Print ArticleThe current political climate in the United States is shifting toward desperation, and neither of the major parties is immune to the effects of both local and global issues. War in Iraq and Afghanistan, alleged and actual corruption and misconduct in the US Government and both economic and cultural devastation within both urban and rural communities has forced many people to consider alternatives to the mainstream political machines as the 2006 elections are upon us. Think then to the year 1971, when Vietnam was in the forefront and a little known actor forced a generation to think for itself.
Tom Laughlin is a character that to many seems larger than life. His seminal work “Billy Jack” and its title character have been exalted, vilified, parodied and now almost forgotten, yet his portrayal of the corrupt moral compass that guided a government to inhumanely treat the people of both Vietnam and the Indigenous Peoples of the United States, as well as how one man CAN stand up to corruption, should stand as an example of both history and the future. With a timely message that transcends the Vietnam generation and enters the 21st century with a warning and a message, “Billy Jack” and its sequels should be required viewing for EVERY citizen of the United States. After viewing it, you’ll start to understand the title of this article and why it has become more than a line on a fake campaign button made in the 1970’s.
Tom Laughlin the man is flawed as are we all, yet much of his rhetoric actually makes sense once you get past the surface. Let that be a lesson to all of us. Before we cling to our parties or label ourselves, let’s remember that within us all is a duty, an obligation and a requirement to both respect the body politic and restrain those who would corrupt it. That doesn’t mean we disrespect the people in power – it simply means that we require those in power to remember where that power came from… the People. There IS a reason that the phrase “the People” is so prominent in the language used by the “Founding Fathers” of the United States.
As a Native American Indian, of course I am a fan of the movies I’ve mentioned, but that’s not why this is being written. Rather, I am first and foremost a Patriot and a Citizen of this Great Nation. I also believe that before you can justly claim a “right,” you have a “responsibility” to ensure that you both protect the rights you can claim as well as fight for those who are denied the chance to legitimately claim them. Look to how Billy Jack defended the Freedom School in the movie series, how he protected “Jean,” played by his real-life wife Delores Taylor, and how he fought a corrupt system from outside and within… and use it as an example of how the Left, the Right, the Independent and others can come together and make things right. It doesn’t matter if a Clinton, Bush, Limbaugh or Obama ends up in the Oval Office – what DOES matter is that the RIGHT person is in the Office and they are held accountable, right down to the clerk in the Congressional Chambers.
Fry Bread for thought?
Tom Laughlin is a character that to many seems larger than life. His seminal work “Billy Jack” and its title character have been exalted, vilified, parodied and now almost forgotten, yet his portrayal of the corrupt moral compass that guided a government to inhumanely treat the people of both Vietnam and the Indigenous Peoples of the United States, as well as how one man CAN stand up to corruption, should stand as an example of both history and the future. With a timely message that transcends the Vietnam generation and enters the 21st century with a warning and a message, “Billy Jack” and its sequels should be required viewing for EVERY citizen of the United States. After viewing it, you’ll start to understand the title of this article and why it has become more than a line on a fake campaign button made in the 1970’s.
Tom Laughlin the man is flawed as are we all, yet much of his rhetoric actually makes sense once you get past the surface. Let that be a lesson to all of us. Before we cling to our parties or label ourselves, let’s remember that within us all is a duty, an obligation and a requirement to both respect the body politic and restrain those who would corrupt it. That doesn’t mean we disrespect the people in power – it simply means that we require those in power to remember where that power came from… the People. There IS a reason that the phrase “the People” is so prominent in the language used by the “Founding Fathers” of the United States.
As a Native American Indian, of course I am a fan of the movies I’ve mentioned, but that’s not why this is being written. Rather, I am first and foremost a Patriot and a Citizen of this Great Nation. I also believe that before you can justly claim a “right,” you have a “responsibility” to ensure that you both protect the rights you can claim as well as fight for those who are denied the chance to legitimately claim them. Look to how Billy Jack defended the Freedom School in the movie series, how he protected “Jean,” played by his real-life wife Delores Taylor, and how he fought a corrupt system from outside and within… and use it as an example of how the Left, the Right, the Independent and others can come together and make things right. It doesn’t matter if a Clinton, Bush, Limbaugh or Obama ends up in the Oval Office – what DOES matter is that the RIGHT person is in the Office and they are held accountable, right down to the clerk in the Congressional Chambers.
Fry Bread for thought?
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