Dialogue Between Nations

Rodolfo Munoz (RRRMunoz7_AT_worldnet_DOT_att_DOT_net) from San Antonio wrote

The Nations meeting in Quebec City to reach this "new world order" supposedly want to further the reach of their "democratic" and "egalitarian" agenda even as they publish it. The problem is that places, such as the United States of America, are anything but democratic and/or egalitarian! They are furthermore, not ruled by "the rule of law" but rather, by the rule of whom adopts the White Immigrant Way of Life. How can the United States in the year 2001 still sell this story to the world when they still pick and chose which of us "Indians" they recognize and how they imbue us with humanity as if they had already cloned "God" and he, true to their expectations, turned out to be the White Man? Should any one doubt this, one must recognize no more than that the United States (the so called "Americans") are the only society in the world's history to have attained their own slaves and, thus confined, accorded them near-human-dispensable status, serving only to retain possession of such as has not been yet taken from them and then only until the Whites should find need thereof. This has been done through the White Immigrants' creation of their own judicial system which serves only to remind the world of the "accomplishments" of this greatest of all advances in means of government they have achieved. After all, where else in history has a society ever, with impunity, openly published its official pronouncements in the courts that their "wards," these officially pronounced "incompetent" to rule themselves beings, must continue to serve the White Immigrants' wishes as they are GIVEN the organic documents to live by and required to heed the rule of those whom the Whites should strategically cull from amongst themselves as adequate to perpetuate this civilizing influence of the White Immigrants until complete.

Acoma Petuuche Gilbert (Petuuche_AT_aol_DOT_com) from Indigenous World Association wrote

Statements of Indigenous World Association which emphasize how Native Americans are Prisoners of Democracy: 1. The denial of the US to recognize Native American indigenous peoples as PEOPLES is racist nationalism. 2. The imprisonment of Native Americans by the US to internal self-determination is the affirmation of institutionalized racism. 3. The application of colonial principles promulgated in US law is intended to deny the human right of indigenous people to their indigenous nationhood. Petuuche Gilbert, Acoma, Indigenous World Association

Oscar Gonzalez (amdh_AT_laneta.apc_DOT_org) from Mexico City wrote

Neoracists are old colonialists and even former slave owners. So, why should we be surprised that politicians talk of democracy and at the same time deny basic principals and human rights for all. We do agree that racial discrimination should be incompatible with true democracy.

Oscar Gonzalez (amdh_AT_laneta.apc_DOT_org) from Mexico City wrote

¿Piensas que el tema de los derechos indigenas fue suficientamente tratado en La Cumbre de las Americas? Por vivir en el abandono y el olvido, agravados por la globalidad racista, los Zapatistas se levantaron en armas en enero de 1994, cuando entró en vigor el TLC. ¿Quienes, qué otros pueblos indígenas se levantarán contra el ALCA en 2005?

carolina radovan (info_AT_dialoguebetweennations_DOT_com) from vancouver wrote when i hear mention of 'democracy', especially in summit talks such as this one, i believe we must first be very clear in how we are defining democracy. under the guise of american democracy, many people have been tortured and killed. i felt little consolation in having the democracy clause put into writing, since it still leaves much to interpretation.

Oscar Gonzalez (amdh_AT_laneta.apc_DOT_org) from Mexico City wrote Regarding ¨democratic¨ clause: In NAFTA they didn't mention the word "democracy" even a single time in 3000 pages. Why should we believe that they are sincere in mentioning the term now to be included in FTAA.

carolina radovan (racism_AT_dialoguebetweennations_DOT_com) from vancouver wrote yo creo que el dia que los representantes y lideres de los pueblos indigenas esten sentados, con el mismo poder de decision que tienen actualmente lideres como chretien, ahi se vera que ya hemos exitosamente luchado contra el racismo. los lideres indigenas no son tratados como iguales en estas cumbres internacionales, y sus preocupaciones y sugerencias actualmente no tienen peso ya que los otros gobiernos no estan obligados o tomarlos en consideracion. hay un problema con el proceso democratico ya que esta gente no tiene voz.

Cesia Serrano AMDH (http://www.laneta.org_DOT_mx) from Mexico wrote Deseariamos entrar en contacto con ONG de América Latina que se propongan asistir a Durban, Sudáfrica. Hace falta una estrategia mínima de cabildeo para introducir y priorizar el tema del racismo y la discriminación contra indígenas en la Declaración y el Plan de Acción de la WCAR.

