On Fri, 11 May 2007 07:32:33 -0700, qvarizona wrote
> Just curious.  How is it possible that of those protesting the 
> celebration of Jamestown can completely ignore what went on in this 
> area  before the Europeans arrived?   Are they unaware of 
> Wahunsonacock and his conquests?  

History doesn't matter to the protesters except as a tool to profit from 
being in perpetual outrage over the past. Hype is more important than 
accuracy.

North America is not an origin for human populations. It's a destination. 
Ultimately we are all an immigrant people who arrived here in a variety of 
fashions at different times. 

Paleo-archaeological finds such as pre-Clovis flint blades at places such as 
Cactus Hill, indicate that there were most likely European 
visitors/immigrants (Solutreans) at least a few millennia prior to the Bering 
Strait land bridge being a conduit for Asian immigration. Should Eastern 
Woodland Indian tribes be castigated for the disappearance of the Solutrean-
American culture? Hardly... However, apparently to some the importance of the 
mistakes made by white European colonists far outweigh any positive 
achievements that were made. The fact that despite those mistakes, a great 
nation was founded is irrelevant. The fact the people can learn from those 
mistakes to make things better is also irrelevant. The claims of "whitewash" 
is inherently a bigoted statement in itself as it alludes to the race of the 
400th anniversary participants.

It is sad that some people take the Jamestown 400th anniversary as an 
opportunity to elevate themselves by casting the achievements of people who 
came to Virginia with hopes for a better life as a sinister masterplan of 
genocide. It's also sad that some people who decry the hate and intolerance 
of racism tend to be the purveyors of it.

Fortunately I think that most Virginia Indians and African-Americans have a 
more pragmatic view of the 400th and see it as an opportunity to educate the 
public on the positive contributions made by their ancestors. I hope their 
dignified efforts are not overshadowed by those screaming "genocide" 
and "whitewash."

Regards,

Tom A.