I
have enjoyed reading the views and perspectives that RJ has shared with us, I
truly believe that they count the most. As you are aware, My
daughter and I have been unable to participate this year due to marital
dissolution, but I would like to share my thoughts, for what they are worth. I
for one can attest to the sense of pride and accomplishment, that this program
has provided to both my daughter, and myself. My daughter to this day
still puts on her vest frequently and tells the story behind all of
the patches and beads, to anyone willing to listen to her. She boasts ever so
proudly! She also misses the program very much!
Whether
or not the program is represented using the Native American theme, is not
what our focus should be, but rather what is it that we achieve by having
a program at all. Pride, Accomplishment, Friendship, Cultural Diversity,
among many others, is really what it is all about. I personally, enjoy the
Native American theme, because I do equate my pride for the program and
what it has given my daughter and myself, to the pride I see and hear when I
attend the holiday event every year. RJ is a very wise and proud man,
(rightfully so). I think everyone could learn a lesson or two from his
wisdom. We must remember though, we can never feel as close to this issue
as a Native American. Their decisions and words should
supercede anyone's, on this issue, if we are offending even one
Native American, that is one too many, and we are wrong. A
perfect example of this, that I know both you and myself can relate to, because
it is our heritage, was when the Nazi's petitioned to march and rally in
Skokie. I know that we absolutely do not have the same hurtful agenda as the
Nazi's, but nonetheless we are still disrespecting and hurting someone else
in our process. That is wrong. Stop and think how you personally felt
when this march was announced. I remember how I felt. From our positions as
Jews, how many of us stood up and said no, even though the Nazi's felt that
they had constitutional rights to march and assemble, no matter how it was
going to effect us.
In
closing, If the program theme has offended any Native American, I
personally apologize, as I know that there were no intentions of
disrespect. Instead, let us remember the destination of the program, and
not focus so much on the vehicle that gets us there.
Respectfully,
Chuck