Copyright © 2001 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved

It is felt sad that it has seemingly become "cool" for new Indians, (referring to those that just found out about the Indian part of their heritage) and for those claiming Indian heritage, (referring to those who have been told their great, great, great, great, Granny was an Indian Princess), to bash the United States of America and denounce showing any kind of patriotism. It appears that some of these folks seemingly believe that this behavior will make them appear to be "more Indian" to others!?! It is also believed that these folks have no idea that the same problems they see within the U.S. Governments are also found within the governments of many of the American Indian Nations.

As one example, statements have been made by folks that they do not want their child to say the Pledge of Allegiance, along with their fellow classmates, and the folks seem to think this is pledging allegiance to a piece of cloth. This is distressing to hear, but it was good to learn that some school districts, still start the day with students saying the Pledge of Allegiance. It was further distressing to hear that children had been yanked out of public school, to home school because of this, and also because it was felt that the history of "their" ancestors was not being taught correctly. This statement made right after it had been declared they themselves did not know much about whom they claimed as "their ancestors".

The following is what came to mind while reading these statements, during a conversational thread being held by way of an Internet e-mail listserv.

When I hear the Star Spangle Banner or hear/recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America..., or hear one of the military anthems, in particular the Marine Corp Hymn, my eyes tear up! My Father comes to mind first and then all the other members of my family who have served in one of the branches of the United States Military. Thoughts of all the American Indians, who rushed to volunteer to protect this land come to mind. Personally, the Flag of the United States of American represents the sacrifices these people made. It serves as a reminder of why so many gave their lives, that was/is to protect the freedoms that are enjoyed and that all too many take for granted today.

Allegiance is not pledged to a piece of cloth, but to what it represents. Allegiance is pledged to the men and women, of many cultures, human beings, who continue to risk their lives, to protect a way of life which offers much in the way of freedoms. Free to enjoy a way of life, that includes freedoms such as the right to bash the governments (local, state, nation), the right to bash and complain about our educational systems. The right to do nothing but complain, and/or the right to get off our behinds and make an attempt do something to change the things we may feel would make things better. ("We": meaning citizens of the United States of American, which also includes those that are also citizens of American Indian Nations.)

Again, it was good to hear that some schools still start the day with the Pledge of Allegence since, many schools no longer do, simply because the word "God" is included, and this is thought more than sad. For those who believe in a supreme being called by another name, just fill in! For those who do not believe, just skip the "under God" part. After all, the U.S. Constitution grants U.S. citizens the right to; freedom OF religion, not freedom from. Special laws have even been passed, to make sure that citizens of American Indian Nations were included in this freedom, because American Indian Nations are separate nations within a nation, and so why the need was felt to create such a law.

For those that might object to "one nation", (remembering that Indians of the U.S. hold duel citizenship, as citizens of American Indian Nations as well as citizens of the U.S., so would understandably hold allegiance to more than one nation), think about the "one nation" as the U.S. and the people of the 560, plus, American Indian Nations, coming together "as one nation" in order to protect all.

Those who think there have been no changes, in what is being taught in public schools about American Indians, need to think again. Although much work is needed, it is felt that progress has been made. Educators are slowly coming to the understanding that the history that is being taught is not only lacking, but in truth also includes many inaccuracies.

These changes, in what is being taught, are coming about by way of the efforts made by those who have not given up and taken their children out of the public school system, but instead have gotten personally involved. It is honestly believed that the communities that are educating poorly may be lacking in funding, but are also lacking needed participation by the people of the community. There are good teachers out there who want to teach truth, teachers who are more than willing to listen to those that offer honest input. Curriculums to help teachers, not only teach about American Indians, but also to help in teaching American Indian children are being written by educators who are American Indian. Furthermore, some these Curriculums and teaching aids are free, and many are even available by way of the Internet.

As for government, it is hard to believe, but it really seems to be truth that at least some politicians are also starting to understand changes are needed. Some politicians are even starting to understand that, We The People, are also the, We The People, who put them in office, and that, We The People, can remove them as well, and that the We includes American Indians too! It is believed that this comes from the fact that politicians are starting to realize that more and more, people are gaining a better understanding of how the federal, state, local, and tribal governments work, but more importantly how they should be working.

Yes, it is being realized, not only by politicians but by the First People of this land as well, that as people who hold duel citizenship, as people who have given and still put their lives on the line for this country, are statistically the first in doing so, that American Indians do have a voice in how this country is run and in how are educators educate.

It is most important that the truth be taught concerning the history of how these United States came about, and in a "balanced" way, teaching the bad along with the good. Teaching the pre-history of these United States, is also most important. It is truth that the history of these lands did not start, with those who crossed the great bodies of waters and the truth is, what motivated many to do so was greed, and for others the motivation was to escape oppression, which all too many forgot to leave behind and practiced this oppression on those that met them on the shores of these already occupied and settled lands.

It is felt that while the Governments of the U.S. A. and American Indian Nations, are the best on this Mother Earth, there is great need for improvement and there will always much room for same. It is fact that no governments or educational systems could ever be perfect, because after all, they are the creation of human beings.

It is a good thing for American Indians, who are also citizens of the U.S.A., to show patriotism to the United States and to feel free to Pledge Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America. It is not the "Indian thing" to do to denounce patriotism. If you do not believe this, just talk to some American Indian Veterans, attend a tribally sponsored pow wow or any tribally sponsored event where the main theme is to "Honor Veterans".

This American Indian will proudly Pledge Allegiance to the United States of America and To the Republic for which it stands..., and as one of Cherokee blood, will proudly Pledge Allegiance to the Cherokee Nations, located within the boundaries of the U.S. Remember always, that if the U.S. goes down, educational wise or otherwise, so will the American Indian Nations located within her boundaries!