Royce A Ratterman April 8th, 2011

Very good video!

Having a step-mother who is Native American and 2 half sisters along with extended family made me sensitive to their plights from an early age. The 'stealing' of their Oklahoma land in the 60's (force purchased for pennies) was sickening and those 'family' I knew needed the pennies badly, so I believe little objection was made at the time.
The Louisiana Purchase was another tragedy – where France sold their 'claim' to land to the USA – land that Native Americans owned and France had no right to sell.
Thanks for your awareness and proclamation here today.

The book "Lies my Teacher Told Me …" has extensive coverage of the atrocities done throughout US history to Native American Indians.

JOHN STONE April 9th, 2011

Hey Eric, been listening to Steve for 20 years or so and you are a welcome and refreshing edition to the family along with all the other cast of wonderfully insightful characters that help the poor old white guy out.
I am writing a little(in part a DMIN< RTS) about Samuel Austin Worcester,(Worcester vs Georgia, 1832) the Cherokee Trail of Tears and also how the USA and the State of Georgia acted in cold hearted and utterly destructive ways with the Cherokees & WHITE missionaries in the 1830's.
So I know of what your interviewee says has certainly the ring of truth. What I am not hearing is why there is such complete and total passivity of the Indians of Pine Ridge as to live in such abandonment. If you were born there, would you stay there yourself? Eric, come on….Don't the Indians do anything for themselves? Why didn't you ask any hard questions of the interviewee? I am sympathetic to his cause, but gee whiz; all white people are evil and all Indians are born innocent and helpless? Is this not another "Poor Me, White Man dun got his foot on my Back?"

Dan Yates April 9th, 2011

I have similar concerns as John has expressed. I'm admittedly ignorant about much of the history involved and do not dispute that our government has mistreated Native American people groups. I do understand and value the desire for people to cherish, study and even live out their heritage but at what cost to other people? There is a prevailing attitude among do-gooder organizations that some vast pot of money exists that should be available in efforts to make things "right" for those who have been wronged. One of the problems is that money doesn't exist and the only way for it to materialize is through further confiscatory taxes on other people and families. I think it's correct to say that billions, maybe even trillions of dollars of tax payer money has already gone to "help" Native American peoples and yet the problem persists and even spreads. We've seen this same type of dynamic in virtually every effort we've made to "help" diverse cultures and people groups. I don't know what the answer is but I'm quite sure money won't fix the problem.

JOHN STONE April 9th, 2011

1st observation, you're a better writer than I am.
2nd. I was talking about this issue with my better half, Peggy, and noted that the traditional policy of our US was either to foster a paternalistic dependency with whatever tribe of Indians with whom the US was treating; or to absolutely do all possible manners of harm to the American Indians as to their very survival. To wit, there was never a treaty so bound in the iron clad promises of the US govt that it couldn't be broken. This was certainly the case with the 'TRAIL OF TEARS." and excellent book on that sad dark side of US History is John Ehle's TRAIL OF TEARS. Well researched. POTUS was Andrew Jackson who had learned the Westminster Confession since youth and apparently it had no good affect on his 'religious affections.' Some hold that this country was a Christian nation, but just as in picking your local church to join: Look less at the people of the church and more at Jesus and then things will be okay. The same must be said of the US History as a Christian nation. The USA never seems to have been very strong in the Gospel as a nation. Oddly, before Jackson, the US found it in its interests to support the Brainard Mission (whose cemetery is now surrounded by a parking lot in Chattanooga Tn), with tax payer's money. Nothing is new, it seems. What can be done? Did anyone say, "Gospel"? Or have we again come so far as to say, "O, they know the Gospel there, it's not needed anymore – what is needed is 'social justice.' Pass the granola please.

Bruce Szwast April 9th, 2011

Oh good, more trouble to get into. I suppose when Jesus comes back we will all be able to say Amen, even the lost, if not willingly. And this is where all of our conversations should begin (and probably end):

Mark 16: 14. Later Jesus appeared to the Eleven as they were eating; he rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him after he had risen. 15. He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. 16. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.

When I get into trouble it is usually about defending my self or what I believe. Like those irresponsible drivers who feel it is their right to endanger everyone else so that they can gain a car length, or irresponsible politicians who endanger the well being of our nation and world order in order to gain a vote or feather their nest.

And of course we all have those moments of selfishness where we do harm to others and later through the questioning of God's Spirit who says 'Well?' and our response is usually Oh!, how can I be better?

I suppose most of the bad things history has seen could be attributed to those who like Cain, say 'am I my brothers keeper? when in reality they were the ones who did what they wanted in order to satisfy their evil desires. And of course, we as well meaning people can just flat out do the wrong thing.

However, like all Christians, including saints from the Old Testament, we should get upset in our souls when we cause, experience or see an injustice. Our desire to do something represents our world view and is generally in opposition to an unbelieving world view and our solutions are so dramatically different. Even if the truth is painfully obvious the opposition will defend the lie in order to justify themselves.

