Watching the marvelous fireworks and listening to the sound track of the
many talented artists and composers... as the Marines say, "My eyeballs
got sweaty." With all this outpouring of love for our country by so many,
over the last 236 years... I know the depths of my love for this beloved
country. It became crystal clear... if one doesn't love our America to the
point of tears of pride, one hasn't yet grown enough to appreciate what it
really means to be a citizen of the United States of America. Real men cry and
real American's know why. G-d Bless America.
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Monday, May 7, 2012
To the Question - Are you a Half-breed?
Am I a Half-breed?
Yes, but why is that important to you?
Most people today are aware that that term deemed offensive to the many who espouse political correctness. I never believed that mob rule could change anyone’s heartfelt thoughts. Long ago I dismissed the irrelevant emotional reaction to any word or words considered offensive, as actually being odious. Unless they were intended to be insulting or provocative, I take them in the context that they were offered.
That said, there is more to the answer. If I were of one thirty second or one quarter American Indian heritage, would that be different? Is the 1800’s stereotype concept of “blood quantum” so important when identifying my “Indian-ness?”
The answers to all these questions are both yes, and no.
First lets address the “no” response.
Either you are descended from the First Parents, or you are not. If you are, then this conversation is mute. Among my People there is a Spirit of Connection that bonds many of us as Indians. It is a bond that is unique among these People. It is intangible but its manifestation is palatable. We know without speaking, that another is of America’s First People. That Spirit is undeniable. As the Cherokee say, “If you have a drop of Cherokee blood in you, you are Cherokee.” It all about the ancestry of a person, not their percentage of birthright.
We all descend from a tribe or First People, somewhere. The question is of Indian-ness. Do you have to be descended from an indigenous elder to be actually a Native American. Without question, it speaks to the origination of a ethnicity, not a “feeling” that one believes.
But to speak to the “Yes’ position.
Others, mostly citizens of Federally Recognized Tribes, are strong in their conviction that the “Biblical begets” linage, as defined in their various tribal laws, are the rule and guide of heritage, not any ancient connection. This is the age old turf battles of fiefdoms and bailiwicks. In many cases these same people are willing to cast off their descendents as non-Indian, simply because they no longer meet the minimum Tribal standards. One wonders how they will answer to their Ancestors upon passing thru the Veil?
Traditionally, nearly all Native American People were inclusive in their extended families… after all, that is really what tribes are, extended families. I was not until the wars and conquest of these indigenous people and the subsequent regulations set down by the victorious United States Government, that our People were divided in this manner. This is the result of President Andrew Jackson’s iniquitous position, that of the elimination of the “Red Problem.”
The Red Problem of the government has now become the problem of Native Americans. We are divided by the military dictum of divide and conquer.
How sad. As Pogo said, "We have met the enemy and he is us."
Are you a Half-breed?
Of course, aren’t we all?
The adulteration of all original ancestral ethnic linage is universal,
All two-leddeds (humans) are today, descended from multiple ethnicties.
We are all Half-breeds.
Why is this all important?
It isn’t.
Yes, but why is that important to you?
Most people today are aware that that term deemed offensive to the many who espouse political correctness. I never believed that mob rule could change anyone’s heartfelt thoughts. Long ago I dismissed the irrelevant emotional reaction to any word or words considered offensive, as actually being odious. Unless they were intended to be insulting or provocative, I take them in the context that they were offered.
That said, there is more to the answer. If I were of one thirty second or one quarter American Indian heritage, would that be different? Is the 1800’s stereotype concept of “blood quantum” so important when identifying my “Indian-ness?”
The answers to all these questions are both yes, and no.
First lets address the “no” response.
Either you are descended from the First Parents, or you are not. If you are, then this conversation is mute. Among my People there is a Spirit of Connection that bonds many of us as Indians. It is a bond that is unique among these People. It is intangible but its manifestation is palatable. We know without speaking, that another is of America’s First People. That Spirit is undeniable. As the Cherokee say, “If you have a drop of Cherokee blood in you, you are Cherokee.” It all about the ancestry of a person, not their percentage of birthright.
We all descend from a tribe or First People, somewhere. The question is of Indian-ness. Do you have to be descended from an indigenous elder to be actually a Native American. Without question, it speaks to the origination of a ethnicity, not a “feeling” that one believes.
But to speak to the “Yes’ position.
Others, mostly citizens of Federally Recognized Tribes, are strong in their conviction that the “Biblical begets” linage, as defined in their various tribal laws, are the rule and guide of heritage, not any ancient connection. This is the age old turf battles of fiefdoms and bailiwicks. In many cases these same people are willing to cast off their descendents as non-Indian, simply because they no longer meet the minimum Tribal standards. One wonders how they will answer to their Ancestors upon passing thru the Veil?
