too were made to live on the reservation. Meanwhile the Mormon church stole 260 thousand square miles of Ute land, much of which is the most fertile land in the state of Utah.
The above article I cited is a classic example of the kind of sugar-coated rhetoric, filled with platitudes, I have referred to many times on my website here.
Whereas, according to the Book of Mormon, the church believed they had a divine obligation to convert the aborigines to Mormonism according to church doctrine, and in so doing the so-called "loathsome" Indians would become a "white and delightsome people" and would be forgiven of the sins of their forefathers. (Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 5:21-23) According to church doctrine, the nature of the dark skin was a curse, the cause was the Lord, the reason was because the Lamanites "had hardened their hearts against him, (God)" and the purpose was to make them "loathsome" unto God's people who had white skins. Ezra Booth wrote the following in the early 1800's: "In addition to this, and to co-operate with it, it has been made known by revelation, that it will be pleasing to the Lord, should they form a matrimonial alliance with the Natives; and by this means the Elders, who comply with the thing so pleasing to the Lord, and for which the Lord has promised to bless those who do it abundantly, gain a residence in the Indian territory, independent of the agent." Note: November 8, 2007 LDS Church leaders make a change in the Book of Mormon. See Here.
Contemporary Mormons say this: "It's a rather common mistake for uninformed people to think these type of verses in the scriptures mean that righteous people will be Caucasians on the day of judgment. Certainly that is the conclusion that most of the anti-Mormons want people to draw. They would like to make people to falsely believe we are racist.
Surely the critics aren't suggesting that garments, robes, and fruits are being made Caucasian? To reiterate, the Book of Mormon used imagery, symbolism, and metaphors quite frequently. The term white is often used to denote holy and pure things, especially things which have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ. When the Book of Mormon refers to someone's skin becoming white, it is a metaphor meaning that they are becoming free from sin through Jesus' Atonement."
Brigham Young had a different opinion: "You see some classes of the human family that are black, uncouth, uncomely, disagreeable and low in their habits, wild, and seemingly without the blessings of the intelligence that is generally bestowed upon mankind... "Cain slew his brother.... and the Lord put a mark upon him, which is a flat nose and black skin. (Journal of Discourses, Vol. 7, pp. 290-291)
Shall I tell you the law of God in regard to the African race? If the white man...mixes his blood with the seed of Cain, the penalty, under the law of God, is death on the spot. This will always be so." (B. Young, Journal of Discourses, Vol. 10, 110)
Well this is one Mormon who believes in truth. And for anyone to suggest that the Ute were treated compassionately, and with equality is absurd. In the words of Dr. Floyd O'Neil, "You can't stretch a rats ass over a rain barrel."
April 20, 2008
Our goal, the Black Hawk War Project, is to reveal the true story of the Black Hawk War in Utah. To honor those who this day morn the past in silence because they have been forgotten. For some reason we have not found a common language where through mutual respect we can begin a healing process based upon a spirit of equality, balance, and compassion. We need to stop blaming each other, and look upon the past as a human condition. To simply ignore this tragedy is to be disrespectful and bigoted toward those whose ancestors died defending their rights, and to their many living descendants who have never understood why. To say "that's all in the past, and we should just forget about it," is to say that the lives of our ancestors are unimportant and have no relevance to anyone. This is the very stuff that causes anger, hate, discrimination, and hence racism. Explanations empower us with the tools to bring about change toward a more humane and compassionate society.
A couple days ago I visited the town of Ephraim, Utah for the purpose of investigating a story about Black Hawk that occurred in the year 1868. The story goes that a Mormon who was prominent in the community at the time by the name of Canute Peterson had learned that Black Hawk had been wounded in battle at Gravely Ford. Canute and his wife sent food and medicine to the ailing Ute leader, a kind gesture, an extraordinary gesture considering this was at the same time the war between the Mormons and the Ute was at it's apex.
Upon receiving the gift from the Peterson family, Black Hawk paid a visit to Canute and his family to show his gratitude for their kindness. He then asked the Peterson's to accompany him to a nearby place where stood a Juniper tree next to a small creek. There Black Hawk asked if Canute if he would share in a prayer for peace. Black Hawk then filled his pipe with sacred tobacco and during the ceremony Black Hawk made a promise to Canute and the people of Ephraim that he would forever be their friend for as long as the stream ran. Today, one hundred and sixteen years later, the stream still runs, and the old Juniper tree stills stands. And the people of Ephraim... some still remember the bond that was made that day between two caring people.
It was an memorable day for me, one I shall never forget. When I arrived in Ephraim I first went to the city building, then to the Snow College to inquire if anyone knew where the place may be located, or if it even still existed. It wasn't long when I was given directions to the very spot.
I can't say enough to congratulate the town of Ephraim for caring enough to preserve this place. There in a beautiful little park the old Juniper, though barely alive now, stands tall. I sat on a bench next to the tree and tried to imagine that moment, trying to get a glimpse of that day in 1868 in my minds eye.
What is important to me about that story is that it speaks to the humanity of both Black Hawk and Canute, and certainly the same for the people of Ephraim. It says that Black Hawk was a man of heart and not the "savage" and heartless warrior who went on a murderous rampage. And too the story teaches us that Canute, a Mormon leader, thought well of the old Chief, well enough to care for him.
I hope the folks of Ephraim will continue in their efforts to preserve the "Peace Treaty Tree" next to the stream for many generations to come, that it may continue to stand as a witness to the best of virtues of humankind.
See The Old Juniper Tree click here.
March 16, 2008
Yesterday I was in a meeting interviewing an individual of social influence in Provo, Utah for our documentary film. Out of respect for this person I will not name names, it is not important to this comment anyway. But we were discussing my work in Utah as an advocate for the Indian people of Utah when the Interviewee made the following comment: Sometimes when whites learn of the history of the Indians they become so sympathetic toward them that they feel it is their obligation to help them. And because they now have some knowledge of their past they feel that they can speak for the Indians, and represent them. The Indian people are capable of taking care of themselves, they don't need such people speaking for them. Often these people who have good intentions do more harm than good. (Words to that effect).
