05/04/2018

“Why should you take by force that from us which you can have by love?"


Reading the fascinating book by American historian Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz, The Indigenous People's History of the United States, I want to quote this paragraph:


When John Smith and his group of English settlers arrived in what is now known as Virginia, they ordered the local populations, of the Indigenous tribes of the Powhatans, their leader, Wahunsonacock, replied: 


“Why should you take by force that from us which you can have by love? 
Why should you destroy us, who provided you with food? What can you get by war?... 
What is the cause of your jealousy? 
You see us unarmed, and willing to supply your wants, if you will come in a friendly manner, and not with swords and guns, as to invade an enemy.”


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Good question, if any, don't you think?

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