Lakota aid (article) by Annie Le Voguer on AuthorsDen

Information on the Lakota nation For as long as I can remember I have been interested in all things to do with Native Americans. As a child I was always on their side in the westerns, hoping they would win and keep their land. As an adult it has saddened me the more I read. Those that landed in America systematically committed mass genocide on a scale that would put the African tyrants to shame. Rather than agreeing to share the enormity of land they wanted it all. Treaty after treaty was reneged upon and the Natives resorted to brute force, leaving them with the reputation of 'hostile savages'. Since that time, America has seen many changes, to the point in which the first 'black' President of America was sworn in. I put that word in inverts as it is used so extensively in the media despite the fact that Mr Obama is half 'white'. America has welcomed an abundance of nationalities to its Land of the Free where democracy reigns and dreams come true. That is, unless you are Native American. I cannot believe the terrible conditions these amazing people have to live in if they want to stay true to their origins living on reservations, some of which aren't even in their original homeland. To this day they are treated like vermin, left to destroy themselves. Once great names such as Sitting Bull, Crazy Horse, Geronimo, Victorio, stood tall and proud. A race that truly defined respect, family life and honour - qualities that are so lacking in our world today. What is left is a nation who have been mentally beaten to the point of self destruction. An example is the Lakota - or Sioux to many. Descendants of that great man Sitting Bull now live in Pine Ridge, a reservation in the Black Hills of around 30,000 people. Of those, 49% live below the poverty line, many with no electricity, phone, water or sewers. The average lifespan of a male is 52 years, 48 for women. Teen suicide is 4 times higher than the national average. Children are 3 times more likely to die on the reservation than anywhere else in the US. These people need help. The US Government needs to address the terrible situation in which Native Americans are not given the same rights as every other human in America. A wonderful British woman has been to Pine Ridge several times and has started a charity up to try and raise funds to help. One of the big aims is to ensure the Lakota have warmth in the winter. Many elderly die each year through hyperthermia, unable to afford heating and with inadequate clothing. I know authorsden has over a million people registered - if everyone donated a few pounds or dollars it would make a huge difference. The website for further information is www.lakota-aid.co.uk. It'll also give you further links that provide more information about volunteering, sending in petitions and how to get immediate help to these people. Please don't allow these people to continue suffering. I think the American Government have done enough damage over the last 500 years and wiped a country of an amazing race that could teach us so much about living a good life. Every link I have found about a Native American who has done well, either in sport, music or arts, I read that their aim is to give back to their nation, raise awareness. Not one was doing it for greed. Those that give - you will be rewarded by your kindness. Thank you.
Web Site	Lakota aid
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