Of coarse I understood that this persons comments were directed toward me. I was being accused of poking my nose into Indian affairs and assuming the role as a spokesperson for the Indians people of Utah, what is ironic the person was making assumptions by telling me what she believes they think... had been an Indian I would have taken her comment seriously.
A couple years ago I was speaking with my mentor and Indian Elder, and she was asking me why I wanted to help the Indian people. I gave my explanation when she said to me, "who died and made you God." In other words she was asking what made me think that I have the answers that would help the Indian people? She went on to explain that the biggest problem between the whites and the Indian is that the whites have always believed that they know what is best for the Indians, that they never ask us what we need, they never listen, they only cram their ideas down our throats. Indeed it was a valuable lesson I learned that day, and one I will never forget. Its true about us whites, our culture has this tendency to think that our ways are better than anyone else's. One of the reasons for our lack of humility is, and there are many, goes back to the time of our ancestors. Manifest Destiny, the belief that God led our ancestors to the promised land, and because of that God in his infinite wisdom favored our ancestors who then believed they were superior to all others. The concept of being superior is not unusual in our culture, our ancestors came from societies ruled by monarchs. To be number one in all things is to be American. To be ahead of others is our ambition.
In the Indian culture I learned that no one person is superior another. That Creator gave each person talents and gifts, that should be used unselfishly for the betterment of the community. That things have there purpose, and no one or anything should be taken for granted. It follows then that if one person or thing suffers then all suffer, for all things are interconnected one to the other and dependant upon one another. An example would the plant people who breath in the carbon dioxide we exhale to live and breath out oxygen so we can live. Which is more important?
Returning to my interviewee's comment suggesting I am assuming the role as a 'savior' to the Indian people is absurd. It is not about me, or the Indian people that I work with. Its about human rights. When there are injustices against anyone, there are injustices against all others. When one person is denied equal rights guaranteed to all under the constitution, my rights have been violated and so have all others. We are American citizens, regardless of race, color, or religion. And we have two choices in our life, either we forever defend our rights as a community, or we forever leave them alone. To say it's not my problem, I am too busy, or I am just doing my job; is to contribute to the discrimination and bigotry that we think we oppose. Martin Luther King said, "Its not the voices of our enemy were fear, its the silence of our friends." Perhaps in my passion for my work I said something wrong, but I don't know everything, I am only learning as we all are.
I am not "anti-Mormon" but I do discriminate against those who believe they are superior to others and are so fanatical in their beliefs that they are closed minded. The Black Hawk War was about who would control the land and who would survive, the Native Indian people or the uninvited intruders the Mormons. It is what it is.
I am not a spokesman for the Indian people of Utah. Nor do I consider myself an expert in their ways. But they are my brothers, and my sisters, and fellow human beings. And I will stand in defense of their rights as American citizens as I do for myself. We need to stop blaming each other and look upon the problems in our past and present with compassion and equality as a human condition.
"Do not follow me because I may not always lead. Do not lead me for I may not always follow. Let us walk our path together as one." - Author unknown
Its damned if you do and damned if you don't in my world. One the one hand if I use the words Mormon and Indian in the same sentence I am labeled with the dreaded word "ANTI-MORMON." On the other hand if I say I am an advocate for the American Indian I am a "WANNABE." Both statements are derogatory and demoralizing. And both people who use these terms are being hypocritical in their own beliefs. Both say they believe in equality and do not condone segregation, but do so when they use these terms against others. Anti-Mormon, wannabe, anti-Mormon, wannabe, anti-Mormon, wannabe, anti-Mormon, wannabe, - sounds like the school yard.
How many times do I hear the words, "That's all in the past we just need to forget about it and move on." True it is all in the past when we are speaking of our history, but we should never forget. On one side of the river the whites don't want to be reminded of how their ancestors treated the Indian people and say, "I have heard it all a thousand times, so what, get over it." On the other side of the river the Indian people are saying we are victims and we won't be happy until you go away and give back our land you stole." Neither side wants sympathy, and sympathy wouldn't resolve anything. Both sides do want empathy however. Each would start to feel better if people would understand why they feel the way they do.
If you want to see the power of empathy and compassion at work I encourage everyone to take a break for a few minutes and look at what is happening in a tiny town in Washington State called Twisp. The town boarders an Indian reservation. Google Twisp for the story, or get the video called Two Rivers. Two cultures came together to reconcile the past. The rules were simple, no religious entity could be involved, no government either. They simply agreed to listen to each other with open minds and open hearts. And if you want to see the power of Creator at work, this will blow your mind.
I began my journey to find answers in 2001. I simply wanted to know what is the Indians side of the story. There is no way I could have anticipated what that question would lead me to. This I know for a certainty, for us to think that we don't need to understand our past, we are doomed to repeat the same mistakes again. Explanations give us the answers to fulfilling the dream we all have - to live in a world of peace and freedom for all our relations.
Bear Butte Update - Since this article ran, many who were concerned voiced their opinions to the legislator who have conceded to purchase the land surrounding Bear Butte to recognize and preserve the sacred site, and to honor the religious rights of the American Indian people.
February 2, 2008
Bill fails to ban alcohol near sacred mountain
Feb. 06, 2008
PIERRE, S.D. (AP) An effort on the behalf of American Indians to make
alcohol off-limits near Bear Butte was rejected today in the South Dakota
Legislature.
The mountain on the outskirts of Sturgis is sacred to Indians, and many of
them go there to pray.
HB1309 would have prohibited alcohol beverage sales within 1 mile of Bear
Butte.
Representative Jim Bradford of Pine Ridge says increased development in the
area is encroaching on the mountain and should be stopped.
But the House Commerce Committee did not agree. It rejected Bradford's
proposed buffer zone by a vote of 9-4.