At this point I feel a sense of, now what? The world is the way it is, what is done is done, and as history has shown, what bad thing will happen next. We can blame others or ourselves, or we can develop a plan to do what we can.

I do commend Erik, not only for his showmanship, but also for his fasting. And I believe with meditative prayer he/we can do something positive. Hey, what is a Gringo?

Something was missing on the program yesterday though. The guest did say 'they need God'. I heard about libraries and schools and maybe some family motivational improvements. Maybe I missed it, but are their missionary efforts there, or is there so much mistrust of the 'white man's religion'? I kind of got that feeling from the woman leader of the American Indian group.

I quite often get upset by the 'white man's religion'. Actually if we think about it, Jesus and the Gospel writers were brown (or Semitic) if anything. A neutral color demonstrating that the Gospel is for peoples of all colors. We all came from the same two people.

I met a 'black man' once (politically incorrect I know, but) when I was fishing. I mentioned Jesus and he said he did not trust white men. I then told him Jesus was probably brown. His response was, he still was not black. Color blind is good?

Maybe this insistence upon maintaining the 'old ways' is a detriment to real progress. The Gospel in a sense is 'the old is gone and the new should come'. And taking back South Dakota (or Florida) will not solve a thing. Now taking Jesus to heart, that is real progress.

PS and by the way back to the Masters. It is a good thing to see all nationalities and colors participating in a disciplined sport. Too bad that there is so much money involved – of course a lot does go to charity. Amen Corner to that.

Manuel April 11th, 2011

I enjoyed the program. It is amazing to me that type of poverty exists at "our door steps".

Also, I enjoyed the revised "Happy Trails" song. I never thought I would hear it again. See what happens when Steve is not around! LOL!!!!

Jesse Dempsen April 13th, 2011

My wife and I are raising support to join a missions organization working on the Yakama Indian Reservation in Washington state, and I can't say I'm shocked to hear Mr. Stone's and Mr. Yates' questions. They're ones we hear quite frequently in our support raising efforts and with those who are unfamiliar with the reasons for the so-oft-named "plight" of Native Americans in our country.

It's far more complex than simply, "why do they stay there if it's so bad?"

For one, most Native Americans don't "stay there." The majority of Native Americans now live off-reservation – yet they still suffer from the same problems as those who live on-reservation. So the problem isn't only location or environment. The problem is that they're living like prisoners of war: conquered people who, while not being held against their will, are being forced to participate in a system they didn't want in order to survive. So, if they stay or go, the end is the same: they have to reject their culture and traditional values in order to make their way in a culture that has mistreated, and continued to mistreat, them.

It's far too easy for white Americans to assuage our guilt by laying the blame back on the Indians for being poor and out of work. Maybe some blame lies there.If I were to attach a percentage, I might say 15%. Most of the blame lies on those in the past, who took what didn't belong to them and repeatedly broke their word, and on those in the present, who continue to push them down and still refuse to honor what was promised in the past and correct evil done to them in the past.

For those who want to study more on the subject, Sacred Road Ministries, the organization my wife and I are joining, has a good reading list on their website. It's a good beginning point on educating yourself on Native American issues and culture.

http://www.sacredroadministries.com/www/docs/5/resources.htm

JOHN STONE April 14th, 2011

So,"here we are coming to the rescue." How is that different from what the missionaries in 1817 were doing, you know, the missionaries we like to castigate now for preaching the 'white man's gospel.'

You know, you misunderstand me when you think I am against your cause mentioned above, for I am quite certain it is a complex situation in which are involved generations of despair and hopelessness. But, would you not agree that families need to be strengthened; that the Gospel does play the central role in that strengthening? St Paul was inspired to say so in his letters.
And is it so tragic that Native Americans get out, become better educated and then find their place in an American society? I cannot accept the presumption that that outcome is always an evil.
And yes, sometimes people do not leave their poor 'counties,' such as the one I now inhabit, for familial ties. But there is a price paid for keeping connected to the 'old home place.' Joblessness, despair, addictions, crime with poorer educational opportunities is a suggested list.
So, I think it is a fair question to ask, "What can these poor people do to get out of their dependency roles," foisted upon them by a sickening history of evil US Govt policies which stretches back to the times of Jefferson. How are such policies differing today, I ask, for I am curious to know.
As a minister of the Gospel, (see Isaiah 53/Mark 10:45 for example) I do believe that the Gospel is the primary need of everyone.The Gospel never was and never shall belong to any particular race or culture, it is for the 'nations.'The Gospel does transform societies because it first transforms individuals; albeit too slowly for most of us who want Heaven on earth now.
PS And, by George, we will pass laws to create our own versions of Utopia. Usually our versions end up as TRAILS OF TEARS.