Traditionally, nearly all Native American People were inclusive in their extended families… after all, that is really what tribes are, extended families. I was not until the wars and conquest of these indigenous people and the subsequent regulations set down by the victorious United States Government, that our People were divided in this manner. This is the result of President Andrew Jackson’s iniquitous position, that of the elimination of the “Red Problem.”
The Red Problem of the government has now become the problem of Native Americans. We are divided by the military dictum of divide and conquer.
How sad. As Pogo said, "We have met the enemy and he is us."
Are you a Half-breed?
Of course, aren’t we all?
The adulteration of all original ancestral ethnic linage is universal,
All two-leddeds (humans) are today, descended from multiple ethnicties.
We are all Half-breeds.
Why is this all important?
It isn’t.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Deep in Our Centerplace
Deep in Our Centerplace
Jim Great Elk Waters ©2012
An excerpt from the upcoming “The Mystic Medicine Lodge.”
Filled with answers to some of the most asked questions
about the First People’s Mystic Ways!
We must never forget that the weakest of our People are more important than the greatest of those beyond our circle. It is our job to protect and if necessary, carry them to the next place we as a People journey to. We are not Shawnee because we have a place, we are Shawandasse because we are the total sum of all the Ancestors that have come before us. Let us honor and respect each other as we do the Grandparents. Let us love each other as they love us, and let us be understanding and use the strength of each person’s fiber to reweave our blanket for the living Shawnee of now… just as our Ancestors have done for the millennium that have past before.
We are Blessed by Creator to know who we are. Let us never forget, or distort that Blessing into our individual vision. We do not have that right.
The vision that has kept the People of the Southwind alive throughout the hundreds of generations before us is that of Creator, not of man.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
The Futility in Trying to Relive or Obliterate the Old Life
Contemplating Tradition
A series to challenge us as we contemplate our place in history.
By Jim Great Elk Waters©2012
“A human being is not a waxen rubbing, a lifeless imprint taken from some great stony face. Rather he is a … a dog soldier at liberty to use the inclinations of the past as he sees fit. He is free to perceive the matrix, and, within his limits, change from it. By seeing both the futility in trying to relive the old life and the danger in trying to obliterate it, man can gain the capacity to make anew. His very form depends not on repetition but upon variation from old patterns.
In response to stress, biological survival requires genetic change; it necessitates a turning away from doomed replication. And what of history? Was it different?
I just finished reading this book, took a half year. Not my usual speed, but I savored it chapter at a time. It was not until I reached page 400 of 412 leaves did I realize why I had plowed through those nearly 200,00 words. It was to lead me to the quote above.
I have been trying to define how I felt about being Shawnee today. What are my traditions? Which from all history was I to follow? Which best fit the world we live in today? How did my great grandparents determine the good’way to live? How did they adapt the woven cloth, iron and wheel to the traditions of their grandparents? Am I to walk in their footsteps? Am I expected by them to move into each day in a new way? Is that day for me to replicate their way, or is it mine to live with my People now?
I realize now that our grandparents lived in the moment, and that they created their code of existence, their traditions from the fabrics and chards passed to them from their grandparents. Shawnee from first history changed and adapted life to the moment in which they lived. Their culture, tradition and lifestyle grew with each generation and were used as their tools to adapt to their day.
We too, as Shawnee in this time, need to use the traditions, the way of life and cultures that our grandparents gifted, us as tools to create anew the proper Indian’way for this generation. As Least Heat-Moon acknowledges, “By seeing both the futility in trying to relive the old life and the danger in trying to obliterate it, man can gain the capacity to make anew.” As he so wisely tomed, Our very form depends not on repetition but upon variation from old patterns. By this method we adapt the old to our needs… and yet do not disrespect the old’way. We must learn from the Elders that they personalized tradition for their time, and we are by their example, to adapt and grow in the light of our day. If we don’t we are doomed to be only a shadow of them, not the promise they expected… that we are their future.
The Romans held the phrase sacred, carpe diem… seize the day… grab hold of the clay of this day and temper it with that which the Ancestors gave us, to make the pots of this time the best Shawnee pots possible. Then we can stand as strong as did our grandparent’s grandparents. We must create anew for this time, the culture and traditions that made life good for us, as did those before us… and to make good temper materials for the children not yet born from the first clay. It is our job.
A series to challenge us as we contemplate our place in history.
By Jim Great Elk Waters©2012
“A human being is not a waxen rubbing, a lifeless imprint taken from some great stony face. Rather he is a … a dog soldier at liberty to use the inclinations of the past as he sees fit. He is free to perceive the matrix, and, within his limits, change from it. By seeing both the futility in trying to relive the old life and the danger in trying to obliterate it, man can gain the capacity to make anew. His very form depends not on repetition but upon variation from old patterns.