_www.kxmc.com/News/206652.asp_ (http://www.kxmc.com/News/206652.asp)
Here we have American citizens with good intentions, asking their government leaders to project their religious rights but are denied protection under the law in favor of those who want to use a sacred site so they can get drunk. Are there not enough places in South Dakota to drink alcohol? Or is it because they are Indians who are asking for help? People say there is no racism in America. People say that the American Indian people are treated with equality as are all Americans. Yet here is one of many examples that proves the opposite to be true.
The issue here is not just a few people who choose Bear Butte as a place to drink a few beers. It is the crowds of people who are going to Bear Butte, blasting the area with loud music from boom boxes, and leaving their trash everywhere. This kind of activity is disruptive to those who go to Bear Butte to worship. It would be the same as a drinking party being held in the parking lot of a church disrupting religious services. Of coarse authorities would then take immediate action. Then why are one people given protection under the law and not others? Bear Butte has been a sacred site for worship long before the area became populated by whites.
Discrimination that goes by ignored, people who say "its not my problem" are in fact contributing to the erosion of the human rights of everyone everywhere.
December 17, 2007
Today I read this most disturbing article in the Salt Lake Tribune regarding the school systems on the reservation. Another stark reminder of the racism that continues to exist in Utah resulting in segregation and substandard education for the indigenous people. Those words that I have heard so many times are now ringing in my ears, "We (meaning the Mormon church) have given the Indians every opportunity to succeed, ...it's their own damn fault." Here in this article educators are accused of being racist. Teachers of all people are demoralizing their own students, our children, our American citizens. But because these are Native American Indians, this most likely will be ignored. Whereas if these were white students, and a white school system in would be national news.
Fort Duchesne School Closed After Failing To Meet Fed Standards
By Julia Lyon
The Salt Lake Tribune
Article Last Updated: 12/17/2007 08:07:33 PM MST
Posted: 8:06 PM- If the goal of No Child Left Behind is to shut down the worst schools in America, then the federal government has scored its first success in Utah.
After seven years of failing to meet testing and attendance requirements, seeing its student numbers plunge and its reputation decline, West Middle School in Fort Duchesne is shutting its doors. The school was technically the worst in the state. With fewer students came fewer teachers. No band to learn flute in. No wrestling team to join.
Forced by federal No Child Left Behind rules to restructure West, the Uintah County School Board decided to send the kids on a 20-mile bus ride to Vernal instead of shoring up a deteriorating institution. This is the first school in Utah whose struggles to meet NCLB led to its demise.
The roughly 120 students will leave a school almost entirely populated by American Indians to attend schools that are nearly exclusively white. This fact, tribal parents fear, along with a long bus trip is not the best decision for their children.
Rather than being forced to get out of bed early, the students should be able to receive the same education in their own community, parents say. The school is surrounded by the Uintah and Ouray Reservation with several thousand Utes.
Guzman, chairwoman of the Ute education board. "We want the same type of education that the students in the Vernal schools are receiving."
This fall when the Uintah School District considered options for the school's future - its enrollment history and the cost of operating and updating the school - locking the doors seemed the fastest and most economical step toward a solution. There had been complaints that West was a de facto segregated school, said Superintendent Charles Nelson, and bringing the seventh- and eighth-grade students to Vernal schools would immediately provide them with a variety of classes and extracurricular activities.
Exactly when West Middle will close remains undecided. It could take place as early as the middle of January.
The West Middle School property is slated to become home to a new K-6 elementary school, though tribal members hope the school could accommodate additional grades. That could allow American Indian middle school students to stay in the community and off the bus. On Wednesday, the Uintah board of education will meet with tribal members to hear their ideas.
What's offered as a solution to a failing school is more of a question mark, said Curtis Cesspooch, chairman of the tribal business committee.
"The other comments that are made: 'Will this new school guarantee students better academics? Are we going to ensure they are going to learn?' " he said.
Over the years, racial tensions have existed between tribal members and the district.
"Teachers are just blatant," Guzman said. "They outright say very harsh things to their students about their culture and who they are."
If that is the teachers' attitude when the American Indian students arrive at the new schools, "that's not a positive learning environment," she said.
The district is aware of the racial and cultural concerns and is planning cultural sensitivity training for the staffs at the junior high and middle school in Vernal. When West closes, a transition specialist will be hired for Vernal Middle School.
Vernal Junior High Principal Kent Bunderson remembers riding 30 miles on a bus to go to high school when he lived in Emery County years ago. It's something people get used to, he said.
"I can understand that folks would have some concerns that suddenly they're not going to be right next door, but they'll have a lot more and different opportunities," the principal said.
He sees that students who get involved take ownership in the school.
"We'll welcome those students with open arms," he said.
- JULIA LYON can be contacted at jlyon@sltrib.com or 801-257-8748
*Please see Truth in Education by Phillip B Gottfredson here.
November 24, 2007
Tis the Holiday Season
Years ago I recall vividly when the streets of downtown were brightly lit with the spirit of Christmas. The stores were all decorated in red, gold, and green, and fresh fallen snow blanketed everything. The sidewalks were filled with people all bundled up in warm clothes, and carolers could be heard on the street corners. Horse drawn sleighs with bells jingling. There truly was a magic in the air. People were happy, having a good time strolling about, laughing, smiling, it was the time to celebrate the blessings of life and all that was good. One of the favorite places to shop was a clothing store, because when you went in the scent of apple cider and cinnamon filled the air. It was free if you wanted a hot cup of cider. And they served it in a real ceramic cup, no Styrofoam in those days. I think you could buy all your gifts for five or six people for under a hundred dollars. I remember a seal skin wallet was only $5.95. And if you wanted to have it embossed in gold lettering to the person you were giving it to, it was only a dollar or two more.
There weren't any malls or giant chain stores. Down town shopping meant a leisure walk from store to store, and when you got to the end of the block you crossed the street and walked up the other side. It was just fun to window shop with a good friend by your side.
Often I think back on those days in the late 50's and early 60's. One thing I remember is that the snow on the streets and sidewalks weren't shoveled, and people weren't suing each other, and store clerks were having a good time because customers weren't yelling at them over some petty thing. Those were the good old days, where did they go?