Cesia Serrano AMDH (http://www.laneta.org_DOT_mx) from Mexico wrote Deseariamos entrar en contacto con ONG de América Latina que se propongan asistir a Durban, Sudáfrica. Hace falta una estrategia mínima de cabildeo para introducir y priorizar el tema del racismo y la discriminación contra indígenas en la Declaración y el Plan de Acción de la WCAR.

Everardo Gudiño (anarquia75_AT_hotmail_DOT_com) from México wrote Estimado Licenciado Oscar González: Me parece muy adecuado, además de necesario, el luchar por incluir en este magno evento de dimensiones internacionales, espacios en donde se analize y discuta en forma seria y propositiva, la situación no tan sólo cultural, sino también social, económica y por supuesto, en el área normativa, de los contingentes indígenas del Continente Americano y del resto del mundo. En mi opinión, creo que no podremos dar pasos adelante en materia de racismo, discriminación e intolerancia, si no atendemos situaciones del ámbito normativo (tema por demás vasto y delicado). En esto último radica el interés de incluir el tema de los pueblos indígenas en la agenda de esta Cumbre Internacional, pues es tema de la agenda nacional, en el caso de México al menos, situación que resulta un hecho sin parangón. Así como el manifestar inconformidad con el "fino" trabajo de corte y confección que nuestros ilustres legisladores le hicieron a la Ley COCOPA. Es por esto y por muchas otras cosas que vemos de imperosa necesidad, el incluir el tema indígena en la cumbre Internacional de Racismo. Pues muchos nos preguntamos, ¿a caso esto no es racismo?, Hasta dónde llega el racismo de Estado.

Valerie Phillips (vphillips_AT_wsu_DOT_edu) from Pullman, Washington wrote Subject: Decolonization Date: Wed, 29 Aug 2001 08:13:18 - 0700 It does seem that decolonization is unlikely to be an agenda item for the nation-states anytime soon. I think that encouragement rather than discouragement that the decolonization process will occur is in order. I take slavery as one example of a massive and unjust institution that was once global and is now confined to a decidedly small area of the planet. The near eradication of slavery, and the massive turnaround in public opinion and morality that eradication required, was the work of generations of dedicated people from various walks of life who were first assigned to the lunatic fringe within countries like the United States. We can take heart from this example in the quest for decoloniztion. Other sources of encouragement are that the topic of decolonization is being discussed in academia, as well as other circles, although it is certainly a controversial topic in academia --- for now. But more importantly, indigenous peoples themselves should be actively implementing decolonization strategies within and between their societies. We must decolonize our minds, hearts, economies, and our entire social and governmental structures. I think indigenous peoples in the Americas, particularly in the United States but also in the other countries of the western hemisphere, are not taking complete advantage of the opportunities that they do have to get the ball rolling on decolonization. For example, is there really anything in place that would stop indigenous peoples of the Americas from trading more actively with each other with a view toward greater self-sufficiency and re-building indigenous economic systems, other than indigenous peoples themselves? Is there really anything to stop indigenous peoples of the Americas from internally rearranging their governmental systems to more completely reflect their respective traditional modes of governance, other than indigenous peoples themselves? I do not mean to oversimplify. None of what I propose is going to be easy, or painless. Nevertheless, I think that it is very, very important for the indigenous peoples of the Americas, especially those within the United States and Canada, to realize that there is much practical internal decolonization that they can implement themselves now, taking greater control of their own destinies and those of their children, even as they confront the external forces which hinder their efforts through forums such as the one going on right now in Durban. Thank you for posting this for me. Valerie J. Phillips Valerie J. Phillips Assistant Professor of Business Law School of Accounting, Information Systems & Business Law Washington State University P.O. Box 644729 Pullman, WA 99164-4275 Dept (509)335-8541; Direct (509)335-4446; Fax (509)335-4275

Matt Vickers (mvickers_AT_dccnet_DOT_com) from Tsawwassen BC Canada wrote I have been dealing with the racism issues against our First Nations peoples in Canada for the past 15 years. I personally conduct Aboriginal Awareness Sessions that deal with Aboriginal Life prior to European contact, What happened at contact, affects of the Residential School system on our people today, What is happening in our communities today and then I finish off the session with a nine minute video titled "The Elders Are Watching". I witness tremendous change in built up negative biases disappearing right before my eyes during my sessions. I am now contracted by our Provincial Government to provide these sessions to all their Ministry staff. If we want to fight the fight of racism, true history spoken from the heart is the only effective answer from my experiance.

