GRIFTERS

I am amazed at the present trend making the internet rounds that the nations will somehow save everybody, when the truth is we are struggling to save ourselves-in one way it removes personal responsibility.

It somehow doesn’t matter about the increase of rampant abuses that exist on the rez, the growth of gangs, alcoholism, drug addiction, poverty, crime, and  rape, the idea(?) that none of this matters and everyone can hinge their and the world’s salvation upon us is mind boggling.

Doesn’t matter that the same “spirituality” earmarked to be the vehicle for this is routinely commercialized and corrupted-a corruption and commercialization to rival that of the Catholic and Protestant churches.

While our purveyors of pay to pray, cleanse, and be enlightened, like Crow Dog, haven’t gotten around to selling dispensations as yet everything else  is accompanied by a price tag.

Is the selling of e prayers viewed as a part of the process-a talisman to ward off evil spirits, elevate one’s conciousness, and enhance their aura?

Does anyone honestly believe paying to sweat or attend ceremony will be an epiphany? Or is it just the novelty of it like going to Disney Land-photos to share with others of vacation time?

If any pay Crow Dog or a “liberator” to make an appearance do they actually believe their name has been entered into “the book of life”-or are they merely the proverbial fool soon separated from his money?

Tune into a televangelist for a few moments-take note of how they work the audience, what they present that can be had for a “love offering” and then ask yourself what is the difference?

The entire AIM, liberators, spiritual leaders thing is unraveling like a cheap KMart suit-it and they are the ultimate foreign made non indigenous fabric-the ripoff faux Givenchys and Rolex.

There is a wealth of wisdom among our elders-those who really have it aren’t broadcasting it because they’ve seen how it is being commercialized and destroyed.

They are the gatekeepers-not the pay to play variety, and what they have isn’t being offered on the auction block-no plastic sweats with designer bottled water and a for real Indian buffet to follow.

No sharing of “ancient” wisdom by the equivalent of used car salesmen jingling change in their pocket and offering autographed copies of their books for a “love donation”.

These things remind me of those get rich quick seminars where the only people who benefit are those giving the seminar-difference being the product offered is instant Indianification- which rhymes with fornication, and obviously related-because the participant quite frankly is getting screwed.

For those who have money to burn one would think it would be better spent directed towards something meaningful-something that benefits people rather than an individual or a group of grifters.

From the Urban Dictionary:
A grifter is someone who swindles you through deception or fraud.

Synonyms include fraudster, con artist, cheater, confidence man, scammer, hustler, swindler, etc.

“The impasse seems to be constant. Indians are unable to get non-Indians to accept them as contemporary beings. Non-Indians either cannot or will not respond to the problems of contemporary Indians. They insist on remaining in the last century with old Chief Red Fox, whoever he may really be, reciting a past that is basically mythological, thrilling, and comforting.” – Vine Deloria, Jr – GOD IS RED

Reciting a past, and a present, that is under constant revision by our own grifters.

A contention made by DeLoria was that “religious views” are grounded to locations and not universal-I find a measure of truth in that-all one needs to do is examine where they arise and under what circumstances to understand Deloria’s meaning-but I won’t go so far as to say that within each some degree of universality doesn’t exist.

I’ve always believed there is one Creator who manifests himself to people and cultures in such a way that each understands and their needs are met- that geographic location is a mitigating factor in this manifestation-and that within that context there exists what can be referred to as universal truths.

This can be seen among the nations and the world at large, as no two nations among us believe exactly the same. The problems arise when any claim their’s is the ONE and only way-as we see is the case with Christianity, Islam, and others.

All of which results from the corrupting influence of man, ego, the desire for power and position-and perhaps more to the point….money.

These are the attributes of those among who sell our beliefs, and as such should be recognized for exactly what they are-recognized and denounced.

Think about that the next time you purchase a dream catcher, gush over an internet video of “sacred teachings”, or order those DVDs you’re confident will serve to enlighten you.

