Letters
Continuing the Discussion
First of all, let me thank the six signers of the letter in response to my article, “Which Side Are We On?” It is important that socialists with differing points of view have the opportunity to exchange opinions. Your letter deserves a reply and this is a brief effort at one.
It seems to me that the authors fall into a classic trap that turns honest militants into sectarians, sectarians with the best of intentions but sectarians nonetheless. I would like to ask the comrades how their views are implemented closer to home. I assume that they, like I, participate in various solidarity movements—against the war in Iraq, Canadian troops in Afghanistan and opposition to the occupation of Palestine. I support a broad “United Front” approach to this work, where forces come together around a limited series of demands and are free to hold their own views on many other things. I often find myself around tables and in demonstrations with people who hold diverse views on the world—social democrats from the NDP and members of the Liberal Party, supporters of the existence of a Jewish state in Palestine and women who wear the veil. I have never asked these folks what their opinion is about homosexuality, the rights of women or the rights of workers as a condition for working in the same movement. If we had to agree on a vast series of issues I fear we would not be able to do the work. In choosing speakers I and those whose views I share, fight for a balance between men and women and for a diversity of political positions. But it is not a condition for mobilizing to get Canadian troops out of Afghanistan.
You say “We urge socialists to orient themselves independently…” Do you advocate a solidarity movement that is only open to socialists? You say “As socialists we cannot ally with religious bigots, racists, homophobes and women-hating thugs abroad”. What about at home? What litmus test do you use to determine with whom you ally here? Here and ‘there’ we need to unite with all those forces that can inflict a defeat on imperialism, whatever else we disagree with them on. That unity in action is the best way to promote exactly what you call for: “national dignity and democracy”.
I hope this moves our discussion forward.
Regards,
A. Soodanim
Letter From a Warrior’s Mother to Another (edited excerpt of original)
Geronimo, Crazy Horse, Tecumseh etc. I could go on and on making a list of all our warriors from the past, but the list will never end. Today, warriors are still fighting with different weapons and warriors are yet to be born.
They are like runners with a flaming torch, passing it to each other as they get tired, but the flame gets stronger with knowledge they have learned. They are not going into battle empty handed, for all they have to know is who they are and what has been done to us.
They are “chosen warriors” from the Creator, Grandfathers, and Grandmothers. It is a gift, not a curse. As Parents we have done our part also, passing down our traditions, morals, and beliefs, making strong warriors with our love. It will be torture for us as we don’t like watching our children suffer. All we can do is to love them more, pray with them, and pray for them.
It’s today’s world that “criminalize” our warriors with their laws. We as native people have to bring back our laws, the law that was meant for our people. Today’s law doesn’t work for our people, it never has and never will. Just think about all the penitentiaries that are packed with first nation’s people. These laws pollute the air, poison the water, cut the trees, not realizing the ripple effect it has on the environment and the living beings around it. Yet they have the nerve to say “what’s wrong with these Indians?”
I remember the day when my daughters told me their time of battle had arrived. Their lives are not going to be normal ones. They will be constantly watched, stalked, and harassed! Maybe at times they will get stabbed in the back by their own people, but that’s what it takes when you are “chosen”.
I hope I have shed some light on what our children will be facing. It may sound like a burden and maybe at times it will be. Just think about the big changes that they will make for their people and it will be all worth it. The Creator, the Grandfathers, and the Grandmothers will be there watching and guiding them when we can’t be there for them.
In unity we stand,
Piishew (Lynx) from the Ojibway Nation.
