Door of racism swings both ways

Page 5

Dear Editor:

Re: "I've said it before and I'll say it again, Indian lobbyists and supporters of race-based rights and privileges are nothing more than modern Klansmen." Saskatchewan independent MP Jim Pankiw-Dec. 17, Ottawa Citizen

Why is it that as soon as one Native person steps out of line and voices his personal opinion, elected officials such as Saskatchewan independent MP Jim Pankiw and likely, other Canadians, can lump us all together and stoop to racism by calling us Klansmen? What right does he have to say such vicious things that are just as shocking as what Mr. Ahenakew said? One must look into his comments further and question how someone such as Jim Pankiw can be considered a leader in this country, voted by the majority.

Why hasn't the media jumped all over Jim Pankiw's disgusting remarks like they did Mr. Ahenakew's? Isn't associating a group of people as Klansmen just as disgusting? Those same hate crimes laws should be applied to Jim Pankiw. Is it political propaganda?

Does this mean that MPs are allowed to say such racist comments, but Native people cannot? As Native people, we have only those who corralled us and branded us to learn from, don't we.

Freedom of speech is one of few rights that are truly equal among all Canadians. Yes, what Mr. Ahenakew said was disturbing and perhaps he should be punished if such law exists, but that is no excuse for other Canadians to stoop so low themselves.

Associating Native people with the KKK? What kind of ridiculous accusation is this? Who are Canadians? Canadians pride themselves on being so polite and have pride in the fact that other countries are in envy. Who are Canadians really? No better than anyone else judging by Canada's elected officials. In fact, if people from other countries read our news, they would learn the truth about Canadians, wouldn't they? Canadians are still hateful, intolerant, still trying to weasel a way out of honoring laws and obligations of the past.

People like MP Jim Pankiw make Canadians look bad. Too bad what they see is the truth, a truth that shines crystal clear when one individual voices his personal opinion. Oh, but all Natives are Klansmen, indeed. Pay attention citizens, one wrong does not warrant more wrongs. The media should be ashamed for promoting such racism.

Mariel Belanger

Okanagan Nation, B.C.