Day 24: It's Quiet, Almost Too Quiet!

This is a passage from my first comment on the border closure:

The blockade has all the feel of a set up. Not even a chicken shit country like Canada would abandon such an important border crossing. Certainly the US did not pour millions into its facility to play doorman for Canada. None of us believe that either the US or Canada will just try to wait out the Mohawks until they concede to an armed presence in their territory. These guys are setting our people up and they have help among us. We need to be wary of false prophets and leaders. We have been sold out too many times to let it happen again. The only thing worse that being sold out is being set up. Outside forces (and inside agents) will be pushing to create a reason for extreme actions. They are just waiting for the right time to act.
(Submitted June 1, 2009)

24 days into this standoff there is a growing concern that much of the rhetoric from the band council or, as they like to be called; the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne, may have be a set up. The first hint was their control of the media. We all know that the best way to win these battles, especially when you are on the side of righteousness, is to shine as bright a light as possible on the circumstances. But the MCA chose to exclude entry of the media to Cornwall Island. Clearly they were trying to control the message and prevent the Mohawk people from gaining a media forum. The MCA resented any reference to Warriors or the Warrior Flag. They wanted to present themselves as caring for their people and tending their flock. They suggested that the concern over the arming of the border guards was their issue and that the MCA would not allow it.

Things are very quiet in Akwesasne these days. For many it is too quiet. There is no news of negotiations or demands from either side. Even the few comments offered up by the US Senators and Congressman of the area have not created any meaningful dialogue. As far as we know.

There are plenty of people in Akwesasne that have serious issues with the MCA and in particular with their police force. The MCA exists as an extension of Canada and their police enforce Canadian law. They also carry weapons. This Canadian/MCA police force has been condemned for many of the same abuses charged against the border guards. Some of these guys participated in putting down resistance in Tyendinaga last year when a modular prison was being brought in.

So there we have it. Is it possible this hijacking of the opposition to the arming of border guards is an MCA ploy? The Mohawk People must take extra care not to be duped by the so-called leadership. Even though Native People will never get justice in a Canadian or US Court, that is not the biggest concern. As was evidenced in Tyendinaga, punishment for opposing the state is administered by their foot soldiers. The opposition to an armed Canadian presence on our land does not stop or start with border guards.