So much has changed in such a short time. The small shops are gone. The merchandise is cheap and over priced. It's a time for corporate America to dump as much junk on the market as they can. "Black Friday," it all about the almighty dollar and if sales quotas are going to be met. A time to crunch the numbers to see if the economy is good or bad. It's the super bowl of the giant retailers. People have terrible attitudes, and so do the clerks in the stores. Christmas advertising now begins in July as television networks start showing re-runs of shows with a Christmas theme. The old magic of the holidays has been eroded by cliché marketing and meaningless sales. Even charitable causes such as feeding the poor has become photo-ops and promotion schemes to generate more sales in the shopping centers. Having 'done their duty' they can now forget the needy again until next year. These things I know to be true because I worked in retail for 35 years. And the last eight years I helped manage a shopping mall. And when it was time to go home after Christmas I was totally exhausted and embittered by the whole experience. One of the worst scams I would see run in the shopping mall was when the toy liquidators would come in and set up shop. They would sells thousands of cheap toys and the second the last day was over they would vanish leaving us to deal with all the irate customers who discovered they were ripped off. Toys that would break only after a few minutes of use would be brought back to be be replaced or to get a refund only to find the sellers had run. Still the profits out weighed the problems so they were brought back by the mall year after year.
So the truth we face is that Christmas is not like it used to be. It is unfortunate as the altruistic intentions behind this most noble of celebrations has been bastardized by corporate greed. Once again we have become blinded by our own acculturation as the greed and selfishness of others have become not the exception, but the norm. A mindset that has shadowed our good intentions from the very inception of America. And for many millions of American citizens who were the brunt of this mindset, Christmas is and always has been a time of remembrance of when their ancestors suffered unimaginable agony under the banner of Christianity. I am referring, of coarse, to the Native American Indian. But lest we forget, there were people with good hearts and good intentions then, as there are now. People on both sides of the river who truly have good hearts and sincerely care about the injustices. Were it not for these people there would be nothing of real value left in our society for the money mongers to capitalize upon. For it has been and most likely will always be, there is nothing that is sacred enough that some greed driven person won't find a way to make a buck from it.
Buy into the bling-bling and you are funding the robber barons, the Grinch who has stolen Christmas.
We wish all our friends a holiday filled with peace, love, food to eat, shelter, and comfort. May our prayers be for the children who are starving in this world, that they may find comfort. May there be beauty above, below, and all around. May we not forget the plants and animals who give of themselves every day that we may live. Let us not take anyone or anything for granted. Let us walk our paths to serve all our relations, that one day we may stand before Creator without shame.
October28, 2007
Ignorance Equals Racism
Many times I have been told with intensity by people here in Utah, "That's all in the past, we should just forget about it and move on." And Nauvoo, Carthage, Illinois; Mountain Meadows Massacre, the Civil War and so forth are in the past too, shall we apply the same mindset and forget those events and move on? Then why is it ok to apply one standard for certain people and not equally? And what about the descendants of those who's ancestors were so brutally treated, is it fair to ask them to just forget about the past and move on? I would be immoral to forget such human injustices as the Black Hawk War.
To tell of this story seems impossible to be politically correct. The indigenous people of Utah have suffered unimaginable physical and mental torment. Exiled from their home, forced onto desolate reservations, thousands die from pandemic disease. They were blamed for mass murders. They were beheaded, and tortured. How many from died from hopelessness and despair? The answer will never be known. Their remains were put on public display as a mere curiosity and entertainment, what other reason could there be, perhaps to express dominance and supremacy? These are glaring examples of the "saints" mindset of arrogance, and moral ambiguities. As shocking the Massacre at Mountain Meadows has been to thousands of people, there is no other event comparable to the trail of tears left behind in the aftermath of the Mormon domination over the Native American Ute Indian in Utah. And last, but not least, they have been portrayed as a "loathsome" people who's dark skin is God's punishment for the sins of their forefathers. One Saint offered this explanation, "In those early days it was at times imperative that harsh measures should be used. We had to do these things, or be run over by them. It was a question of supremacy between the white man and the Indian." This statement was made by John Lowry, the man accused of having triggered the war. It is the single most honest statement I have thus far read in my six years of research of the war. I think the time is way past due that we take a closer look at our Mormon heritage and begin asking questions, reading the accounts, and learning from our history how fanaticism leads to extremism?
The indigenous people of Utah are grossly misunderstood by contemporary society, as are all Native American Indians. Their complex cultures are their traditions; their languages are their traditions; their traditions are orally passed from parent to child many of which take a life time to learn. Once lost, they are gone forever. We should have an America where these unique cultures thrive. "Surely God would not have created such a being as man, with an ability to grasp the infinite, to exist only for a day! No, no, man was made for immortality." - Abraham Lincoln
Today I was told by a well educated Mormon man that he "can't see why it is such a big deal that the Utah Indians are so concerned about loosing their languages and culture." he said, "I am Scandinavian, and my ancestors came from Norway. I don't speak Norwegian or follow those traditions. My life is good and I don't feel I have lost anything." He would not allow me to speak to his comment, he kept interrupting me. But Norway, as with all Scandinavian countries, are intact, and their languages are alive as are their customs and traditions. And if this man wanted to learn to speak his native tongue and live the traditions of his ancestors, he could. Unlike the indigenous people in Utah and elsewhere, this is their homeland. This man had not been stripped of his ways completely. He was not forced speak English or severely punished for practicing his religion. He was not forced to dress & wear his hair a certain way. His society did not kill the white, and spare the child. He was not taken from fertile places & put far away on desolate lands. Nor were his God given staples taken far from him & his family in hopes they would starve to death. Speaking of God, he was not told he would no longer pray to Him either, or there be no more of his churches to attend. This man was not banned from town, voting & public places.
He was not forced to sign treaties, one's he could not read or comprehend. Treaties that "ceded" the lands to Indians. He was not told by General Philip Sheridan that if he did not sign, he would "walk knee deep in the blood of his people."
