Truth or Dare

Truth or Dare We aspire to achieve the least attribute ~ to become the lowest common denominator. Goals and standards set low to preclude genuine effort. We reward sloth and perfidy. Liars are our heroes. We emulate thieves and usurpers, pirates, hustlers and bullies. From viking marauders to Spanish conquistadors, Marco Polo or Columbus, we honor them all. But then we, too, are immigrants, living in a land where we are not the natives. The wilderness conquered, the great plains crossed and settled, and the land taken from the weaker civilization already here. Divide the tribes, introduce disease, brainwash them with our religion, break all our promises and relegate them to second class dregs. Where is honor among thieves? We need new heroes. Pontiac, Joseph, Kicking Bear, true "freedom" fighters, struggling against marauding landgrabbers and murderers. But, to the victor belong the spoils, and the ability and self-given right to reconstruct history in his own image. Do we dare preach the truth? Do we dare take umbrage at the fostered lies? Do we dare strike out and attempt recompense? Too little and too late, we're prisoners of our fate. 11-13-2001A tribute to aboriginal Americans. Written November 13th, 2001 © on Nov 13 2001 09:00 AM PST, Heinz Scheuenstuhl    0 • 9