Indians = philanthropists, not socialists

Bear's Den:  "Christmas is much about being … an Indian Giver"

By David Walks-As-BearNow, many in the Progressive Movement–Obama's sort–seem to think that American Indians were, and are socialists. Hmm, well, maybe to a degree–but nowhere near how they insinuate. They liken the traditional American Indian 'giving' to their new slogan of 'Sharing the Wealth'. Now, when they say this (the Progressives), it always means forcefully taking from some to give to others. But the fact is that traditional American Indians didn't do this–uh-uh. Anything they did was voluntary. They weren't socialist–not by a long stretch. So, this somewhat erroneous application is one often given by some college professors and others in this Progressive movement who state that American Indians were so inclined to total socialism. Nah, trust me–they weren't. The American Indian culture, however, tribe to tribe and nation to nation–honors a giving nature. Heck, giving has always been, and remains, a basic tenant of who we are. Yep, yep, and while Indians do love decorating stuff–especially at Christmas–you'll probably never see a wigwam with a hammer and sickle on its sides … know what I mean?

Traditional Indians view philanthropy pretty much as it is derived from the original Latin philanthro-pia. The word is from the Greek, philanthro-pos, which means, literally, "loving people." Um-hmm, and Merriam-Webster's Dictionary defines it as:

1: goodwill to fellow men; especially: active effort to promote human welfare.

Right. And this kind'a fits with the modern version of philanthropy. It's akin to some rich dude, or dudette, donating a smidgen of their coin, and thereby being a benefactor to those in the community. Sure, and maybe the philanthropist donates a new wing to a hospital. Usually, they get a little something back for this gift, too. It's the trade or exchange, the completing of the circle, as it were. Boy … that sounds kind of Indian to me, eh. Yes'um, it does, because in this case, often the new hospital wing will be named for him or her–the said philanthropist–see what I'm saying? And they did this … of their own free will, eh–nobody forced them to do it. In return, they got a good feeling and helped those around them. And, Indian giving is very much the same, in a different venue.Comment:  For examples of Indians being labeled "socialists," see Republican Hypocrisy on "Socialism" and Uncivil Indians. For more on Indians and Christmas, see Starman Visited Baby Jesus and Lawton Museum's "Comanche Christmas."

Below:  Dancers at a potlatch ceremony.