A blonde can dye their hair black if they like, but they remain a blonde, sticking feathers in one’s hair, learning a few words, or attending a pay to pray event likewise doesn’t alter reality.

For those who truly respect the nations beliefs then do so, respect them-don’t sign up  for the grifter jamboree and hayride.

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THE EVENK

The photo immediately above is a “shamans”  attire.

I am always fascinated by cultural similarities and influences, by archeology and anthropology-that isn’t to say I accept everything either field of study presents, but some similarities are difficult to argue.

One such culture that intrigues me is that of the Evenk, a Northern Asia Tungusic people to be found in the northern Siberian ranges of Russia.

As of the 2002 census they were said to compose a population of about 35,000 in Russia, 30,000 in China where they are known as the Evenki,and roughly 500 or so in Mongolia.

They have traditionally been reindeer herders, which have served as substitutes for horses as far as transportation goes, as well as hunter/gatherers.

As a response to the environment and climatic conditions of their land they traditionally fashioned their clothing from reindeer and elk hides that often featured fringe and beading and wore a form of moccasins and leggings
made of the same material.

Animism is an integral part of their beliefs in the sense that a part of their belief system is “It is forbidden to torment an animal, bird, or insect, and a wounded animal must be finished off immediately…It is forbidden to spill the blood of a killed animal or defile it…It is forbidden to kill animals or birds that were saved from pursuit by predators or came to a person for help in a natural disaster”

They believe in an upper, middle, and lower world-a concept similar to many indigenous beliefs in this country and follow a patriarchal order that features clans, elders, and in their own language a shaman (which despite what others may have been heard to the contrary is an Evenk word) who tends to the physical and spiritual well being of his clan.

Typically they constructed their dwellings in the shape of tepee consisting of lodge poles and covered with bark rather than pelts  as illustrated in the photo above and have very close family and clan bonds.

Following the Russian revolution of 1917 they were organized into collective farm units and in 1930 were recognized as being autonomous-prior to the late 1920’s the Evenk had no written language.

The passage of time has led to an inevitable degree of assimilation much as it has for indigenous people in this hemisphere-but there remain those who adhere to a traditional lifestyle, and as such should be considered global treasures.

NEW AGE SUNDANCE SHAMAN

Not a typo in the title as Crow Dog if he ever had any legitimacy as a medicine man lost and bartered it away decades ago. Doesn’t make a bit of difference who his ancestors are as he is nothing like them.

In the earlier days of AIM while attempting to legitamzie themselves as a “spiritual” organization they approached several different respected medicine men who refused-what they wound up with was Crow Dog.

Crow Dog soon became addicted to the attention and money and they have become his primary pursuits.

He has surrounded himself with New Agers, sold personal appearances and ceremonies in any corner of the globe that would have him and set up a website to hock his wares.

This is AIM’s handpicked spiritual advisor- what does that say about AIM? This is the man Russell Means  proclaims as the “professor of the university of the universe”-what does this say about Russell Means mental acuity? That would be the same Russell Means who loves to drone on about tradition, the importance of it.

Crow Dog-the very one Annie Mae called out about the drinking and drugs associated with his brand of tradition at ” paradise”.

Crow Dog who held an honoring ceremony for the likes of Theda Clarke and John Boy Graham-participants in the abduction and murder of Annie Mae.

Crow Dog who in his AIM based paranoia attacked a  postal deliver because he thought he was spy for the feds.

Crow Dog who by lakota tradition isn’t worthy and forbidden to conduct any form of ceremony due to the blood on his hands.

The deception practiced by Crow Dog and AIM is and has been standard operating procedure for decades as that is where the money tree grows-it doesn’t grow on
the rez, but out there in non Indian country.

Never having enough, never being satisfied, they have embraced the New Agers now, and more and more you see that influence infecting and corrupting traditions.