This man I spoke with was not ordered by the government to remain or pay a penalty, which may be incarceration into an insane asylum, death, or maybe it would forced removal to a different reservation so he would never see his people again under penalty of death. BUT, this man's ancestors were treated this way which was the very reason they and hundreds of thousands like them came to America to be free! Free to worship in their own way. Free to speak. Free to live their lives according to the dictates of their own conscience. Free of government dominance. Free to live in a society that believes in equality and justice as an inalienable right for all.
September 11, 2007
Please see Deseret News article also. Click here
LDS Admit to Mountain Meadows Massacre, BUT...
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints finally says yes to their involvement in the Mountain Meadows Massacre. In a recent article that appeared in the church's Ensign magazine, church historian Richard E. Turley gives what is said to be the church's official account of the Massacre. By clicking here you can see the entire article on Paul Harvey's Blog site.
While Turley denies that Brigham Young had anything to do with the murders, that some "saints" acted on their own, I applaud Turley and the church for finally doing the right thing by finally acknowledging addressing this horrible event in a positive, albeit patronizing way. Much of what lingering respect I had for the church has been in some degree reinforced, however I am very disappointed by Turley's blatant disrespect for the Paiute in his article. Again as with so many church authors, Turley stands arrogantly pointing the finger of guilt damning the Paiute Indians without a shred of respect or compassion toward them. True to form the church then bashes the Utah Indian. Turley or the church could have had at least asked the Paiutes what their side of the story is, but instead Turley's obvious biased opinion is proof and sufficient enough.
Mr. Turley goes to great lengths to distance the church and it's leaders from John D. Lee and the other members that were in affect renegade Mormons, to suggest that there were good and bad people in the church and that the massacre at Mountain Meadows was an unfortunate but isolated incident, and that we should not blame the church for the mistakes of a few. Hypocritically he does not apply the same compassion when he unofficially speaks on behalf of the Paiute and makes broad assumptions and presents his case as being gospel truth without making any allowance that they may have their own opinion different from his. Are we all children of Creator, or just some? As Michael Quinn said in 1981 when he spoke to an assembly of Church members, "The Accommodation History advocated by Elders Benson and Packer and actually practiced by some LDS writers is intended to protect the Saints, but actually disillusions them and makes them vulnerable... The tragic reality is that there have been occasions when Church leaders, teachers, and writers have not told the truth they knew about difficulties of the Mormon past, but have offered to the Saints instead a mixture of platitudes, half-truths, omissions, and plausible denials..." And I stand firm on my observation that believing in these contrived sanitized stories of innocence contributes in the acculturation of a society that is blind to the truth, thereupon unintentionally discriminates, and in so doing the church segregates itself from their fellow human beings.
"Richard E. Turley Jr., “The Mountain Meadows Massacre,” Ensign, Sep 2007, 14–21
This month marks the 150th anniversary of a terrible episode in the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. On September 11, 1857, some 50 to 60 local militiamen in southern Utah, aided by American Indian allies, massacred about 120 emigrants who were traveling by wagon to California. The horrific crime, which spared only 17 children age six and under, occurred in a highland valley called the Mountain Meadows, roughly 35 miles southwest of Cedar City. The victims, most of them from Arkansas, were on their way to California with dreams of a bright future.
For a century and a half the Mountain Meadows Massacre has shocked and distressed those who have learned of it. The tragedy has deeply grieved the victims’ relatives, burdened the perpetrators’ descendants and Church members generally with sorrow and feelings of collective guilt, unleashed criticism on the Church, and raised painful, difficult questions. How could this have happened? How could members of the Church have participated in such a crime?
Two facts make the case even more difficult to fathom. First, nothing that any of the emigrants purportedly did or said, even if all of it were true, came close to justifying their deaths. Second, the large majority of perpetrators led decent, nonviolent lives before and after the massacre.
As is true with any historical episode, comprehending the events of September 11, 1857, requires understanding the conditions of the time, only a brief summary of which can be shared in the few pages of this magazine article. For a more complete, documented account of the event, readers are referred to the forthcoming book Massacre at Mountain Meadows."
August 24, 2007
September Dawn
The Mountain Meadow Massacre
Review
I just saw the movie September Dawn in Provo, Utah. It has left me speechless. I don't know how they could have been anymore fair or objective. Yet critics of the film are saying it is a lie, all lies. Well I find the critics reactions to the film far more disturbing than September Dawn was, and some comments are out right frightening!
Well I hate to be the barer of bad news, but Butch Cassidy and the Sun Dance Kid were both Mormons. Then there were Mormon serial killers such as "Wild Bill" Hickman and Porter Rockwell. And of coarse Mormons decimated the Utah Indian culture, murdered them, beheaded them, put their remains on public display, but that's ok, according to Mormons they were not human beings, the were "heathens and savages, punished by God with dark skin, and that is was a "matter of supremacy between the white man and the Indian." Quoting from John Peterson's book Utah's Black Hawk War, a book the Church gave their highest literary award to, Brigham said "Seek out the murdering Indians and slay them;" but in light of the political situation he commanded them "to keep quiet about it. Do your duty and say nothing to any man," he ordered, "and call upon nobody to help you for you are able to help yourselves." But even Brigham had to admit, regarding his own people, that the “Architects of Zion” had to “work with such material as the Lord has provided, stupidity, wooden shoes, and cork brains thrown into the bargain.” Hmmm... not much has changed. Where are the critics when we need them?
"The truth will set you free, but first it will piss you off."
