I love the Mohawks and the Akwesasne Nation, I really do. They have stones. Big ones, really, really big ones.
In today's Ottawa Citizen they, the Mohawk Warrior component of Akwesasne, are talking about shutting down the border with Canada if the Canadian border guards starting carrying guns, as planned, at midnight tonight.
Fair enough.
Except for a couple of things.
First off, the Yankee guards have been carrying since 1789; how come the Mohawk Warriors are not and have not shut down that border? Could it be that the United States government scares the f'k out of them and we, well, don't? If we don't, shouldn't we? You know, Teddy Roosevelt, "Walk softly, but carry a big stick."
Secondly, well, either they are a country, nation, state or not. Geez, isn't time for the Canadian government, that's you Prime Minister Steve, to man up here?
This nation within a nation thing, both for Quebec and Akwesasne is getting a bit tired. And, when you consider Akwesasne is partially inside Quebec, well, now you have a nation inside a nation inside a nation.
Confused?
I am.
Stay tuned, the s't is supposed to hit the fan at midnight tonight.
WFDS
You might want to look at what it means to be a nation, what it means to be a state, and what it means to be a nation-state. That might help clear up your confusion and better understand these communities.
ReplyDeleteThere are actually very few true nation-states.
I don't personally believe border guards need to be armed, but that's not th epoint here.
ReplyDeleteIt seems to me the answer is simple. Offer the Mohawks a choice - either arm the guards that are currently working at the CANADIAN border (which happens to be on Mohawk land), or put the border guards just outside Akwesasne, requiring everyone (natives included) to check in at the Canadian border when they want to come into non-Mohawk controlled Ontario or Quebec.
That might also help cut down on the tobacco smuggling, gun running, and people smuggling that goes on through this territory.