http://hv.greenspun.com/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg.tcl?msg_id=002LoM
This is not going to be a fun post .... :-(
First, some background on sources of information that many have relied upon during this situation.
Two or three individuals, most notably Martina Lookinghorse, have provided Jane and I with most of the details about events transpiring in Pine Ridge. These individuals have in turn relied upon a few inside the building and in the Pine Ridge community.
These original sources have maintained that the FBI and other federal authorities laid seige to the Red Cloud Tribal Building in Pine Ridge.
Jon Dougherty of WND spent hours speaking to the 'real' leaders inside the building. After the conversation, Jon spoke to David Bresnanhan, also of WND, who just called me back.
Here is the real story.
The FBI had executed a search warrant on Oglala Sioux tribal financial records, part of the HUD scandal investigation, at the Tribal Housing Office. At 2pm on Sunday, members of the tribe occupied the Tribal Building to protect financial records located there when it was learned that other elements in the tribe (who have been discussed elsewhere on the original thread) were planning to destroy them.
The FBI seige was a cover-story concocted by a few as a means of gaining attention. The threat of violence never was with the FBI, but with the other elements of the tribe.
Apparently the leadership was not told about the cover story, until today. Our sources were not told it was a cover story. We were not told, and neither were you.
The full and complete story by Jon Doughtery will appear on the WND website. I am not sure of when, but my guess is tommorrow.
There are political games being played by certain groups within the Sioux Nation and flamed by other factions outside of their tribes.
Bottom line - the story IS, has been, and remains real, the players were miscast for political leverage and gain.
Believe it or not, the real purpose of this thread series worked. We succeeded beyond our wildest dreams. We found the truth, got it broadcast, and more benefits are going to come to more people than you may realize. Awareness was raised. Many things have changed - for the better. And above all else, we proved to the world that people can work together to help one another in times of adversity and need. Something that will not be forgotten.
Many of the side issues remain unanswered ... the missing webpages from many sites, the weirdness of connections, etc ... perhaps they will be answered some day, perhaps not. Truth is, does it matter? Awareness is now there, and nothing will ever be the same again.
Some of you might think badly of me ... some of you will feel the opposite ... truth is, I am somewhere in the middle. Doing my best to help my brothers and sisters in trouble, no matter what their skin color, religion, social status, or other form of divisiveness.
I accurately relayed all that was given me. I never once opined. I did what I was asked to do - raise awareness. I never called for violence, rather did everything in my power to stop it from happening. That was my point for starting all of this. Enough people have suffered already, we don't need any more. It is past time to stop the stupidity.
This story is not going away, it is growing. Other Native American tribes ARE looking at themselves and the way they act and react. Many other Americans are doing the same.
One day, I pray that these kind of events become unnecessary, that peace and Love are the foundation of all existance. Until that day arrives, I shall continue to serve Creator as I am called to do.
Dr. Rev. Michael ThunderLight
-- hiding in plain (sight@edge of.nowhere), January 18, 2000.
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I'm very happy about: David Bresnahan of WorldNetDaily coming to cover the story!
-- Hokie (Hokie_@hotmail.com), January 18, 2000.
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Oh, so wait, it was all a big experiment then? huh ?
-- Hokie (Hokie_@hotmail.com), January 18, 2000.
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Syio,Red Earth People, Remember that a "Eye for a Eye", will soon make the world go blind. We have been walking blind long enough.We must returned to the tree of life,and wake up from the "Walking Sleep".... Wydo, Crow Hand....
-- Crow Hand (Redfoot@bellsouth.net), January 18, 2000.
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Rev. ThunderLight, Thank you for the update. Did Martial Law get declared? Still praying for the safety of everyone inside.
-- Possible Impact (posim@hotmail.com), January 18, 2000.
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The information reported here is NOT true. Yes, the Tribal offices are being occupied, but NO, the FBI is NOT taking over this situation. DO NOT listen to reports from NewsHawk--It is FALSE...They have greatly upset the people who ARE on scene--of a peaceful, nonviolent protest. Mike Wicks responds to NewsHawks erroneous report;quote
"This is stupid, irresponsible, and dangerous trash to be sending out. It is nothing but lies. There is NO standoff! There is no heat from the FEDs! There is NO media blackout - and in fact a radio station set up and transmitted from inside the Tribal building! Get some facts before you spout this garbage. I don't know what game you people are playing by puting out this bunch of lies, but it needs to stop - RIGHT NOW! Pick up a phone and call the Tribal office. Speak to the people inside - ask to speak to the FBI - they are there AT THE REQUEST of the people inside. The FEDs are gathering evidence AT THE REQUEST of those inside." endquote
If you wish to get the most recent reports, please email; SumerWCree@aol.com--(TheRedRoadNewsletter-owner@onelist.com) Pat Morris-- wlfskr@leba.net ishgooda@voyager.net wild.horse@mindspring.com ErthAvengr@aol.com Mike.Wicks@mindspring.com These are the people either AT the scene or in constant contact with those who are occupying the Tribal offices. I beg you all not to turn this peaceful protest into something worse. Ignore false emailings from NewsHawk. Call the Tribal offices yourself, (605) 867-5821.
-- River (Riverwn@aol.com), January 18, 2000.
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Possible Impact; Martial Law was implemented - then taken down - looking for weapons to avoid a violent confrontation. When no weapons were found, it was discontinued. The citizens of Pine Ridge have been taking care of themselves and keeping their town peaceful. A triumph in anyone's book. :-)
-- hiding in plain (sight@edge of.nowhere), January 18, 2000.
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River; calmly, please go back and read my post above.
BTW: I sent a message to Newshawk, Inc about an hour ago when the truth started coming out. Asked them to talk to the leaders at Pine Ridge. Gave them the phone number to the back office where the leaders have been meeting.
This was always about seeking truth and helping to prevent a tragedy. It was never about trying to incite a riot. I have talked to several inside the building, and they do appreciate the efforts, the time spent, and the help that was being offered.
It was about being human - and showing humanity and compassion when brothers and sisters were in trouble.
If you wish to look down upon us for doing so, that is your right. Just please do not expect me to like it.
With great respect,
Rev. ThunderLight
-- hiding in plain (sight@edge of.nowhere), January 18, 2000.
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Rev. Thunderlight, please forward my response: You succeeded at "crying wolf" and have alienated the people and press who would have been there for you tomorrow. You shamed your tribe, which will be viewed by many now as dangerous self-serving manipulators. You did not act with honor. This error will haunt you, and I pity the innocent and honorable majority of your tribe who will carry your shame.
Your behavior has wounded your tribe. I pity you for having to live with this. What a hollow victory. I fear for you if your elders feel you have dishonored them.
I grieve the loss of what felt like a new friendship. How would today's results have been different if you had just left out the lie? I suspect the big difference in results will be tomorrow, when you "cry wolf" again and we dismiss it as a terrorist campaign.
-- Hokie (Hokie_@hotmail.com), January 18, 2000.
