Tuesday, April 8, 2008
We were here first(i-gv-ya o-gi-lu-tsv a-ha-ni)Maybe the Cherokee cry
But we wanted their land
So they had to die
How could their rights
Have been explained?
The bow and arrow -
Against the gun ordained?
We took their homes -
(Do-ge-nv-sv do-ge-gi-gi-e-lv)
They were mostly dead - when the deeds were done
What was theirs is ours - Yes! we have won
They had to die - we had no choice
Their punishment for owning - our land first
The Indians had been the custodians of the land.
(a-ni-yv-wi-ya o-s-da i-yu-nv-na-de-ga ga-do-hi)
But the cowboy turned the pastures into sand
And buffalo herds - very soon were damned
Sustainability was more the Indians way
a-ni-yv-wi-ya u-nv-sv a-na-li-s-de-li-s-gv.
But luxury to excess was more our "cup of tea"
We brought the Indians smallpox, pollution and T.B.
After two Hundred years we now see our wrongs
And we begin to listen to the Indian Songs
na-quu-no a-nv-da-di-s-do-di-quu i-ga
di-ga-ka-no-gi-s-do-di a-le i-ga-da
da-ni-na-s-da-tli tsu-na-ni-gi-da.
But sadly most of their tribes are gone
Now in the souvenir shops throughout the U.S.A
Indian proverbs are on display
Pictures of Geronimo, Sitting Bull and Chief Joseph
Are sort by tourist looking for proverbs and Indian motifs
Sayings of American Presidents are not bought
But Chief Red Cloud of the Sioux is eagerly sought
Why do we see the wisdom - yet our ancestors couldn't?
Or is it that they could - but wouldn't
The American Indians say
"There is one God looking down on us all"
(sa-quu u-ne-la-nv-hi)
Has the Native American salvation come at last
And will the "Great One" now be just.
Albert Gazeley © 2003
http://www.firstpeople.us/html/The-Cry-of-The-Native-American.html

Reflection of Native American Poem
As a American, I feel that Indians did not have a fair honest chance to stand up for what they believed in. The white people came and unfairly took over and when the Indians tried to defend themselves, they were proclaimed as savages. People that lived a life, undisturbed for years, now having to change their ways for the benefit of the new people coming into their land. Tribes are gone now, died out, extinct because of the in humanity showed towards them. Yet today hundreds of years later, Indians are still not getting the recognition they need and the respect they deserve.

Native American Diary Entry
After reviewing such a poem, Ive come to realize that my small complaints against life, mean nothing compared to what I have seen and heard. Ever since this boat has landed in the new land, so many obtacles have been faced ny the native americans. WE have driven them out of their own land to make way for what we have. We are selfish unhearted individuals.
I can not help but imagine if someone came and threw us English folks of our land. Ofcourse we would defend ourselves and thats what the indians are doing and yet we think of them of just selfish savages. We are the ones that are in the wrong not them.
Essential Question for Native Americans
Indians/Native Americans are the true Americans. This is their land and even though they are not as updated in society as the new colonies are, they are still human beings who can be happy over there accomplishments of life. Just because our society and our way of life is different from someone elses, it does not make them a lesser individual. Indians are still humans that enjoy the fruitage of there hardwork and their american dream may differ from our own but yet their dream is still present.
Of Plymouth Plantation


Thus it pleased God to vanquish their enemies and give them deliverance; and by His special providence so to dispose that not any one of them were either hurt or hit, though their arrows came close by them and on every side [of] them; and sundry of their coats, which hung up in the barricade, were shot through and through. Afterwards they gave God solemn thanks and praise for their deliverance, and gathered up a bundle of their arrows and sent them into England afterward by the master of the ship, and called that place the First Encounter.
Plymouth Plantation Diary Entry
Coming to the new world is what God wanted for his people. He wanted us to come to this new land and start over. The boat ride over was horrendous but what came next on land was even more terrifying and it was definitely something we did not expect. Our foots had barely touched land when we heard the screeching of the Indian cries. The men readied there weapons but the savages were prepared and aimed straight towards us. We didn't let down without a fight though and a battle we fought. I was lucky to get away safely and I was proud that I defended the new land that God wanted us to have. We are only following his decree and that is why we were able to shoot down the enemy. Today was an eventful yet fulfilling day.

