Well, I'm not sure he claims to represent any specific group of
people. He does claim to represent a particular viewpoint, and to
speak for those who think similarly.
> It never ceases to amaze me that just because a supposedly native person is
> articulate and/or a skilled writer, that person is automatically awarded the
> status of "spokesperson" for natives and their views. As if there was any kind
> of native consensus on any issue.
I agree. There is clearly no consensus, except perhaps the consensus
that there is no consensus... :-) As to Walt Bresette's being
"native," I don't think there's anything "supposed" about it...
> ..............................Bresette's obvious opposition to the Gulf
> War and support of Green causes are views which he is entitled to, but giving
> him credence as a spokesman without qualification is wrong.
My purpose in uploading this flyer, which was a verbatim scan of his
most recent mailing, was to provide info for a number of folks who had
heard about Walt and requested something to be posted. I have met Walt
and heard him speak on various occasions, and do consider his views to
be informed and coherent; but the "touting" in the flyer is his and
not mine.
> I would ask that this forum not be used to further the notion that all Indians
> think alike.
Does Walt's flyer further that notion? Is the notion that "not all
Indians think alike" also something of a stereotype in itself?
> .......Many Indians are opposed to the Gulf War and support Green
> causes, but many more Indians supported the Gulf War and have other pressing
> concerns besides the "colonization" of rural America.
Does the existence of "other" concerns mean that no concern can ever
be presented, because it will always be just one among others? Is
there to be no room for a native person to speak just because someone
may presume that this person is presuming to speak for others?
> .......................................Bresette is not a
> spoksman for anyone other than himself and those who agree with him. Simple
> enough. For the rest of us, with due respect to the lauded Mr. Bresette, we
> are quite capable of speaking for ourselves.
Yes, indeed. I am sure Walt himself would agree.
-- Peter d'Errico phone: 413-545-2003 Legal Studies Department fax: 413-545-1640 University of Massachusetts/Amherst 01003 dErrico@titan.ucc.umass.edu