Wright critics out of time

There have been many derisive articles related to Col. George Wright and his actions to halt attacks on European settlers in the Northwest. Although mostly accurate in detail, the articles are demonizing and result in mischaracterizations of the times and the actors involved. In fact, the aboriginal tribes were just as economically and socially competitive with other tribes as the Europeans were when they arrived.

Whether or not you believe in manifest destiny, the move west by the Europeans was undeniable. Sir Winston Churchill in his trilogy on “The History of English Speaking Peoples” spoke about the multiple invasions of the British Isles in terms that are relevant to today’s revisionist history. Specifically, when he referred to the Belgae that overran Britain two millennia ago, he turned a phrase that is applicable to the indigenous people of the Northwest. “Little did they realize that the tramp of legions to follow would bring men with better systems of government and war.”

I would recommend that all those who believe that the aboriginal tribes of the Northwest have been irrevocably wronged simply deed any real estate they may own to the tribe of their choice. Otherwise, move on.

Steve Clemens

Fairfield