Survival Requires Adaptation

One of the most noted and historically examined of America's First Nations are the Dakota.  Their history is one of survival and adaptation.  Originating in the forests of Minnesota, the Dakota were a sedentary agrarian/hunting society.  But as pressure from their enemies grew the Nation began to spread to the plains and mountains in the west.

The Dakota divided into three distinct regional factions, though remained united as a nation; the Dakota, Nakota, and Lakota.  The Lakota were the first to leave Minnesota, using dogs to help haul their supplies across the plains.  Spreading as far west as Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana and south to Nebraska, the Lakota were introduced to the horses left by the Spanish Conquistadors, and were so successful in learning the ways of plains life that within 100 years they became the largest, most powerful nation of the region.  They were empire builders and alliance makers.  

They were fierce warriors as well, one of the last nations to resist the encroaching genocide of the United States and producing leaders like Red Cloud, Sitting Bull, and Crazy Horse.  In the end they were starved and broken by the genocidal policies of the United States.  They saw their most sacred place, the Paha Sapa (the Black Hills) stolen from them, in spite of treaties with the United States promising them control of that territory for perpetuity, and then permanently disgraced with the heads of four American presidents carved into them.

Pine Ridge, one of the Lakota reservations in South Dakota, has historically been one of the poorest counties in the United States.  But they survive and adapt, and continue to live on in spite of what was done to them.  It is a story similar to First Nations across this continent who have found ways to increase their political power and use it to advance their agenda.

This year we have seen the Democratic Party destroy what we hold dear as Americans; our right of franchise.  They cut down all opposition to advance their own agenda and a duplicitous demagogue.  We found ourselves with no political home, with no party to represent our agenda.  Though this is not comparable to the genocide of millions, we must look to the First Nations for inspiration.  We must learn to adapt to this new political climate where democratic principles are openly undermined to advance corrupt personalities.  We must find new ways to exert our power and make our voices heard.  We must begin looking beyond defeating Obama to using our influence to bring the Republican Party to the center, and pressuring the Democratic Party to stand up for its supposed ideals.

One possibility being proffered by PUMA PAC is the formation of a New Democratic Party that will not run candidates, but will raise money, endorse, and campaign for candidates that represent our values.  A similar tactic was taken by Alice Paul.  I consider this a viable option and hope that ego investment does not undermine the movement.   Forming a third party that runs candidates is also a viable option.

The American political landscape has changed forever.  There will be no going back.  We must move forward, consolidate our power, sharpen it, and wield it wisely so that the agenda that we once thought the Democratic Party stood for can continue to be fought for in our governmental institutions.

Join the resistance.  Just Say No Deal.