Setty Simon-Khedis (setti.simon_AT_worldonline_DOT_fr) from Paris wrote Bonjour, mon courrier s'adresse à mr Oscar Gonzalès...je m'intéresse à l'Emir Abd el-Kader..et je souhaite savoir ce qui à son propos, existe au Mexique...une place? une statue? Bien cordialement. Geneviève Simon-Khedis

Lorena Mendoza (lore_mp131_AT_hotmail_DOT_com) from Oaxaca wrote. Mucho gusto señor Oscar, mi nombre es Lorena y soy estudiante de nivel superior en el estado de Oaxaca. Me interesa mucho el tema del racismo, sobre todo porque aqui en Oaxaca es muy comun. Me gustaria , si es posible, me facilitara informacion acerca de este fenomeno (especificamente en Oaxaca)y de las medidas para combatirlo. Le agradeceria mucho su apoyo y de antemano gracias. Atte. Lorena Mendoza.

Setti Simon (setti.simon_AT_worldonline_DOT_fr) from Paris wrote Bonjour, Le colonialisme et le racisme ne font qu'un. Un grand homme s'y est opposé par un comportement exemplaire mais aussi par la rédaction d'un règlement concernant le traitement des prisonniers, près d'un siècle avant les conventions de Genève (1838). Il serait utile de faire connaître ce traité aujourd'hui où ces droits élémentaires sont bafoués. Bien cordialement.

carolina radovan (info_AT_dialoguebetweennations_DOT_com) from vancouver wrote

when i hear mention of 'democracy', especially in summit talks such as this one, i believe we must first be very clear in how we are defining democracy. under the guise of american democracy, many people have been tortured and killed. i felt little consolation in having the democracy clause put into writing, since it still leaves much to interpretation.

Oscar Gonzalez (amdh_AT_laneta.apc_DOT_org) from Mexico City wrote

Regarding ¨democratic¨ clause: In NAFTA they didn't mention the word "democracy" even a single time in 3000 pages. Why should we believe that they are sincere in mentioning the term now to be included in FTAA.

carolina radovan (racism_AT_dialoguebetweennations_DOT_com) from vancouver wrote

yo creo que el dia que los representantes y lideres de los pueblos indigenas esten sentados, con el mismo poder de decision que tienen actualmente lideres como chretien, ahi se vera que ya hemos exitosamente luchado contra el racismo. los lideres indigenas no son tratados como iguales en estas cumbres internacionales, y sus preocupaciones y sugerencias actualmente no tienen peso ya que los otros gobiernos no estan obligados o tomarlos en consideracion. hay un problema con el proceso democratico ya que esta gente no tiene voz.

Cesia Serrano AMDH (http://www.laneta.org_DOT_mx) from Mexico wrote

Deseariamos entrar en contacto con ONG de América Latina que se propongan asistir a Durban, Sudáfrica. Hace falta una estrategia mínima de cabildeo para introducir y priorizar el tema del racismo y la discriminación contra indígenas en la Declaración y el Plan de Acción de la WCAR.

Everardo Gudiño (anarquia75_AT_hotmail_DOT_com) from México wrote

Estimado Licenciado Oscar González: Me parece muy adecuado, además de necesario, el luchar por incluir en este magno evento de dimensiones internacionales, espacios en donde se analize y discuta en forma seria y propositiva, la situación no tan sólo cultural, sino también social, económica y por supuesto, en el área normativa, de los contingentes indígenas del Continente Americano y del resto del mundo. En mi opinión, creo que no podremos dar pasos adelante en materia de racismo, discriminación e intolerancia, si no atendemos situaciones del ámbito normativo (tema por demás vasto y delicado). En esto último radica el interés de incluir el tema de los pueblos indígenas en la agenda de esta Cumbre Internacional, pues es tema de la agenda nacional, en el caso de México al menos, situación que resulta un hecho sin parangón. Así como el manifestar inconformidad con el "fino" trabajo de corte y confección que nuestros ilustres legisladores le hicieron a la Ley COCOPA. Es por esto y por muchas otras cosas que vemos de imperosa necesidad, el incluir el tema indígena en la cumbre Internacional de Racismo. Pues muchos nos preguntamos, ¿a caso esto no es racismo?, Hasta dónde llega el racismo de Estado.