In response to stress, biological survival requires genetic change; it necessitates a turning away from doomed replication. And what of history? Was it different?
From Blue Highways by William Least Heat-Moon (Scot, Irish Osage)
I just finished reading this book, took a half year. Not my usual speed, but I savored it chapter at a time. It was not until I reached page 400 of 412 leaves did I realize why I had plowed through those nearly 200,00 words. It was to lead me to the quote above.
I have been trying to define how I felt about being Shawnee today. What are my traditions? Which from all history was I to follow? Which best fit the world we live in today? How did my great grandparents determine the good’way to live? How did they adapt the woven cloth, iron and wheel to the traditions of their grandparents? Am I to walk in their footsteps? Am I expected by them to move into each day in a new way? Is that day for me to replicate their way, or is it mine to live with my People now?
I realize now that our grandparents lived in the moment, and that they created their code of existence, their traditions from the fabrics and chards passed to them from their grandparents. Shawnee from first history changed and adapted life to the moment in which they lived. Their culture, tradition and lifestyle grew with each generation and were used as their tools to adapt to their day.
We too, as Shawnee in this time, need to use the traditions, the way of life and cultures that our grandparents gifted, us as tools to create anew the proper Indian’way for this generation. As Least Heat-Moon acknowledges, “By seeing both the futility in trying to relive the old life and the danger in trying to obliterate it, man can gain the capacity to make anew.” As he so wisely tomed, Our very form depends not on repetition but upon variation from old patterns. By this method we adapt the old to our needs… and yet do not disrespect the old’way. We must learn from the Elders that they personalized tradition for their time, and we are by their example, to adapt and grow in the light of our day. If we don’t we are doomed to be only a shadow of them, not the promise they expected… that we are their future.
The Romans held the phrase sacred, carpe diem… seize the day… grab hold of the clay of this day and temper it with that which the Ancestors gave us, to make the pots of this time the best Shawnee pots possible. Then we can stand as strong as did our grandparent’s grandparents. We must create anew for this time, the culture and traditions that made life good for us, as did those before us… and to make good temper materials for the children not yet born from the first clay. It is our job.
Monday, March 12, 2012
Thoughts on a Tattered Road Map Called My Life
Today I am setting at my desk with a monumental task
Soon the X on the calendar will mark the 69th Circle of Seasons. There is no time for slowing down, or a comfy chair and lovely sunset… I am at the peak of my creative drive.
As the kids say, “What’s with that… Seriously?” Who knows?
In reflection I find that a great portion of the past squandered on things trivial and self indulgent. At this mile marker, there is an acute awareness that time is now finite, and my invincibility shield has some serious flaws developing. What? I’m no longer Captain America?
The old health, it is about as it should be, reflecting upon the abuse heaped upon this carcass the past three score and nine. Yet, upon reflection, I find an incredible list of experiences illustrating the joy of a life filled with great times, pathos and whimsy. Those who know, understand that I have wandered about in a epoch filled with Legion of adventures, that most only dream about.
No complaints.
The journey on this trail, is not near the Threshold of the Veil.
Therefore… I have chosen today to be the mark in time, when I create the goals that will place my course for the next 21 years. This will be a chore, for here is a lot yet to do. STOP… this not an average “mid life crisis syndrome,” trying to make up for time lost… that is impossible. This goal-setting is about getting real value from what remains.
Here is a sampling. There is the task of finishing over two dozen books and making them available as pBooks (books in print), aBooks (audio), eBooks (online), and some as DVD and CD’s for public consumption.
“Why not just write them and let that be that,” you might ask?
Like so many “pre-Boomers,” we need income beyond our meager pensions. Thus the aforementioned are called in the business world… products.
Beyond that, are planned a series of paintings and drawings, as well as over twenty fours, speaking presentations. These will be on subjects of my Native Heritage, life experiences, art, theater and film and TV. We can explore how the creative process works, it’s benefits and disabling qualities.
We have but scratched a peremptory mark upon the veil of our tomorrows. Only that time and place to come will reveal what will be next.
Yes, today is the day chosen for setting the course for the next score of years.
I will keep you apprised of the progress.
Oh, why the “next 21 years…?”
Well a long time ago, when I was a lad of 4 or 5, my grandfather “Big Dad,” came to me and said, “Jimmie, I had a vision last night…. I was at your 100th birthday party.”
“Oh wow,” I replied, “How old did I live to be?’
In a terse reply, “How the hell do I know, I didn’t vision that?”
My grandfather’s visions almost always came true. Taken from that exchange, I must assume that I will live to be at least one hundred years old.
That is the “why” of this note to you my friends… Being yet moderately functional, I still have a fifth of my life ahead.