To My Dear and Loving Husband
by: Anne Bradstreet (c.1612-1672)
If ever two were one, then surely we.
If ever man were lov'd by wife, then thee.
If ever wife was happy in a man,
Compare with me, ye women, if you can.
I prize thy love more than whole Mines of gold
Or all the riches that the East doth hold.
My love is such that Rivers cannot quench,
Nor ought but love from thee give recompetence.
Thy love is such I can no way repay.
The heavens reward thee manifold, I pray.
Then while we live, in love let's so persever
That when we live no more, we may live ever.
To My Dear and Loving Husband Reflection

To My Dear and Loving Husband Diary Entry

Huswifery
By: Edward Taylor
Make me, O Lord, thy Spinning Wheele compleat;
Thy Holy Worde my Distaff make for mee.
Make mine Affections thy Swift Flyers neate,
And make my Soule thy hly Spoole to bee.
My Conversation make to be thy Reele,
And reele the yarn thereon spun of thy Wheele.
Make me thy Loome then, knit therein this Twine:
And make thy Holy Spirit, Lord, winde quills:
Then weave the Web thyselfe. The yarn is fine.
Thine Ordinances make my Fulling Mills.
Then dy the same in Heavenly Colours Choice,
All pinkt with Varnish't Flowers of Paradise.
Then cloath therewith mine Understanding, Will,
Affections, Judgment, Conscience, Memory;
My Words and Actions, that their shine may fill
My wayes with glory and thee glorify.
Then mine apparell shall display before yee
That I am Cloathd in Holy robes for glory.
Reflection: Huswifery

Diary Entry: Huswifery
After reading such a powerful poem by Mr. Taylor, it really touched me and yet pondered me at the same time. Its amazing that such a man could have such zeal and passion and yearning for God and his power but it also made me wonder why people today don't have that same passion and yearning to have God apart of their lives. I bet that if many people read and took this poem to heart that the things that happened today, wouldnt happen. Coming from overseas was not easy and it was rough but yet I can understand that like Mr. Taylor, it was God who always saw me through and it was God who will continue to stand beside me in tribulation.

Sinners In the Hand of an Angry God
Sinners in the Hand of an Angry God: Reflection Entry
God has the power and the will to make any descion he wants to make about human beings. No man on earth is able to resist the one who made him and thats God. If God will's for a man to die or be thrown into hell than he can cause it to happen. If man comes together, God can always break apart what he has made. These words scare me a little and strike fear into my heart because I understand that the same way I was brought into this world, the one who made me can as well take me out of this world as well. Edwards words really make me appreciate life more.
Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God: Diary Entry

I have come to realize that even though I am in a new world and in a new place, I must still keep my faith and I must still have morals and values all that are pleasing in the eyes of God. God is the one that can destroy me and he is the one that can help me rise up and become a better person. God has the right and the power to punish all those that do not do his word and he has the ability to whatever he wants. I am positive that I have a good standing with him but I would never want to falter in my faith.
Answer to Essential Question

Equiano's Narrative

Essential Question/ Answer

Give Me Liberty, Give Me Death
Patrick Henry
This is no time for ceremony. The question before the house is one of awful moment to this country. For my own part, I consider it as nothing less than a question of freedom or slavery; and in proportion to the magnitude of the subject ought to be the freedom of the debate. It is only in this way that we can hope to arrive at the truth, and fulfill the great responsibility which we hold to God and our country. Should I keep back my opinions at such a time, through fear of giving offense, I should consider myself as guilty of treason towards my country, and of an act of disloyalty toward the Majesty of Heaven, which I revere above all earthly kings.
Mr. President, it is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope. We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth, and listen to the song of that siren till she transforms us into beasts. Is this the part of wise men, engaged in a great and arduous struggle for liberty? Are we disposed to be of the numbers of those who, having eyes, see not, and, having ears, hear not, the things which so nearly concern their temporal salvation? For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth, to know the worst, and to provide for it.
Give Me Liberty, Give Me Death: Reflection
Give Me Liberty, Give Me Death Diary Entry