"I define fundamentalism as a group of invariably male leaders who consider themselves superior to other believers. The fundamentalists believe they have a special relationship with God. Therefore their beliefs are inherently correct, being those of God, and anyone who disagrees with them are first of all wrong, and second inferior, and in extreme cases even subhuman. Also, fundamentalists don't relish any challenge to their positions ... It makes a great exhibition of rigidity and superiority and exclusion." President Jimmy Carter
So the Mormons have never had to face their dark past, and now 150 years later the truth comes to light and they are being blindsided, and are unprepared to to deal with something they didn't learn about in school, why? Because it was not taught in school! Less than 1% of the population are aware of the past. If you find this statistic hard to believe conduct your own pole. Now as the truth is being shoved in their face they are screaming "it's not true, it's not true!" Sadly they are unconscious of the facts and they are being victimized for something they didn't know about. So taking out your anger on the filmmakers is wrong, don't shoot the messenger when the real culprit is the Church for covering it up. But don't take my word for it, or anyone else's, I would suggest that first, we read the historical accounts, then second, ask why we have never been told the truth?
The irony in this Mormon community is that the historic record can easily be found in nearly every library throughout the state, in bookstores and here on this website are nearly 54 books for sale, yet very few take the time to read. We assume that whatever the Church does or doesn't tells us is true, so we don't need to question anything or anyone! Fact, historians say that less than 1% of the population of Utah know of their past. Why? Because the fact is events such as the Mountain Meadow Massacre, the Black Hawk War, Circleville Massacre, Grass Valley Massacre, Bear River Massacre and over a hundred other bloody events have been glossed over, left out school curriculum and Church cannon, consequently people like you and me have been made to think that anything else is pure bunk! And what is as interesting is that if we are Mormon we feel guilt should we be found guilty of discussing these accounts. For doing so it may bring into question our allegiance to the Church. Well now the cat is out of the bag, and the cover-up has been uncovered. So the filmmakers are being beat up for uncovering the cover-up, and the Church is supposed to be exonerated for being deceitful? What's wrong with this picture here?
As Mormons we are taught that we should never question the authority of the Church. To follow with blind faith those who are the chosen mouth piece of God. This is the very dilemma the members face both individually and collectively. We are damned if we do and damned if we don't.
The following e-mail I copied from a blog by The Mainstream Iowan wherein a viewer posted the following:
You said: "Mormons were taught to obey the orders of their priesthood leaders, as long as they coincided with gospel principles."
I'm not sure where that's documented but, even today, Mormons are taught that they should obey the Prophet, even if he is wrong. The following quotes from Mormon leaders illustrate the mindset:
"I remember years ago when I was a Bishop I had President (Heber J.) Grant talk to our ward. After the meeting I drove him home . . . Standing by me, he put his arm over my shoulder and said: 'My boy, you always keep your eye on the President of the Church, and if he ever tells you to do anything, and it is wrong, and you do it, the Lord will bless you for it.' Then with a twinkle in his eye, he said, 'But you don't need to worry. The Lord will never let his mouthpiece lead the people astray.'" (CR, October 1960, p. 78.)
"Wherefore, meaning the church, thou shalt give heed unto all his words and commandments which he shall give unto you as he receiveth them, walking in all holiness before me; For his word ye shall receive, as if from mine own mouth, in all patience and faith. For by doing these things the gates of hell shall not prevail against you." (D&C 21:4-6)
"It is wrong to criticize the leaders of the Church -- even when that criticism is true." -- Apostle Dallin H. Oaks
If you judge September Dawn against the Church's sanitized, or shall I say "accommodation history" it is a lie, exaggerated truth, bashing at it's worst, an insult to every Mormon on earth! Church Historian D. Michael Quinn in 1981 spoke to an assembly of Church members and had this to say: "The Accommodation History advocated by Elders Benson and Packer and actually practiced by some LDS writers is intended to protect the Saints, but actually disillusions them and makes them vulnerable... The tragic reality is that there have been occasions when Church leaders, teachers, and writers have not told the truth they knew about difficulties of the Mormon past, but have offered to the Saints instead a mixture of platitudes, half-truths, omissions, and plausible denials..." I read where brother Quinn was excommunicated for his taking a stand for truth in education. (Google D, Michael Quinn.)
However, if you judge September Dawn against the official historic record, government accounts, Utah State archives, firsthand accounts, family journals, and those written by objective Church historians i.e. John Alton Peterson, it was spot on the truth! Professional historians and noted scholars like Will Bagley, Juanita Brooks, and a plethora of others who have studied these events in depth, well it's all there my friends, seek and ye shall find! It is what it is, and I think the Mountain Meadow Massacre has been long over due coming to light. But whether you accept it or not, that's your choice, but your opinion doesn't change the facts. What matters is that we take the time to learn and openly discuss these issues and events before we go out and verbally massacre innocent people... again!
It is obvious that the harshest critics of the film are Mormons who are simply shocked, stunned, hurt and haven't read a damn thing. Okay, they being blindsided by a truth they have not been told about, it is natural why there is so much anger being expressed. But you know what? I think these people are being very hypocritical, just think a minute about the victims, and the descendants of the victims who have endured generations of pain and anger than expressed by those who watched a hour long film.
Speaking of Lee, John D. Lee, the one who led the attack on the Fancher party, I have personal contact with one of the descendants of Lee, and while they don't deny his involvement in the massacre at all, they have publicly stated that the film is accurate, again there is far more to his story than the film depicted. But lets be real, to tell the complete story and cover every detail of those times would take hours upon hours of film to do so. My point being that we should be respectful to those who are descendents of these people like Lee whose lives are affected everyday for their ancestors past. And have the critics of the film addressed their sufferings? Hell no! They are to arrogant to do that right now.
Regarding the movie critics, they talk about truth, hell I congratulate the efforts and convictions of those who have spent many long years and have had to move mountains to stand up and tell the truth. That is far more than I could say for Mormon Church leaders, and Church owned media, that continue to deny that this event ever happened. Because of my own Mormon background I'll be honest, I can tell you there were more truths than exaggerations in the September Dawn. You and I have seen far worse films believe me, and they have not been dealt with such contempt and harsh criticism as this has been. Most all of the criticism is just sour grapes and one-sided.
