https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/nov/28/warren-bill-revoke-medals-of-honor-wounded-knee-massacre
Some moments in US history are so iconic, like the events at Wounded Knee or My-Lai, that they need some sort of commemoration. We need to remember both the best and the worst of our history. But I don't think gestures designed to punish people who have been dead a hundred years or so is the way.
--John R.
2 comments:
I haven't thought of it in that way but yes it seems to be a punishment for those long gone that have committed the crime of being born in a different century. Some of the troopers involved had fought the Sioux before- I am thinking of Cpt. George Wallace, a 2nd Lt during the Libble Bighorn fight. There may have been animosity but it most certainly followed the poor policies that had always plagued our relationships with Native Americans. It is hard to defend either party, frankly. It was a harsh war that took place within the Native's homes and around their families and neither side was gentle. There were no Noble Savages nor chivalric cavalrymen involved in the Indian Wars. It was a bitter conflict of cultures that happened to go against the Natives. Perhaps they should award the Wounded Knee participants Posthumus medals as well, being Americans too?
After re-reading this one might get the idea that I approve of the actions of the troopers that received the medals. On the contrary, it was a massive whitewash to cover the fact that after the initial confrontation in which a deaf warrior wouldn't give up his rifle the officers lost control of the soldiers and they pretty much-commited war crimes, running down women and children. General Miles said it was "the most abominable criminal military blunder and a horrible massacre of women and children" And this man believed that the Natives should be under military control! I meant that turning over the ashes does nothing but stir up bitterness in people that weren't there and had nothing to do with any of it. Stirring up old wounds keeps us divided and distracted from the more pressing issues that we should be addressing not who did what 130 years ago. Or so says I. I apologize if I sounded flippant or an apologist. It is the amateur historian in me!
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