Dan Yates April 16th, 2011

I wonder if the focus is a bit misplaced. No doubt there is something special and sacred about people and our varied culture but only because God created us and the culture we were born into. However, I think an out of balance preoccupation with the past can blind us to what God's future plan is for each individual. The ultimate goal is to attain our true home alongside each other under Christ in heaven in perfect unity. I hate it, but that's just not going to happen here. This isn't our home…not for any of us. Surely this doesn't mean we should deny justice but this justice has to be for all people and not for a select few and that justice will always fall short here. My concern is for those who become stuck and stay there because they're raised to believe any other way discgraces their dead ancestors or their culture etc. I support any and all of you who are called to come to the defense of any people group you believe are being unjustly treated. If God's telling you to do that then you had better keep on truckin! But try not to get all self righteous and look down your nose at people like me who just aren't getting that same message. Would that be….ok? Love ya'll and mean it.

Kevin October 12th, 2011

Just listened to "America's Native Prisoners of War – Aaron Huey on SBE" on podcast. Thanks for putting that show on.
One thing to note is that the Lokota, Dakota and Nakota people are in multiple "prison camps" spread out over South and North Dakota. I have worked on Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation in South Dakota. Check out a Cooperative Baptist Fellowship effort to help in these areas at:
http://www.thefellowship.info/Missions/Ministries/Together-for-Hope/dakota
The poverty is surprising. On Cheyenne River, they told us to expect 95% unemployment, 90% alcoholism, 99% of girls over 12 years old have been sexually molested. They need hope – the true hope of Jesus!

Bruce Szwast October 13th, 2011

Since yesterday Oct 12 was the day we used to celebrate Columbus Day, I would like to quote Chris:
———-
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christopher_Columbus#cite_note-EB-online-1

The indigenous people he encountered, the Lucayan, Taíno or Arawak, were peaceful and friendly. From the 12 October 1492 entry in his journal he wrote of them, "Many of the men I have seen have scars on their bodies, and when I made signs to them to find out how this happened, they indicated that people from other nearby islands come to San Salvador to capture them; they defend themselves the best they can. I believe that people from the mainland come here to take them as slaves. They ought to make good and skilled servants, for they repeat very quickly whatever we say to them. I think they can very easily be made Christians, for they seem to have no religion. If it pleases our Lord, I will take six of them to Your Highnesses when I depart, in order that they may learn our language." He remarked that their lack of modern weaponry and even metal-forged swords or pikes was a tactical vulnerability, writing, "I could conquer the whole of them with 50 men, and govern them as I pleased."
———-
As a Christian and a student of God’s Word and God’s history of mankind, what could I glean from this first impression of not only Chris, but of Chris’s first impression of what he experienced that day, 519 years ago? Do I see both the potential for both good and evil?

Maybe I could quote Joseph (of Egypt) here after Jacob’s death:
———-
Gen 50 14. After burying his father, Joseph returned to Egypt, together with his brothers and all the others who had gone with him to bury his father. 15. When Joseph's brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, "What if Joseph holds a grudge against us and pays us back for all the wrongs we did to him?" 16. So they sent word to Joseph, saying, "Your father left these instructions before he died: 17. `This is what you are to say to Joseph: I ask you to forgive your brothers the sins and the wrongs they committed in treating you so badly.' Now please forgive the sins of the servants of the God of your father." When their message came to him, Joseph wept. 18. His brothers then came and threw themselves down before him. "We are your slaves," they said. 19. But Joseph said to them, "Don't be afraid. Am I in the place of God?

20. You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.
———-
Of course we know what happened after Joseph’s death and how unscrupulous Pharaohs ‘meant it for evil, but God used it for good’. This is the cycle of history: God was building the city on the hill where Jesus died since Adam and Eve and Cain and Abel and the Tower of Babel.

And now God is building that heavenly city and waiting for His people to find those other people destined to live there.

A few years ago, at about 3am, at the Tallahassee Hampton (somewhere around Monroe and Apalachee St.), I met Chief Gilmore of the Apalachee Indians. Over a cup of coffee we discussed the history of his people and my people (good and evil on both sides) and how he and his people where still practicing Christians, living as a ‘family’ in Mississippi on their own land, working where they could, and still grateful for those Spanish Christian Missionaries.

He was nervous because he was in town for a filming of a PBS History Detectives piece on a jeweled cross passed down to him from who knows when. Usually these programs are objective (until an agenda), and on this one, after a lot of investigation, the cross was deemed to be made in America (made sense), but they also advised him that this symbol was most likely a symbol of the culture that already existed here and not necessarily Christian.

As a Christian (ala Gov. Christie) I have to ask, ‘are you kidding me?, who is putting down who here, and who are the real culprits in life’?

We can complain of the incompetent and evil government policies of the past, while ignoring the progress, or we could focus on the government policies of the present which seem to be more focused on the humanist agenda and more worried about climate change (s/b climate dynamic), fossil fuels (s/b the stuff civilizations and economies are successfully built on), population control (s/b the preservation of life), and massive giveaways leading to economic destruction (s/b the freedom to achieve life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness).

Pray, vote, honor God, run for office: now that is ‘real change’.

Ps Sorry Prodigal, but a lot of this is historical and Biblical documentation.