The Crisis No. 1 by Thomas Paine
ever been, and still is, that God Almighty will not give up a people to military
destruction, or leave them unsupportedly to perish, who have so earnestly and so
repeatedly sought to avoid the calamities of war, by every decent method which
wisdom could invent. Neither have I so much of the infidel in me, as to suppose
that He has relinquished the government of the world, and given us up to the care
of devils; and as I do not, I cannot see on what grounds the king of Britain can
look up to heaven for help against us: a common murderer, a highwayman, or a
house-breaker, has as good a pretence as he.
The Crisis, No. 1 by Thomas Paine Reflection Entry

The Crisis, No. 1 by Thomas Paine Diary Entry


QUESTIONS!!!
- What do these men have in common?
- These men have in common the fact that even though they do not want to fight, they feel that as a newly American man, they need to stand up for there belief's. They do not want to see people die, but if it is for a change and if it is for the good of the new nation they will.
- Can you see how because these men gave so much, we benefit?
- Basically these men sacrificed there lives, there families lives, in order for there to be a brighter tomorrow for the future generations meaning us. What if they did not take that stand and fight for freedom? Who knows what our lives would be like if we were still controlled by Britain. The economy is bad now and think about paything double taxes, it seems IMPOSSIBLE!! The bravery these men showed and the courage that they displayed is something that we all should appreciate!
- Can you make any connection/extension to today's political figures? How so?
- The new political canidates strive to let the American people know that they want change. Barack Obama and Hilary say that are going to take the stand and fight for better healthcare, for no same sex marriage, for a better economy. But in order to achieve one of these objections, we have to vote. We have to vote for our right to a better life.

INTERVIEW

Interview(s) asking the question: How have you lived the American Dream?
Dorethea Bradley ( aunt to interviewee( Christina Lilley))
Christina: Auntie How have you lived the American Dream?
Mrs. Bradley:
Well its not the American dream but it’s the way Americans think you should live…such as owning a home, having a job, and providing for your family. That’s what most people from other countries strive for when they come to America, especially ones in third world countries. But as Americans we take it for granted.
2. Minnie Clark ( mom to interviewee)
Christina: How have you lived the American Dream?
Miss. Clark:
I'm not apart of that American dream. I live my life according to Gods will. I am grateful for the things I do have and I know that these things came from Jehovah God. I don’t keep up with the things that the world has to offer. If you take a look around you now, with the economy, crime rates and credit card debt on the rise, people have nothing to offer anyone else. People are trying to make it day to day in this world.
Suzanne Micallef ( teacher to the interviewee)
Christina: How have you lived the American Dream?
Mrs. Micallef:
That is a hard question. There’s that old adage that you don’t know what you have until it’s gone. I feel like when you look back, you’ve realized how much you really have accomplished, but at the present time you still keep working to a present goal. I suppose that when you look back, there are the different milestones, and you look back at it, and you say “yeah I have achieved a dream because I have achieved success”. At the time when your working toward it, though, it doesn’t feel like you are b/c you’re (achieving a dream because you are) working through it. I think for us what happens at times is that the dream gets confusing because when you are working, you focus on the work and the toil and so you don’t think of the dream until the milestone has been accomplished, and then you look back (and say) like WOW… I think being a teacher has been a part of the dream because for me it is an extremely hard job. It requires a lot of self-reflection and self criticism and the need to do it better the next time. I suppose the past 11 years of teaching has had so many milestones because at times when classes end, you have moments of greatness and then moments “oh I wish I could have done that better”. So you do better the next time. So I think that the teacher profession- for me- embodies the American dream: lots of successes and opportunities for success!

Nature by Ralph Emerson (excerpt)

Nature Reflection
The expressions and the language is all very moving and its so realistic. Emerson taps into your memory when you were once a child. Emerson expresses how nature and the appreciation of nature is more present in a child then it is in a grown man. In our younger days we were innocence and we were able to appreciate our surroundings more. Today though we are too busy and our lives are too stressful to take the time to enjoy the simplest of pleasures. Emerson strongly stressed that point. In my childhood I loved being outside and I loved exploring the unknown. Emerson made me remind of the times that I spent all day just enjoying my surroundings. I felt one with the land and if all else failed in my life I always knew that I could go outside and cry and nature would never judge me.