The movie left me thinking far more about the victims than and the impact this will have on the viewer than anything else. And that should be noted, as I am only being honest as to how I reacted. But thinking about the way the Paiute were depicted, I have a lot of concern. I listened very intently to that segment, perhaps more than most would because of where my head is at at this time. They should have given more explanation and time to this, instead it was like a drive by shooting. And the way they hurried over that controversial aspect regarding the Paiute bothered me very much and really did a disservice to the Paiute who have in fact been found innocent by history scholars and researcher's. They should have given less attention to the romance story and used that time to explore the Paiute's side of the story. The fact it was down-played as it was, may have been the only redemption leaving the viewer with doubt more than being conclusive or altogether misleading. But critics are bound to grab that and milk it for all it worth, unfortunately, again demoralizing the Native Indian without any remorse.
When I walked out of the theater I was thinking about how religious fanatics can be so damn destructive to life. I thought about how the Fancher and Baker family has suffered so much over these years and have had to fight like hell to bring the truth to light. And of coarse I am waiting to see what happens next as the Church searches for just the right blend of platitudes and plausible denials to navigate around this. Which brings me to comment, critics of the film are so quick to lash out and expressed their rage for the film, but they have not said one word of kindness or regret to address those who were the victims of this heinous crime. They are more concerned about the reputation of their Church than the feelings of the descendents of those victims.
In the September Dawn movie they show some of the LDS temple ceremony. "Throats cut" is a common method of killing throughout Mormon history of both Indian and white victims. What is significant about this is that it is related to the temple ceremony. I went through the temple several times when I was preparing for my mission for the church in 1963. During the ceremony each person makes an oath never to divulge the details of the ceremony. We are made to swear that should we speak of it that we agree we will "suffer our lives to be taken." At that moment when we swear this oath, we make a sign that suggests our throats will be cut from ear to ear, and our stomachs be cut open. In my g-grandfathers book are numerous accounts of people having their throats cut.
There is far more to the dark side of the Mormon history than just Mountain meadows, i.e. the Black Hawk War. This is just the tip of a much bigger story. Keep in mind that in 1850 the Mormon militia had murdered the family of Noonch "Black Hawk" and beheaded 50 of his kin and placed the heads in front of captured Noonch for two weeks at Fort Utah. Noonch was just in his early twenties. From 1850 to 1866 there were approximately 150 bloody confrontations with the Indian people, and in 1866 a Mormon bishop by the name of Jackson Allred ordered that 26 Indians, men, women and children have their throats cut which became known as the Circleville Massacre. They spared children under the age of eight, and they covered it up. But as news of the murders reached Brigham he did nothing but verbally criticize them. Sound familiar?
I often think of those days. Killing was a common occurrence. I try to grasp what kind of atmosphere it created for all who were living here in Utah at the time. It had to be a place where people lived in fear and depression daily. I mean come on, how could you not be affected by death and dying all about you? I have accounts of church members that wanted to leave Utah because it was just too much for them, but were threatened by Church leaders if they did. Brigham Young had his militia take control of all the mail coming and going from Utah. The mail was intercepted, opened and read to make sure that news of the circumstances did not reach the outside world. People lived in total fear and near isolation until the railroad was completed in 1867. Then the population exploded going from approximately 80,000 to nearly 160,000 in just over a year, and doubled again by 1873. By then I think people for the most part choose not to talk about their dark past and focused on the future. For at last they were liberated from the evil carnage and found relief in replacing their fears and disgust, with the intoxicating future of progress as they embraced the American dream with open arms. And the more distance they could put between themselves and the past the better. They embraced with joy any and all attempts to cover up the past, setting the stage for the sanitized versions of how the west was won. Movies and stories that exonerated the whites however far fetched they may have been, became the medicine to heal their burning consciousness of wrong doing, and vindicated their actions. Hence the birth of slogans such as "That's all in the past, we should just forget about it and move on." A slogan that continues to roll off the tongues of modern Mormon society today.
When I first entered the theater I couldn’t help but notice that there were no posters or signs, no advertising of any kind about the September Dawn. TV ads have run here in Utah, but they do not say where the movie is being shown. This is censorship! In a small way much the same attitude that was shown the Fancher and Baker wagon train, like yes the movie is being shown, but we are not going to tell you where.
In a theater of 200 seats I was one of 23, but it was the first showing at 1:20, and three got up and left before it was half way through. The look on the faces of people after the show was very sober, as if on the verge of tears or anger. No one said anything. Many sat still after the lights came up, like me I guess they were some what paralyzed with thought and emotion as I was. And what was even more curious, everyone seemed to avoid eye contact looking down at the floor.
I couldn't help but think of all who have worked so hard to bring this story to light, a lot of courage and conviction to have done so. It's a miracle they got it on the big screen. And there is no doubt in my mind all will be criticized and slandered without mercy. But I for one have a great admiration that they followed their convictions and stood up for the truth, as any good Christian should. This is a golden opportunity for the LDS Church to show the world the true meaning of repentance. It's time to walk your talk!
Update:
Leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have expressed sympathy. "My heart has gone out to the descendants," Elder Dallin Oaks said in a recent PBS documentary. "What a terrible thing to contemplate, that the barbarity of the frontier and the conditions of the Utah war, whatever provocations were perceived to have been given, would have led to ... such an extreme atrocity perpetrated by members of my faith." - Christian Science Monitor
August 3, 2007
Book Review
Never have I written a book review, but I just finished reading D. Robert Carter's Founding Fort Utah, written in 2002. I am pleased to have read a plethora of accounts on this subject of Fort Utah before I came upon Mr. Carter's. Carter is an excellent writer, clean, clear, to the point. But I am most impressed by his accuracy of the event, but is the victor's point of view, and most importantly the respectful way he has portrayed our Native people. Rather than assuming the Ute's point of view, with honesty he clearly indicates he doesn't know. It has been very refreshing to read a historians account without all the platitudes, omissions, and half truths. Nor does he write of these troubling times as an amusing old west story. He has been very respectful and balanced in his depictions. For these reason's I highly recommend Mr. Carter's book to anyone who wants to know what happened at Fort Utah in 1850. This is, in my opinion, how history should be written and taught in our schools. But, had Mr. Carter taken the time to ask the Utes what their side of the story is, his account would have been all the more complete.
