The situation is the same here in Canada as our history is tied together and is the same. The state created reserves here too, over 600 to be blunt about it. But what most don't realize is that legally the land is not theirs but belongs to the Queen and is 'reserved' for them with special conditions. Some of those conditions meant that they could not even leave without permission, could not engage in song, dance, ceremonies or even their own language.
We stood by and let this happen. But it does not stop there either. How many of us confront others when they engage in violent or abusive behaviors? How many of us have the courage to stand up and speak our heart and lead by example?
You are correct my dear friend when you speak of those questions that we rarely as ourselves. They are tough questions and many of us don't even ask them, let alone contemplate the answer and confront ourselves. The good news is that more and more people ARE doing that work and that is where the changes are starting to manifest from.
I applaud people like yourself who have the courage to look in the mirror and confront yourself. That puts you into a position to then hold up the mirror for others. We do that by walking the path and leading by example.
This case is a tough one for most as in my view, it holds up a mirror. Gerald messed up big time and killed somebody. That was never in dispute. The SUV full of young people messed up too. But if we really wanted to confront ourselves, we must look at the root causes of this confrontation to begin with and recognize that we all had a part in it all. Poverty, racism, bigotry, hatred, genocide, greed, lust, ownership and violence have all contributed to both sides not trusting one another. It has caused a great divide that pits one against another.
While I mentioned breaking up the country, what that really means is walking away from the fictional constructs and forging healthy relationships with one another where none of those characteristics are allowed to flourish or grow. When we do that, then anybody can have a break down and seek assistance, no matter where they are. People can feel safe in their own homes knowing that they are not going to be robbed and therefor are not paranoid whenever a vehicle drives up the lane. A place where we are more than happy to give one another a helping hand, no matter the language they speak, social status, caste or color of skin.
To reach that level requires a revolution of consciousness, something that I think you and I are both working on with this platform. We have a long way to go my friend. I'm in this for the long haul and I suspect you are as well.
Thank you for sharing your views on this very sensitive topic. I appreciate that very much.