Adapted from the writing of a Mid-west mom -
Some wonder why Capobianco supporters don't side with a father whose child is being taken from him. Some of those who support the Capobiancos even call themselves Christians.
Many Capobianco supporters started feeling the way they do the first time they saw, either in person or on video, Veronica being taken by her Dad. What they thought they saw was a little girl being-
1) taken without the benefit of a transition, and
2) taken solely due to 1% heritage.
1.12% heritage.
Since then, they believe that the Cherokee Nation has put on a show, shaking signs that claim "genocide" and claiming that "white people" are stealing "Indian" babies.
1.12% heritage.
The Cherokee Nation, 'Indian Country Today', NICWA, NARF, and others are trying to explain that it is a "citizen" issue - but few people are accepting that it is about citizenship. - especially when they believe "citizenship" is being forced on children.
At 1.12% heritage.
Ardent supporters of the Cherokee Nation aren't seeing how disgusted many other Americans are by the claim that "white people" are stealing "Indian" babies. Many Americans can see that claim for what it is - but few have wanted to speak up about it. While it is okay for a tribal entity to speak in terms of race and percentages, it is "racist" for anyone else to. But here goes. This was no 'Indian Child' being stolen by "White" people.
It was a Caucasian/Hispanic child, stolen by a tribe.
That is the bottom line.
As the Cherokee Nation continues to encourage and assist Mr. Brown in defying state and federal law, it is an overtly obvious fact. And that is why the Cherokee Nation and tribal governments in general aren't getting the traction on their genocide spin (outside of 'Indian Country Today') that they somehow thought they would.
When tribal governments are NOT talking about an Indian child - but instead are talking about OUR children - which this child was - they should expect anger.
AND if 60 more tribal governments attempt to lower their membership criteria - as 60 are talking about doing - to CN levels and begin to target children of minute heritage - as the Cherokee Tribe has - they should not expect to get sympathy. They should expect a strong push back.
They should expect push back because now, due to the Veronica horror - a whole lot of Americans who would have otherwise remained oblivious to the issue, have woken up to what is happening and are outraged by the ICWA stories they are hearing. Many now want ICWA to be repealed.
Americans' are not buying the rhetoric that tribal governments should have jurisdiction over children of 1% heritage. It is hard enough to justify ICWA jurisdiction over a child who is 25% tribal heritage - as the child is still 75% another heritage.
Even children of a parent who is 100% - such as my own - have a right to be free from tribal government jurisdiction.
Even individuals of 100% heritage have a right to be free of tribal government interference in their lives and families - if that is what they choose.
So do we feel angry? Yup.
Is there a Christian purpose and righteousness in that anger? Absolutely.
- "And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them." (Mark 10:13-16 ESV)
Having raised nine tribal members, five of whom are my birth children, and seen much tragedy, child abuse, sexual abuse, suicide, and other horrors on more than a few reservations - and having an advisory board and membership of parents who have raised, adopted and witnessed the same - we know far too much about tribal governments seeking children for the federal dollars, then showing little or no interest in what happens to them once they have been "retrieved" for the tribe and placed with a member. We won't be bullied or intimidated.
We have known of far too many kids abused in ICWA homes, and some even murdered.
(Don't even try to argue that point with me; I had been an ICWA approved home myself for 17 years. I know how little the tribal social services paid attention.)
So, concerning this particular case, in summary - for those who are flabbergasted that we would not be supporting the father - understand this: from the get-go,
1) Mr. Brown has been seen as an extremely selfish man.
2) The Cherokee Nation has been seen as an extremely selfish organization - using this child as a political pawn.
What appalls us is that not only were Mr. Brown and the Cherokee Nation willing to hurt this child deeply the first time a transfer took place - by taking her without any concern for her need of a transition - but even worse, Mr. Brown and the Cherokee Nation are now willing to do it to her a 2nd time.
How in the world are we expected to sympathize with people who do that?
