Bad at Math

“In a new world, a history was written,” said Obama’s proclamation, required by a 1934 Congressional Joint Resolution. “It tells the story of an idea – that all women and men are created equal – and a people’s struggle to fulfill it.

“And it is a history shared by Native Americans, one marred with long and shameful chapters of violence, disease, and deprivation,” Obama said.

—Weasel Zippers

Earlier today, on SOME site, I read quoted a great article by a "Native American, basically saying, without the Europeans, ancestors wouldn't be much advanced nor would they have the religion of our Father's love. Unfortunately, I cannot find it again. The perfect counterpoint to the Community Disorganizer in Chief's racist spew.

Before I read that, here's what I commented on Ace of Spades (always funny to quote oneself, but easier than re-writing) along those same lines:

Happy AmerIndian Cultural Uplift Day

Today, descendants of the tribes that occupied North America before Columbus enjoy all the benefits of the combined cultures of the whole world, most especially the health, wealth, and comfort from centuries of progress in the USA. Their ancestors would gladly trade the life they had for a modern middle-class American home and job.

And it all goes back to a captain who was bad at geographic math.

I got this interesting reply:

… the author of "Roots" (Alex Haley) was once asked during a program showing video of suffering in Africa if he wished that his ancestors had never been brought to this continent as slaves.

"And Alex Haley said, in a low, serious voice: 'Every time an American black sees a story like that, they should find a Confederate flag and kiss it. Because there,' he pointed to the sad scene on the screen, 'would be me and my descendants, except for American slavery. I thank God that my family and I are here instead of there!'"

Yeah. "Violence, disease, and deprivation."