Crow Dog could give a damn about the conditions his people face-he could give a damn whether they have food and shelter-it is a selling point just as it has been for others fighting over the spotlight and the money. Crow Dog cares about Crow Dog-he’s got his, isn’t sharing, and wants more.

Crow Dog now presents himself as a chief as well, and is  given to dispense genuine certificates to any willing to make the appropriate donations stating that they are a “Sundance Chief” and entitled to conduct a sundance.

The heat has gotten a little hotter of late and so the “Chief”  now presents his website wisdom and offerings in Japanese. Of course steps have been taken that insure you can
“donate” or purchase from the “shop” regardless of location, money will not turned down regardless of the source, much the same as it has been with AIM-just ask Chavez or Gaddafi, if he were still alive.

Spend a little time to look around-if you do you will find that the “Chief’s” supporters, and defenders consist by and large of the crystal wavers, the ones who have the Cherokee princess in their background, and an array of frauds-if that’s to your liking don’t waste another moment-click that paypal button-who knows you could be the first in your neighborhood to become a Sundance Chief.

Money for nothing-and the chicks for free………Dire Straits

FOR THE NEW AGERS

At least presently the attire a person elects to wear is basically unregulated, more a matter of choice-the point I would make is you don’t see people wearing a priests collar and giving mass, or a nuns  robes because they “respect” them-neither do they claim to be either.

Nor those of law enforcement, the military, and so forth. If they do and are discovered they are exposed and labelled for what they are-frauds.

I suspect if we were able to sample everyone’s DNA we would be  surprised by the number in which genetic indigenous markers would be found-but then it is estimated that Neanderthal DNA is present to some small degree in four to five percent of the world’s population. But that doesn’t make them Neanderthal does it?

Early on the human fetus is equipped with a rudimentary set of gills and a tail-yet they are neither a fish or a tailed animal are they ?

This raises the question, at least for me, how is that an individual multiple generations removed with some miniscule amount of blood/DNA is “Indian”?

Some entirely negligible amount like 1/64th, or 1/128th, or that my great grandmother ten times removed was Pochontas, or even better “I was an Indian in a past life”. Even if that were true-that was then and this is now.

Even more pointedly how do any donning the attire assume that in doing so it serves to authenicate whatever claim or performance they engage in?

After having been told repeatedly we do not appreciate your antics by what metric do you persist?

Do you really expect us to believe that “channelling”, talking to your guides, the local scam artist who told you about your past life(s), joining a faux tribe, or in waving your crystals around that you are one of us?

The truth is you are little more than selfish, truant, highly imaginative children assuming a playtime role and speaking to imaginary friends.

Burden others with these things-join a UFO club and dress up like aliens or one those enlightened elect chosen of mankind to be an ambassador for those extraterrestrials.

Go cowboy or cowgirl and claim you are a descendent of Earp, Hickock, or the James boys. Maybe Butch or Sundance. If you elect to you could claim to be Belle Starr or Annie Oakley come again.

Carpe diem-seize that day, that opportunity-the possibilities are endless as you well know.

Now if this confuses or angers you and you’re not sure how to reply then by all means enlist your favorite guru and ask them to do so-hopefully “spirit” won’t tell them to take the high road, let it pass, and pray for me/us.

2012 PROPHECY

I received an email related to the issues I address below, it was suggested I post a blog about this, after thinking about it for a time, as you can see in what follows, I’ve decided to do just that and wish to thank the author of the suggestion.

There is a recognizable commonality in various aspects of indigenous beliefs-just as there is a great diversity- both should be recognized, granted mutual respect, and afforded a common protection. But I find no implication in doing so that a cross pollination must be effected, and I would not advocate for one.

What each nation has is by the design of Creator who gave them the land, the language, and the culture that would serve them-it should not be forsaken for that of another as part of a global agenda or crystal “enlightenment”.

