Liberation

Read an op-ed from Indian Country Today (link).  After explaining how American Indians have been dominated by America’s Judeo-Christian culture (i.e., help the pagans by conquering them), the author asks some questions:

The most critical question we are facing has nothing at all to do with “seceding” from a political structure and system we never acceded (agreed) to join, but, rather, “How are we to liberate ourselves from illegitimate and dehumanizing patterns that have been imposed on us under the false name of ‘law’.” How do we get those addicted to the domination of our existence, both dominated and dominators, to stop? Have we developed the habit of meekly submitting to being dominated?

Here’s my answer:

Learn to think critically, stop feeling sorry for yourself, stop blaming others (including white people) for your problems, stop resenting the past, foster an attitude of charity, don’t become prone to emotional swaying, learn the law, participate in government, labor to make your small corner of the world a little better, own up to your shortcomings, admit when you’ve failed, apologize when you commit wrongs, do not boast when you succeed, avoid pride, don’t be greedy, treat everyone with dignity, respectfully listen to other people’s viewpoints, and abandon the delusion that the federal government or society in general owes you something.

EDIT: And one more thing.  Being angry isn’t going to make your life better.