working together for social inclusion in America

Thursday, April 24, 2008

Rewards of Responsibility

Social inclusion isn't just a lofty goal, it is a moral obligation and a huge civic responsibility. Most Americans don't want responsibility; they want the rewards of good governance without helping to make it happen.

To be fair, they are taught from a young age to be dependent on institutions and markets for their happiness and success. Unfortunately, the American model ensures massive social exclusion.

Changing the American model to be more inclusive means challenging social structures of privilege based on exploiting humans and pillaging nature. While everyone knows theft is wrong, few are willing to take responsibility for putting things right. Until that changes, America will continue to be led by thieves.

Monday, April 07, 2008

Ignoble Stains

As America's dominant economic system implodes, it is not surprising that the most predacious sectors of this parasitic system find cause to attack more authentic economies built on cooperation and respect. Indeed -- despite constant claims to the contrary -- the essential tenor of Anti-Indian analysis of gaming initiatives is often revealed by derisive remarks, even pronounced mockery of Native American culture.

One can disagree with tribal policies or projects respectfully, but for those who attempt to conceal their bigotry through contemptuous caveats, it seems their ignoble attitude always manages to stain their expressions of otherwise legitimate concerns. For some reason, I guess they just can't help themselves.

Wednesday, April 02, 2008

About Meitheal

Working together, or in Irish, meitheal, is something rarely seen in the US. We compete rather than cooperate. We consume rather than create. We exclude rather than include others.

Some of us, though, realize this is not something that can long continue. Indeed, things are rapidly falling apart.

For Meitheal's editor, Jay Taber, finding inspiration and guidance among the peoples indigenous to this continent, as well as in the sacred traditions of indigenous diaspora, is both a challenge and obligation. For Meitheal's readers, we hope what you find here will help you in making a connection to something authentic and engaging.

(Besides serving as a contributing editor of Fourth World Journal, Jay writes a regular column for Intercontinental Cry. You can listen to him speak about the Fourth World and the Fourth Estate here.)e-mail: tbarj@yahoo.com

Coming Together

It is sometimes good to understand what's been lost, what is irrecoverable, what is valuable to us and what we would like to repair.