There are those who in saying my people first, even to the point of exclusivity, that either overlook or fail to comprehend the advantages of what is referred to as the  Pan-Indian movement.

There is an undeniable strength in a hemispherical unity that does not and cannot exist on an individual nation basis. One need only to consider if all the nations had united at the time of the invasion how  differently it might have played out to understand the truth of this.

The issues to be faced encompass more than the well being of any one nation-it is a global issue that requires global participation to reverse the effects. I would not have it for any to prosper and ignore others who don’t-that is the meaning of this now internet cliche of we are all related. I would ask who would find honor or comfort in leaving a relative to suffer
while they prosper?

This entire 2012 predicted event has become the playground of the marketplace, the media, crystal wavers, and breathless recitations of little understood or tweaked Maya and Hopi prophecies by those who are the most vocal in proclaiming them, and are almost exclusively non indigenous.

In the midst of this internet sites are the information source of choice with little attention paid to the authenticity of the information presented or what the particular agenda is-all that is required are two words -Maya and Hopi.

Here’s the first clue-if it’s a crystal waver site better to move on if you’re looking for the truth-any truth, about indigenous matters. The second clue is if they are attempting to sell you something  or promote themselves as enlightened, or receiving messages and being guided by “spirit guides” or aliens, move on.

Nowhere can it be found other than the internet that in Hopi prophecies a specific date has been given-yet they have become irrevocably linked to 2012. Nowhere can it be found in the Maya prophecies that 2012 is the advent of a global destruction-it speaks to a new understanding, a new experience, and ultimately a time of cleansing.

There are notable differences between what the Hopi have said and what the Maya have said-before combining the two it might be better to actually read them, note the differences, and  attempt to objectively understand them.

If one isn’t willing to do so they should in the least exhibit enough basic respect to refrain from combining the two to produce a hybrid version to their liking.

So now we have talk of a gathering to possibly include a ghost dance in observance(?)of these prophecies-a staged media event. Better I think at this juncture for pipe carriers and medicine men, and those professing to be, to acknowledge the problems among their own and actively address them than to look for another photo op accompanied by an honorarium.

Better to remember such ceremonies were never staged as public events-that they were driven by a desire to ease pain and suffering, a desire for something better in real time other than a stage and a video camera.

In doing so they may not get the attention they would otherwise, but the results achieved could contribute to the well being of their own and in turn the well being of all.

Anyone can make or carry a pipe-that does not make them a pipe carrier, no more than donning a beret makes one French. This is something people need to be aware of-and to understand that for a growing number it is little more than a part of the costume, the persona they would affect, and usually accompanied by tales of tutelage under medicine men and wise elders who gifted the pipe, the responsibility, and the title to them.

For ones such as these a lack of understanding and an assumed gullibility are relied upon, and are the wheels that propel an industry of their making. I won’t be surprised if one of these “pipe carriers” begins to market a pipe making kit with the assurance that yes, you too can be a pipe carrier accompanied by a certificate of achievemnt.

You like pipes, you would have one? Then make one-no one has ownership of pipes per se, they are universal in nature-only don’t claim it is the real deal and you are a pipe carrier in the context of what it means to the nations- a simple request-one honorable men and women would have no difficulty with.

How sacred is a pipe offered on ebay or any other internet site-how much meaning does the title chief have now when even fortune tellers refer to themselves as one?  What medicine man sells dvds of “sacred ways  and teachings”, or among our own accepts the appellation of “shaman”, “seer”, or “psychic”?

These things speak to separation, a new invasion, and an embrace of traditions based not on the nations, but of capitalism and greed. There is a word for all this-it is fraudulent. And much of what, and who, are revolving around the Mayan and Hopi prophecies are fraudulent as well.

Some people look for a personality rather than the truth-some people desire to be a personality- I have no interest in either  type. If that is an issue for any then I say they need to bring an umbrella when visiting this blog, for it is raining cold hard truths up in here and the forecast is for more of the same.