So I was watching a Standing Rock news TV program on CBC in Canada one night, and called a native buddy to get his take on it. He was appalled at what was happening, and knowing that I love Jackson Browne mentioned that he and Bonnie Raitt were playing at the event in support of the cause. Now, I was already planning on going to support the cause, but that cinched the deal. My daughter had just gotten back from the Oceti Sakowin camp, and she had expressed an interest in me seeing what was going on “first-Hand”. My ex had gone there with her, and was very affected by what was going on. I had to see this in person. I live in NW Ontario, Canada, and after talking to a fellow Jackson Browne fan, we bought tickets to the concert, and made plans to go. I drove to Winnipeg, and we got an early start. The driving conditions were horrible, but after about 9 hours we found ourselves in a hotel on Saturday night in Bismarck. The last time I was in Bismarck was many years ago to go to a showing of my late uncle’s Photo Expose , as he was quite a photographer, and was being honoured by the city, state, and the federal government. It was quite touching, and I remember being a little choked up. He set my early life in motion, and soon I followed in his footsteps, becoming a photographer. His son, my 1st cousin is a Vietnam vet with PTSD that at last count was living in Bismarck, so I tried in vain to connect, but to no avail. That was sad, because, I really wanted to connect with him. I tell you this, because I have nothing but respect for the vets that have given so much, and mostly have been kicked in the teeth. Canadians, and Americans alike. My father, also died carrying WW2 images with him, with NO help from Canadian veteran affairs. Shame on them.
So Sunday morning we drove to Standing Rock, and Sacred Stone, and were greeted by many people that were there for the wrong reasons. People that were Concert goers, Burning Rock burn-outs, Woodstock wannabes, and that kinda people. People that have never really experienced adversity. People that have nothing better to do. Archambault asked people to leave, because this protest turned into a three ring circus. I was all about prayer. Very few people get that at Standing Rock. The weather turned ugly that night, and we made it back to Bismarck, and our hotel, just to sit in a bar and talk to a few locals and get their take on it. And after a few drinks, I had enough, we left in the morning. Mother nature will loose this battle…as will the natives, once again. Too bad, because the earth is dying because of greed, and lack of REAL caring. There were lies, mostly by the state, deals made that were reneged on, and all this over $3.8 Billion. I wish us all a lot of luck, because at the end of the day, we will ALL pay for this travesty. On a closing note, The concert was awesome, and my hat is off to those people that got the jam between Jackson, Bonnie, Jason Mark, Joel Rafaela, and John Trudell’s Mad Dog Band. The opening statement left very few dry eyes in the house. I stand with Standing Rock, and hope I’m wrong with the outcome. Love you all…