I watched “McLintock” today for probably the 100th time, but realized something for the first time. At a point in the movie, G.W. McLintock (John Wayne) was asked by the Indians (Native Americans) to speak for them at a hearing before a government board. They didn’t want to live on a reservation. They wanted to live free, hunt their own food, and be responsible for themselves. For the Indians, to not support and provide for your family and tribe is to not be a man. The government, of course, decided to move the tribe to the reservation where everything would be provided for them. And it struck me, in real life, how did that work out for the Indians?
Must not be too good if the United Nations has been asked to look into the plight of the American Indian where many Native Americans live in federally recognized tribal areas that are plagued with poverty, alcoholism other social problems.
The government has been “helping” the Indians for well over 100 years. Are they better off now than they were then?
African Americans were freed from slavery over 100 years ago. The government didn’t really begin “helping” them until the War on Poverty started in the 60’s. Are they better off now?
Next ethnic group on deck for government “help” – Hispanic Americans. Latinos beware. Do you really want to go down the same road as Native Americans and African Americans?
Another question: How did the oriental ethnic groups (Vietnamese, Cambodian, Chinese, etc.) that have come to America miss out on all of the government “help”? Is that why they’re thriving?