It is my job to make it count... Will you?
With love and respect, your humble servant, the elk
Jim Great Elk Waters ©2012
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Blessings Come at the Most Opportune Times!
For the last two or three days our home has been St. James’s Infirmary. Both my wife and I are crashed with the flu. Taking turns getting up from the sick bed to make some brother and collapse again to rest and recuperate. I’m not complaining. We avoided the bulk of the flu season unscathed, til now. (And yes, I got my flu shot.) As they say this too shall pass.
The Blessing.
I just had a call from a dear friend and business acquaintance, Marcia Harris asking of my new year and health. We have been contacting each other every other month for quite a while, and early winter last... well we just got a tad busy.
Her call today reminded me again, just how important regular contact with friends is, and to actually hear a voice is a Blessing.
The social and email media is good... but nothing fills the heart like the voice of someone who cares.
If this resonates with you, pick up the phone and make call.
It doesn't have to be a rambling one, telling of all the things you say on Facebook or an email.
Five minutes or so is perfect…
and mark your calendar to do the same in two months.
Pass your Blessings along.
I am Blessed to have friends like Lady Marcia
to share this place and time on Grandmother Earth.
Thanks Friend.
the elk
Learn more about Marcia Harris.
Marcia is a dynamic Professional Success Trainer and Career Coach whose passion is to inspire you to pursue your purpose in life. She is a high energy inspirational speaker and
· Inspirational Speaker/Trainer at Harris YOUnique LIfe Skills
· Adjunct Professor at Shawnee State University
· Member: National Speaker's Association (NSA) and NSA Ohio Chapter.
FaceBook.com: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1235041910
Website; http://marciaharrislifeskills.com/
LinkedIn.com: Marcia Harris/Columbus, Ohio area
From the blog: Wapiti Wisdom ©2012 JGEWaters
Thursday, February 2, 2012
READ YOUR FAVORITE EBOOKS FREE
.
Friends,
If you are an author, publisher or just a consummate reader with taste... here is a great opportunity to let your thoughts be heard, enjoy some great new reads, and be a part of the Dan Poynter’s Global Ebook Awards, helping launch new ebooks and authors.
It's simple, just follow the instructions below.
NOTE: If you have an eBook to be entered you can find all the info at: http://globalebookawards.com/registration/
Enjoy, the elk
Call for Judges
READ YOUR FAVORITE EBOOKS FREE
Dan Poynter’s Global Ebook awards needs judges. They are overwhelmed with entrants in the 73 categories. Just select your favorite category and you will get ebooks to read and evaluate.Contests are more successful when there are several judges per category. Judges aren’t rushed to read when they sign up early. We welcome book bloggers, librarians, book club, and reading circle members, and we also welcome professional critics and subject matter experts in the category they prefer.
After we receive your application, we will use your information to publicize you as one of our judges (unless you prefer to be anonymous). We will not reveal to the authors or publishers that you judged their book. You will be asked to evaluate all the submitted ebooks in the category of your choice. You can click on the link for their ebook and see their book’s website or Amazon page to get an idea of what others thought as well.
While your subjective evaluation is most important, we will supply you with a score sheet to aid you in your objective evaluation.
One way we can show our appreciation of you is to promote you and your blog, or your service, or your book club, or whatever it is that makes you more than just a reader of ebooks–and someone who wants an active stake in promoting great writing. We do this through featuring you as a judge on our site with links to your blog or website of your choice.
We also have a Judge logo that you can use for your blog, website, ezine, etc.
While we welcome publishers of all size, we want this contest to be a place where self-publishers can stand alongside other authors on an equal footing with an equal shot at exposure and recognition.
The Global Ebook Awards can’t promote great ebooks without you so please contact us today and ask to be a judge!
Request to be a book judge to Barbara Gaughen (“gone”), Gaughen Global Public Relations, Barbara@rain.org, +1-805-968-8567
Supply your contact information, the URL you want to promote, and the ebook category of your choice. You may choose more than one category.
- Your Name
- Your Mailing Address, Phone (Optional)
- Your E-mail Address
- The URL You Want to Promote
- The eBook Category of Your Choice
Dan Poynter’s Global Ebook Awards is a division of Para Publishing LLC of Santa Barbara.
--
Jim Great Elk Waters 32°/SK
Master of the Appalachian American Indian Dream
Cambridge Who’s Who among Professionals and Entrepreneurs
Official 2012 Global eBook Awards Judge
- USPS: 243 "A" State Route 125, Blue Creek, OH 45616 USA Phone: 740 372-4210
- email: greatelk@gmail.com Website: jimgreatelk.com
- Blog: Wapiti Wisdom - http://jimgreatelk.blogspot.com/
- Facebook: Jim Great Elk Waters
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)