Valerie Phillips (vphillips_AT_wsu_DOT_edu) from Pullman, Washington wrote

Subject: Decolonization Date: Wed, 29 Aug 2001 08:13:18 - 0700 It does seem that decolonization is unlikely to be an agenda item for the nation-states anytime soon. I think that encouragement rather than discouragement that the decolonization process will occur is in order. I take slavery as one example of a massive and unjust institution that was once global and is now confined to a decidedly small area of the planet. The near eradication of slavery, and the massive turnaround in public opinion and morality that eradication required, was the work of generations of dedicated people from various walks of life who were first assigned to the lunatic fringe within countries like the United States. We can take heart from this example in the quest for decoloniztion. Other sources of encouragement are that the topic of decolonization is being discussed in academia, as well as other circles, although it is certainly a controversial topic in academia --- for now. But more importantly, indigenous peoples themselves should be actively implementing decolonization strategies within and between their societies. We must decolonize our minds, hearts, economies, and our entire social and governmental structures. I think indigenous peoples in the Americas, particularly in the United States but also in the other countries of the western hemisphere, are not taking complete advantage of the opportunities that they do have to get the ball rolling on decolonization. For example, is there really anything in place that would stop indigenous peoples of the Americas from trading more actively with each other with a view toward greater self-sufficiency and re-building indigenous economic systems, other than indigenous peoples themselves? Is there really anything to stop indigenous peoples of the Americas from internally rearranging their governmental systems to more completely reflect their respective traditional modes of governance, other than indigenous peoples themselves? I do not mean to oversimplify. None of what I propose is going to be easy, or painless. Nevertheless, I think that it is very, very important for the indigenous peoples of the Americas, especially those within the United States and Canada, to realize that there is much practical internal decolonization that they can implement themselves now, taking greater control of their own destinies and those of their children, even as they confront the external forces which hinder their efforts through forums such as the one going on right now in Durban. Thank you for posting this for me. Valerie J. Phillips Valerie J. Phillips Assistant Professor of Business Law School of Accounting, Information Systems & Business Law Washington State University P.O. Box 644729 Pullman, WA 99164-4275 Dept (509)335-8541; Direct (509)335-4446; Fax (509)335-4275

Matt Vickers (mvickers_AT_dccnet_DOT_com) from Tsawwassen BC Canada wrote

I have been dealing with the racism issues against our First Nations peoples in Canada for the past 15 years. I personally conduct Aboriginal Awareness Sessions that deal with Aboriginal Life prior to European contact, What happened at contact, affects of the Residential School system on our people today, What is happening in our communities today and then I finish off the session with a nine minute video titled "The Elders Are Watching". I witness tremendous change in built up negative biases disappearing right before my eyes during my sessions. I am now contracted by our Provincial Government to provide these sessions to all their Ministry staff. If we want to fight the fight of racism, true history spoken from the heart is the only effective answer from my experiance.

Setty Simon-Khedis (setti.simon_AT_worldonline_DOT_fr) from Paris wrote

Bonjour, mon courrier s'adresse à mr Oscar Gonzalès...je m'intéresse à l'Emir Abd el-Kader..et je souhaite savoir ce qui à son propos, existe au Mexique...une place? une statue? Bien cordialement. Geneviève Simon-Khedis

Lorena Mendoza (lore_mp131_AT_hotmail_DOT_com) from Oaxaca wrote.

Mucho gusto señor Oscar, mi nombre es Lorena y soy estudiante de nivel superior en el estado de Oaxaca. Me interesa mucho el tema del racismo, sobre todo porque aqui en Oaxaca es muy comun. Me gustaria , si es posible, me facilitara informacion acerca de este fenomeno (especificamente en Oaxaca)y de las medidas para combatirlo. Le agradeceria mucho su apoyo y de antemano gracias. Atte. Lorena Mendoza.

Setti Simon (setti.simon_AT_worldonline_DOT_fr) from Paris wrote

Bonjour, Le colonialisme et le racisme ne font qu'un. Un grand homme s'y est opposé par un comportement exemplaire mais aussi par la rédaction d'un règlement concernant le traitement des prisonniers, près d'un siècle avant les conventions de Genève (1838). Il serait utile de faire connaître ce traité aujourd'hui où ces droits élémentaires sont bafoués. Bien cordialement.