Faults New Times take on the Peaks

The article, “Sacred Hypocrisy,” by John Dougherty (New Times, March 31) is certainly another example of the dualistic mind-set of the “perfectly good white guy in America.” His argument is that it’s just fine to use reclaimed water (sewage) on any area where shallow, prissy and pretty people can SUV their way to have fun and “recreate.”

After all, since the Navajo and Hopi are already allowing environmental destruction of their lands for “cold, hard cash” it must be all right to urinate on the land across the street from where they live. Anything for the economic stability of the skiing industry. Nothing like being lite, trite and very white. Family “fun” should trump natural resources and lands every time. No disrespect of course!

Dougherty and most Anglos from the Valley seem to easily disregard any and all claims of native people. His take on the mining operations on Navajo and Hopi lands comes off sounding like those Indians will allow anything for a dollar. History of why the Indian ended up on the reservations must be irrelevant.

Why the Navajo and Hopi allow outside business operations like mining companies must be inconsequential. The fact that the red tape of the BIA allows for tens of millions of dollars to go unpaid, records lost, etc. from mining royalties shouldn’t be considered as part of the over-all problem.

The fact that the Navajo and Hopi are concerned with matters of basic substance for their people rather than “fun on the slopes” is of no value to Dougherty. The fact that mining operations are supposedly under dictate to maintain some level of conscience in over-seeing damage and destruction that are side effects of those operations is of little interest to him. The fact that no teeth seem to be allowed in governing any damage to tribal lands by the BIA is beyond the scope of his mental abilities.

Dougherty’s article is typically thought out—for a perfectly good white guy in America. The defining moment is when he plays his trump card—reciting his spiritual experience regarding his brother’s ashes being scattered along the peaks. His moment of feeling something deeper than the snow was heartfelt and sincere, I’m sure.

It’s too bad he then follows the description of the “magical landscape and beauty of the mountain” with the sight of “a steady stream of ballsy athletes grinding their boards across rails, etc.” That’s disturbing,

His is not the first example of an Anglo having a moment of spiritual connection with a natural land formation that ends with rights of ownership, naming and usage to follow. What arrogance conceit and audacity. Any and all regard for the Native American is automatically pushed aside because when you’re white, you’re right.

John Dougherty is typically misguided and far too spiritually selective. I doubt he can wrap his social conscience around that.

Les Ryan

Vietnam Veteran

Phoenix, Ariz.

Donate to nhonews.com Report a Typo Contact
Most Read