Ivan F. Star Comes Out
The lust for gold; like lust for oil, is a grim reminder of history repeating itself
By Ivan F. Star Comes Out
Native Sun News Today Columnist
nativesunnews.today History does have a tendency to repeat itself, especially if people are oblivious to the past. For instance, history has verified that Gold is a powerful deterrent to civility. In other words, perfectly sane people will go as far as murdering each other for it. Today, with natural gold deposits nearly depleted, the same feverish aspiration for material wealth is now transmitted to oil and the fossil fuel industry. This lack of historical knowledge also contributed to a serious regression of the mind. “Frontier mentality” is commonly associated with the United States’ 19th century westward expansion. As such, their “frontier” was an unsettled environment in which a general lawlessness coexisted with heavily armed communities. Violence was common as guns were used to settle disputes. This birthed the contemporary ideal that power and freedom is embodied in the rugged individual who uses force to tame an “uncivilized” world and thereby acquire what he wants and then vehemently protects his ill-gotten goods and property. The 21st century is clearly lacking in evolution which persistently controls race relations between “Indians” and Euro-Americans today. I have wondered often about the outright cover-up of certain immoral events in American history relating to natives. I believe it is fueled by the popular mindset that views whites as superior to all other life forms. In opposition to being an integral part of nature, millions now believe the world is an unlimited supply of resources for the taking, regardless of consequences. An example is the 1859 Colorado Gold Rush. Combined with the avarice of thousands of gold seekers, it played a major role in the slaughter of the original inhabitants. On April 26, 1865, Congress’ Joint Committee on the Conduct of War conducted an investigation into the infamous Sand Creek Massacre (11-29-1864). This inquiry offers solid historical data for anyone willing to learn. Colonel John M. Chivington, a former Methodist minister and mastermind of the massacre, is known to have boasted, “I have come to kill Indians and believe it is right and honorable to use any means under God’s heaven to kill Indians.” Chivington, initially hailed as a hero was eventually discredited by the congressional investigation. A small but steadily increasing number of citizens began to see the violence as a revolting butchery of mostly women and children. The congressional panel declared they could hardly find fitting terms to describe his conduct. The investigators declared that wearing the uniform of the United States is perceived as an emblem of justice and humanity and has the honor of the government to that extent. The panel found that Chivington deliberately planned and executed the foul and reprehensible massacre. “Having full knowledge of their friendly character, having himself been instrument to some extent in placing them in their position of fancied security, he took advantage of their inapprehension and defenseless condition to gratify the worst passions that ever cured the heart of man.” In plain language, the U. S. military instructed Black Kettle to raise the American flag to indicate his neutrality and that his people would be safe. Chivington participated in that military directive. In other words, he knew exactly where the camp was located.
Read the rest of the story on the Native Sun News Today website: The lust for gold; like lust for oil, is a grim reminder of history repeating itself (Ivan F. Star Comes Out can be reached at PO Box 147, Oglala, SD 57764; via phone at (605) 867-2448 or via email at mato_nasula2@outlook.com) Copyright permission Native Sun News
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