"We know there'll be more violence. There'll be more women and children who will be abused. It will taper off. But it's something we're just going to have to deal with," he said. "I hope they talk about that. I hope it's not just about the money but how we can work with our people." |
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Opposing Viewpoints
Restitution and Reparations Would Promote Social Justice for Native Americans
A former journalist, Joe Schriner has run for president of the United States as an independent candidate. Schriner describes what he would do for Native Americans if he were elected. Schriner believes that Native Americans deserve an apology and financial reparations for past wrongs done to the nation's tribes. He advocates the government's returning some stolen land, disbursing cash, and preserving reservation land from being exploited by business or government interests.
I completely agree everything Schriner is advocating for to give back to the Native Americans. I find it extremely important that, as Americans, government officials give back to the original inhabitants of this land and make amends for everything that was done. The Natives had absolutely everything taken away from them and now poverty and alcoholism have made homes in their communities. The cultural genocide that was committed against Native Americans has left quite of few out of touch with their roots. Their culture was ripped away from them and replaced with something completely foreign. There needs to be a series of tangible amends to the Native Americans for past wrongs.
I completely agree everything Schriner is advocating for to give back to the Native Americans. I find it extremely important that, as Americans, government officials give back to the original inhabitants of this land and make amends for everything that was done. The Natives had absolutely everything taken away from them and now poverty and alcoholism have made homes in their communities. The cultural genocide that was committed against Native Americans has left quite of few out of touch with their roots. Their culture was ripped away from them and replaced with something completely foreign. There needs to be a series of tangible amends to the Native Americans for past wrongs.
Native American Teens Are Most at Risk for Suicide
One of the biggest problems is the lack of available mental health professionals on reservations—and the distances that residents have to travel to see those that are available. But with high poverty rates, lack of suicide prevention programs and limited access to counseling, few tribe members can get the help they need. Joseph Stone, a licensed psychologist who testified on behalf of the American Psychological Association, said he was exposed "early and frequently" to violent death and suicide as a child raised on a reservation. His brother committed suicide at age 18, as did a close family friend at age 19 and a cousin at age 20. He pointed to a lack of qualified Native professionals to help and cost issues that prohibit Natives from getting needed help. While still limited in number, suicide prevention and mental health programs are stepping into the breach on several reservations.
I find it extremely disheartening to read articles about this suicide epidemic that state how terrible it is that this is happening while at the same time nothing is being done to attempt to change the fate of Native American youth. Actions speak louder than words and talking about how unfortunate this is will get us nowhere. We know the facts and there's no way to sugarcoat it. These kids are dying at alarming rates and we need to take steps now to stop this epidemic.
I find it extremely disheartening to read articles about this suicide epidemic that state how terrible it is that this is happening while at the same time nothing is being done to attempt to change the fate of Native American youth. Actions speak louder than words and talking about how unfortunate this is will get us nowhere. We know the facts and there's no way to sugarcoat it. These kids are dying at alarming rates and we need to take steps now to stop this epidemic.
Catholic Social Teaching: Option for the Poor and Vulnerable
Pine Ridge and Alcohol
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I can understand why tribal leaders are community members are pushing to legalize alcohol on the reservation. It gives them the opportunity to control the alcohol coming in and the deaths that occur on the stretch of road from Whiteclay to Pine Ridge. But, alcohol will be allowed on the reservation with this rule change. I can't decide if this is a good thing or bad thing. I can see both sides of it. The community is vulnerable and this could potentially harm them more, but tribal leaders are just trying to fix the issue.
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Termination Policy
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CST was being upheld from this policy. Termination ultimately had a negative impact on tribes deemed eligible, primarily in education, health and tribe economy. Before termination, the Indian Health Service gave health care to many tribes. However, with the new termination policy, most of them were rendered ineligible, and were left with no access to hospitals, clinics or health care in general. The health of Native Americans dropped far below that of white Americans. After being thrust into the American system with no immediately introduced industry or business but an increase in taxes, the economy of most terminated tribes suffered. While they were rarely truly strong, the increase in both taxes AND unemployment led to much of the Indian population falling into poverty. The needs of the poor and vulnerable are a priority and this policy did not consider those needs.
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