by J. Beadle

Created on: January 07, 2010

Absolutely!  Why? 

Many years ago the 'New World' was "discovered" by Western European countries thanks to some intrepid sailors who were really looking for treasure.  In an effort to capitalize on this economic prize we colonized the land only to realize that there was an indigenous people.  These people were Native Americans, at least that's what we've concluded their name should be after realizing that Indian was not politically correct and ignoring the fact most of these indigenous people were not in fact one set but tribes or communities.

The subjugation of these people continued when the colonizers, us, revolted from our own monarchical leaders.  Throughout the entire existence of America we have killed the native populace by disease: influenza, typhus, bubonic plague, cholera, malaria and tuberculosis to name but a few; outright warfare ranging from the initial takeover of land to Andrew Jackson’s de facto war on several tribes starting in the South, and finally exploitation via slavery and preying upon innovation the Native American had not encountered yet resulting in displacement.  If you’re wondering what I mean by displacement just imagine one group of people telling you and your family have to live on one piece of land monitored by the government and restricting your access to what the rest of societies treasures. 

The reason why Native Americans should continue to receive federal aid is for the same reason we continue to have affirmative action.  The American government has perpetrated what should be considered defamation upon several minority populaces throughout its existence.  Yes, mistakes happen and yes those perpetrating these wrongs are all long since dead but when one generation sires another generation a scarification is created.  A history of abuse to an entire race must continually rectified until a free society can truly be considered free.  The prejudice of a race by another race can simply not be tolerated and since we can not possibly change the past, change people’s actions or change the psyche of a human soul the only option is to give back in a form of reparation. 

Because of the current state of the nation, and truly the world, it is not feasible to give back the land that we stole from the Native American populace nor to revive the dead we have murdered under the tradition of imperialism.  The only choice we have is to give money in federal aid to some how remedy the problems we have created.  This choice is not a good choice, nor the right choice, but the only choice.

Learn more about this author, J. Beadle.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.