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LETTERS:   Eye-opening experience years ago


To the Editor:

While covering "The Longest Walk 2" in Florence's Grandview Park this past Saturday, I was made aware of a different culture and peoples that share this nation and world with us. Their way of life seemed simpler than the "materialistic culture" we seem to be in today.

I was not aware of the many different tribes of native Americans. The web site www.accessgenealogy.com/native/tribes on the Internet shows the hundreds of native tribes.

Some of the walkers were members of well-known tribes such as Choctaw, Mohawk, Blackfeet, Dakota; but other tribes, not as well-known, also were represented — Washo, Menominee, Paiute, Pomo, Ojibway (also known as Chippewa).

I learned that members of the tribe whites commonly call "Navajo" go by "Diné" instead. Navajo, which means "horse thief" in Spanish, was the name given them by Mexicans.

The walk emphasized the rights of indigenous people of the United States — observation of basic human rights, right for self-determination, and a clean environment. Somehow, I think that is what everyone wants.

I believe all people have the right to practice their religion and beliefs. The creator of all things didn't create robots. In His infinite wisdom the creator gave us the freedom of choice or free will. As Americans we have that right. It is a precious right which should be guarded and protected at all costs by all free people.

The event was a great way to gain insight into a culture different than ours. We may differ in beliefs and traditions, but basically we all are members of the greater neighborhood of mankind and should respect each other with dignity.

Melvin Honeyfield

Mario

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