[ This discussion thread threatens to become an all-out argument in which
accusations and attempts to defame character are made, so I am hereby
indicating that I will not relay articles on this topic in future that
characterize people and their works with words like "ignorant" (see
below) or "uninformed" (contained in the article to which this one
refers). It is one thing to attempt to correct statements of fact by
means of evidence that supports an alternative conclusion and quite
another to simply label the words of another who reaches conclusions
different than one's own using broad terms like those cited above.
As I have explained many times, the NATIVE-L mailing list is for the
posting of factual materials (or at least materials that one has good
reason to believe are factual). It is *not* a discussion forum - and
it is not designed for the purpose of asking questions (except for
serious research-type questions under conditions where the person who
posts the question promises to make her/his findings available to the
list subscribers after a report on the subject has been written. If
anyone has any further information that might shed light on this
subject of the dispute involving the Navajo/Dineh people and the Hopi
people in the "Big Mountain" area, feel free to submit it to NATIVE-L.
However, please make sure that your article is free from personal
criticism or the kinds of broad negative characterizations contained
in this article and the one cited herein. It is sufficient to lay out
your own facts and let readers reach their own conclusions. --Gary ]
The writer Bernhard Michaelis demonstrates great ignorance of the issues in
his yearning for "outsiders" to leave the Black Mesa issue alone... There
have been, of course as there have been and will be in any issue, ignorant
outsiders who interject themselves in a way which only muddies the water and
makes a clear view of the issue in question difficult, if not impossible.
Unfortunately Mr. Michaelis, regargless of his living in "uninvolved"
proximity to the issue for a number of years, should be added to that number,
given his recent statements about the situation. Individuals desiring wishing
up to date information about the ramifications of the coal mining upon Black
Mesa would do well to contact the Citizens Coal Council (a national body
whose Board is composed of representatives of communities affected by coal
mining operations, including representation from Black Mesa) at 303-722-9119.
Another excellent source for up to date comprehensive data would be Global
Response at 303-444-0306. They have copies of the Final Decision of the
International Indigenous Peoples Tribunal which convened in Denver during the
recent Summit of Eight. The decision of the Tribunal was based on testimony
from Black Mesa residents including Maxine Kescolli and Mabel Benally.