I was delighted to find his work available on Amazon, allowing me to make it available here in our bookstore.
August 3, 2007
An Amusing Story?
Over the past few days I spent my time in the archives scanning through old books in the special collections section of the Provo City Library. Reading an account by Ray C. Colton titled A historical Study of the Exploration of Utah Valley and the Story of Fort Utah written in 1946. A lead-in to one of his sentences gave me reason to pause. The sentence started out, "An amusing story..." he notes one of the troops firing a cannon at a tee pee when another soldier takes over, loads the cannon with chain, fires the cannon sending the chain ripping through the tee pee and "cutting off the legs of a squaw." An "amusing story" he says. Reading over the paragraph several times I was trying to understand exactly what was so "amusing." Personally I find comics amusing. I find nothing amusing about a woman having her legs torn off by a cannon.
No longer amused by Colton's book, I returned it to the shelf and selected something entirely different. This book written in the 1840's titled "Provo, A Pioneer City" was interesting for the first few paragraphs, when I began to see the same kind of slant as the previous book. So I took another book from the shelf and read awhile, and another, and repeated until I had several books by different authors, but one thing in common, they were all written by Mormon authors. I know, your eyes are probably rolling back in your head, you might be thinking what is it I have against Mormons? The truth is reader, I don't have anything against Mormons purse. Keep in mind I have spent several years reading books written by Mormon scholars, and have kept an open mind. I can't help but see a pattern in the writing style of these authors though. For when ever they are writing about church members, or those of European descent in general, they always portray the person they are writing about with respect. But when they write anything about the Native Indian their remarks are rude, racist, degrading, and unkind. And when they speak of the battles with them, they are "skirmishes." During a "skirmish" Indian people are killed, most are outright murdered. But these are just skirmishes. Just a minor argument or dispute that ended up with some deserving "savage" getting killed. And more than half the time the victims have no names, and their bodies left to be eaten by animals, unless his family happens along and finds him unexpectedly. And the story becomes an amusing tale of the old west. But when a white man is killed, its not amusing at all, it's a massacre. They are respectfully carried off, funeral services are held, the ground where they are buried is consecrated, and their names enshrined in glory. Most always followed by a depiction of the victims suffering, and the militia called out to hunt down the "savage murders" and slaughter any who even look suspicious.
The racism and hatred the early pioneers had toward the Indian permeates every line and paragraph of every account, directly and indirectly, and to think these are the historical records that have long been the source material for educators for decades of time. There is no reason to misunderstand why our society discriminates, why bigotry thrives, why our Native brothers continue to suffer. So often the Mormon mindset is so well cloaked in innocence and purity, exempting themselves from any wrong doing, as they discusses their deadly deeds of genocide with amusement.
I suppose its been very amusing for those who are behind the BIG LIE, I imagine they are getting a real good laugh. But for you and I, and our Native brothers, if we have one thing in common it would be that we all have been the brunt of someone else's very sick amusement.
Sorry Mr. Colton, I am not amused. May I suggest to historians and educators who find Indian history amusing that you speak with the descendants of the victims and see how amused you are then.
July 4, 2007
Its a new day here in Utah. Our 4th of July celebrations are over and people are all back at work again. I listened to the people sing the song "Oh beautiful for spacious skies, for amber waves of grain. For purple mountains majesty, above the fruited plans." But I notice the air is filled with smoke. There are so many fires burning around here. Every year it seems there are more and more fires because people are so careless about the environment. There hasn't been any rain here for months so the mountains are bone dry. From where I am I see the mountains blackened from fires. I have gone into the mountains and where the rivers and streams used to run freely they are dry. It is because man has diverted every last drop, and it is still not enough to satisfy the ever growing need for more. When I spoke with my friend about the fires on the reservation, he said he could see the animals running trying to stay ahead of the fires. And as I listen to the news reports they talk about the fires and the men fighting them, but they say nothing about the animals and plants , its just a fire to them, and they worry more about the cost of fighting the fire than the untold numbers of life that is lost. Bears and cougars are being forced to leave their habitat, but man here see them as a threat and are killing them, if not they are relocating them from their homes. And where the great Provo River runs from the majestic mountains to the lake, the river is no longer visible, houses and factories have been built right to it's shores, and most of it runs underground through tunnels making it no longer accessible for miles. The lake is filled with silt and so polluted, the water is less than five feet deep across miles of lake. There once was 17 native species of fish in the lake, now there just 2, and both are on the endangered list. Yet they continue to build more factories around the lake. Urban sprawl has no boundaries. There is not a an inch of ground that has not been dug up by the hands of man. All that was once beauty has vanished beneath asphalt, concrete and buildings.
"It's not my problem, I am just doing my job trying to make ends meet to feed my family." These are the words of locals here. Some say, "I care deeply about the environment, but what can I do?" And when I bring up the subject of the Utah Indians I hear, "That's all in the past we should just forget about it." What does matter to these people here? Where are their hearts?
The culture here has little or no compassion for the environment. There is no sign of connectedness to Spirit. While greed and arrogance are common and normal. Just like their ancestors who came here a 150 years ago, nothing has changed. They continue in their destructive ways as they always have from the beginning. The only difference is there are more of them. They say they care, but the don't walk their talk. The natural forests have become a threat. Once they were an asset, now they are declared a liability because of their potential to burn. They are more likely to burn because the water resources have been diverted to Las Vegas and California. The wild animals such as bears and cougars have become a threat. They are a nuisance to those who have built their homes in their habitat. But could it be this way because they are finding it harder to find food and water?
Will it get better? Will there ever come a time when enough is enough and society will be satisfied with what they have? Or will the mindset of corporate self destruction prevail? I bet my money on the later. It would take an act of God to wake people up, and who is to say that is not exactly what will be?
"Oh beautiful our smoke filled skies, for pesticides on our grain. For stripped mined mountains majesty, above the asphalt plans. America, America, God shed his grace on thee, and crowned thy good with brotherhood from sea to oil slicked sea."
