Jacque said: "I also take offense when someone doesn't like what she has to say." I would like to see you and your list accept and not challenge what Indians have to say about the word Squaw. Who here is the expert on the heart of an Indian? How can you take offense when you were not offended by the word? I understand that you do not want to lose your good resource, but is she so fragile that she cannot change one word in respect for an entire race of people? Jacque said: "At least she is honest and only states historical facts (as she interprets them) or as others have interpreted them in the books she reads." I find many primary sources using the word "nigger" however I would never reuse that word except when using it, is the only way to make a point, such as I am doing here. I believe this to be also true of every subscriber on this list. Is it so hard for you to extend the same courtesy to the same Indians you wish to share their information? Why is it so difficult to accept this term as racist? It really requires little effort on your part to change your word in order to avoid disrespecting Indians. Jacque said: "Why can't history be that and not a continual thorn in our sides today?" This evening's conversations provide an excellent example of how History demonstrates little change in the attitudes and hearts of non-Indians toward Indians. Do you not understand? No one said the lady using the word was worthless, yet you defend her as though she is not capable of increasing her knowledge and her vocabulary by just one word. It would be so much simpler to accept the truth of the word in that it is racist. And in doing so, you would demonstrate a heart capable of respect and honor. Scope

You said; >I would like to see you and your list accept and not >challenge what Indians have to say about the word >Squaw. Who here is the expert on the heart of an Indian? Most of us, if not all, on this list ARE INDIAN and I can fairly confidently speak for us all that we ARE the experts of our hearts. From the messages so far, it seems we would all perfer to not have someone tell us what we should accept and what we should not challenge. You said: >How can you take offense when you were not offended >by the word? I understand that you do not want to lose >your good resource, but is she so fragile that she cannot >change one word in respect for an entire race of people? I understand that you have good intentions, but the person who attacked our co-listmember hurt not only Nalora, but all of the members as well.. Where is the respect for us? In all of these things, isn't there is a better way to rally people to your cause without hurting so many people? Personally, I feel a lack of respect from your words about this group. I'm sure you didn't intend it that way, but that is what I feel from reading your words. We are humans, and we are all fragile as well as strong. Sharon A proud Choctaw

I want to say one more thing, then leave this subject... This is a FRIEND we are discussing, not a resource! > I understand that you do not want to lose your good resource... >