This Poem was Submitted By: Mark D. Kilburn On Date: 2007-07-02 14:07:45 . . . Click Here To Mail this Poem to a Friend!

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Russell Means-American (hero)

It was there hidden in the back surrounded by advertising small insignificant and buried but it was there… Perhaps you may have missed it, unlike the Paris Hilton story or the terrible terrorists with their big headlines and  big ink This was just a paragraph, but it was there Russell Means Arrested: Russell Means and a group of  Native Americans set up illegal roadblocks on the Res searching vehicles for booze and pouring it out when found. The Feds moved in quickly  arresting Russell and his cohorts, Feds  have known for centuries how to deal  with radicals like Crazy Horse and Geronimo.  Alcohol is their best enforcer and no Res can be complete without it, so our government arrested  Russell and Monday morning the poison continues  flowing into the brains of the unborn. We hear so much  about the rights of the unborn, must not include the unborn Native American. You would think the two most profitable liquor stores in the State of Nebraska would be in the Omaha ghetto, keeping another people shackled. But no, both are mere walking distance from the Res. At least Russell Means did something, some say futile, most care less But at least he tried... Your turn-

Copyright © July 2007 Mark D. Kilburn


This Poem was Critiqued By: Tony P Spicuglia On Date: 2007-08-05 20:48:11
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 10.00000
Hello Mark, I have much to say on this. I will send you an email, you can give me points according to your desire.


This Poem was Critiqued By: Lora Silvey On Date: 2007-07-25 22:02:42
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 10.00000
Mark, Bravo...thank you so much for speaking up, I wish more people would; however, I'm afraid that most just want to forget about the original people of our country. What you speak of is not only true in Nebraska but in many places, ie: liquor stores right next to the res in many states. Taking a stand on the res can be extremely difficult-- the feds and many of the people don't want things to change, anyway before I get on my soap box I thank you again for this write and all you've said. Your easy style captured my mind and I could not turn eye from write till finished, great job. You have my fighting spirit once again fired up...*smile* Best always, Lora
This Poem was Critiqued By: Rachel F. Spinoza On Date: 2007-07-24 12:28:51
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 1.00000
I did note the casual news reporting of the situation. This is a really good poem noting the discrimination of the system in a dramatic way. It is ironic when the current government turns against this Lakota hero who, when he runs for office, oddly does so, when not as a Libertarian - as a Republican. We hear so much about the rights of the unborn, [ suggest a line break here] must not include the unborn Native American. Excellent point! Just as a side note, Means himself prefers "Indian" and suggests that the word derives from the Italian word "indios," meaning "in God" and that it is a mistake to think that it comes from some confusion with India.
This Poem was Critiqued By: Claire H. Currier On Date: 2007-07-24 03:38:09
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 9.84615
Well penned and presented poem concerning Russell Means, American (hero). I do believe it is a shame what happens even today to those that first made this great land their home. Good form, easy to read and your words allow for the images along with the feelings of those involved to come through. Sad though that our government still feels the need to have complete control over those who are just trying to protect their own. Food for thought, indeed. Thanks for posting, God Bless, Claire
This Poem was Critiqued By: charles r pitts On Date: 2007-07-20 11:04:12
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 1.00000
have you ever read a book called, "in the spirit of crazy horse"? i forget the author but it chronicles u.s.-native american relations from the beginning through the mid-80's i think. you should check it out. thanks for turning on a little light for us all to see. charlie
This Poem was Critiqued By: Dellena Rovito On Date: 2007-07-18 18:18:10
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 10.00000
MARK, Unfair.........always. Thats what our [USA] seems founded on. Unfair it was moving onto Native American land and annihilating a people. Unfair doping them up with alcohol. Unfair allowing the shipments of drugs into the country. We are unfair to women/children/people/animals/insects/forest. We are paying cash to be poisoned by chemicals/meds/foods/water/air. How can people be so heartless to another? I don't get it and never will. America is full of of greedy people who with the power of money manipulate others like idiotic puppets! good soap box poem that could make a difference! Dellena
This Poem was Critiqued By: marilyn terwilleger On Date: 2007-07-11 16:03:14
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 10.00000
Hi Mark....I must confess I did not see this article in the paper...probably small compared to the Paris Hilton scandal. You would think the Feds would thank Russell instead of arresting him but I guess they had to follow the law. However, I know there are times when the law turns its back when they see justice in what laws are being broken. This is very interesting and you wrote it well. You should have no trouble in writing a book. It is hard to believe anyone with any conscience at all what put a liquor store so close to the reservation....what are they thinking? Well done. Marilyn
This Poem was Critiqued By: Nancy Ann Hemsworth On Date: 2007-07-08 21:09:31
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 10.00000
Me being Canadian I didn't know who this man way so I looked him up, and you are so right he is a Hero with the good of his people in mind. Oh course the "IMPORTANT" news would be splashed all over like Paris Hilton, who doesn't want to know about her latest foolishness...dam eh! it is so frustrating, but that is what sells papers as sad as that is..and humans disappointment me and make me ashamed sometimes to be of the breed (: I am serious. I always say that for example the "poor" of the planet are kept that way to make money on their backs for the rich and the government set this up in this society..can't have things so right, equal opportunity etc , same as with the Native people. I will get off my soapbox but wanted you to know that your write has caught my attention, just like the newpaper artical should have been priority and brought front and centre. I think it is good the way you ended this in a challenge..."your turn- thanks for sharing this intelligent write with me..nancy
This Poem was Critiqued By: Thomas H. Smihula On Date: 2007-07-06 08:09:44
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 10.00000
Mark, This was a very well presented poem, with a statement. It contains the story of life showing that yes one intended to do good, yet the laws prohibit one from doing it on their own. You show a strong voice on the matter and the need for change. This is what poetry is all about showing an example and purpose of performing tasks not always popular but one where someone takes a stand. Enjoyed the post and the thought behind it, a philosophical poem in nature. Well done. Thanks for sharing. Thomas
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