Besides reading and learning about sustainable living and permaculture, I’m interested in anything that would further my self-reliance.
Just recently, one of my articles created such an interest from readers that I’ve been told I should write a book. I’ve heard that for years, and have attempted to do so, but something was missing. It was embarking on the biggest dream of my life, and that is the land we call Eagle Mountain. So it is time to write my story.
I’ve always been willing to share stories from my life: challenges, interesting people, and lessons learned. It isn’t that “I†am anything special, but people and experiences have shaped my character that have empowered me to believe I will do whatever I set my mind to.
There have been a lot of people in my journey who taught me something, but the most amazing person in my life was another Choctaw known as Standing Deer. He’s been taken from us, but he is at peace. His sacrifices for Peltier, Native prisoners and our spirituality have been redeemed. My story will also be his story.
If the writings on my blog is any indication of what I put into words comes from the heart, then know this book will be written from my heart and soul. And I can promise you will not be able to put it down until you have read it to the end. My hope is that I will awaken and enlighten you to what we can accomplish by believing in ourselves and then take action.
I'd like to meet:
People who don't have time for racism or prejudice, and who believe that impossible things can be done. People who can see through the BS of the world, and extrapolate from current events what is likely to happen soon. Complacency blinds the people to the events of reality, kind of like being asleep at the wheel.
So many people who are gone that I’d like to have met and discussed issues of politics, freedom/resistance, and ceremony are: Vine DeLoria Jr., Louie Hall, Phillip Deer, Frank Fools Crow, Crazy Horse, Wovoka, Chitto Harjo, Michael Collins, and my Uncle, Clarence “The Choctaw Kid†Carnes.
People who are still with us whom I haven’t met and would be more than welcome to sit in my living room for discussions on the same topics, are: Subcomandante Marcos, Mumia Abu Jamal, Gerry Adams, Nelson Mandela, Noam Chomsky, and the Indigenous Spiritual leaders of the Western Hemisphere.
And that would include the many new friends I’ve met here on Myspace, so we may have to move from my living room to a campfire. I have been happy to re-connect with my friends, Robert, Kim, and OJ. And hope to make many more friends in the future and find old ones again.
Music:
I am biased, but for purposes of supporting Native musicians and artists who have a message to share, whether it is hip hop, blues, jazz, country or rock to heavy metal. Often times I hear something in your music that describes my life, or brings me to a place where I feel good. I hope to build a collection of Native music so I can have a historical library someday.
I started listening to music in the early 70’s, and it helps me to remember certain times of my life and where I was, so I enjoy a blast from the past, and I am open to contemporary music of today.
I also enjoy listening to artists who have supported Native benefit concerts. So I’m a little biased like that – so what – it lets me feel good.
Movies:
Clear Cut, Heat, Set it Off, Incident at Oglala, Thunderheart, The Devils Rejects, One Flew over the Cuckoo's Nest, Scarface, Blow, Matrix & Terminator series, Jericho series, Anna Mae: Brave-hearted Woman (Lan Ritz), Alcatraz: The whole shocking story, Lakota Woman, HBO’s Carnivale, OZ & Soprano’s and other action/horror/drama movies.
Television:
Don't watch much television by choice, and cable isn’t available out here. So we watch tapes and DVD’s. If we can ever afford the luxury of satellite, I’d watch some educational/history programs, poker tournaments, documentaries, and some news programs (Just to see what the newest lies they are feeding the masses).
Books:
Trinity by Leon Uris
In the Spirit of Crazy Horse & Indian Country by Peter Matthiessen
Blood of the Land: The corporate and government war against the American Indian Movement by Rex Wyler
Agents of Repression and the COINTELPRO Papers by Ward Churchill
Bridge of Courage by Jennifer Harbury (Amazing woman and friend)
and, of course Vine DeLoria’s works. There are more, and I said I would post reviews so I hope I can post it for you someday.
Heroes:
My respects go to People who displayed courage (or insanity) in the face of impossible odds at the risk of their own life or freedom. And those who defend their homelands, their community, their family and lastly, themselves.
