The Way I See It; the Real Destroyer of Liberty

Summary

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Another great Sioux warrior, Red Cloud, was of a different mind. By 1871, Red Cloud--who had fought the United States to a stalemate from 1862-1864--had decided on a different tact. Recognizing the futility of war with the American government, he sought compromise. Perhaps there was a way to take as much from the American government in the way of rations and still retain one's independence. Red Cloud was wrong. Life on the reservation was a life dependent on bureaucrats and politicians to deliver blankets and beef. When bureaucrats were corrupt or inept (as they most often were) and when political considerations took precedent, the Sioux starved.

All costs are not financial. As [Plutarch] observed, each encroachment of the government into our personal lives results in the erosion of that liberty we hold so dear. Some will argue as Red Cloud did in 1871 that blankets and beef are worth the price. I tend to agree with Sitting Bull's conclusion that if the cost of winter rations is our liberty, the price is too steep.

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The Way I See It; the Real Destroyer of Liberty

"The real destroyer of liberties is he who spreads among them bounties, donations and benefits."--Plutarch

I doubt the great Lakota chief Sitting Bull had read Plutarch but he clearly underst...

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