(Response to Letter to Editor in May 2 edition of The Sachem titled "Questions for Six Nations")
In a recent letter, outside agitator Gary McHale undiplomatically posed "a few blunt questions".
This is not a tactic to employ if one is truly seeking peace.
Indeed, such a blunt approach seems to be designed to provoke a confrontation rather than a dialogue.
Had he started his project with a quest for knowledge, he might have garnered some respect.
As an outsider, he certainly had no background knowledge of the issues.
Instead, he began with a desperate quest for attention -- and earned the contempt of most everyone in the surrounding communities.
His blatant ignorance alienated many within his purported audience -- along with his continual assault on the senses of the local residents.
As a citizen of Six Nations and life-long resident of Caledonia, I have sought -- and continue to seek -- peaceful solutions.
McHale has failed to note the peaceful efforts of individuals like myself and others from Caledonia, Six Nations and surrounding communities.
Such efforts warrant equal (if not greater) coverage by the local media. In contrast, McHale has done nothing but add to the problems.
McHale's self-proclaimed "non-discriminating" qualities failed him yet again.
This outside agitator claims to be an admirer of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Yet, McHale's ignorance of the slain civil rights leader undermines his credibility. Rev. King was not the "politically correct" figure that the mainstream media now portrays him to be.
Rev. King vigorously sought the recognition of civil rights and demanded economic reforms.
For so doing, Rev. King was targeted by the American government -- most notably by the FBI.
Indeed, current Aboriginal leaders throughout the land have far more in common with Rev. King than many may realize.
The courageous stand by the leadership in Big Trout Lake have landed them in jail. Would McHale admire these Aboriginal leaders -- or condemn them too?
Is McHale even aware of their situation?
His silence on the matter is a conspicuous omission in itself.
In conclusion, I'd like to pose this additional question to McHale: when will you be leaving?
Darrell Doxtdator, Hon. B.A., LL.B. Resident of Caledonia/ Six Nations community