Petitions have been gathered, enough to call for a referendum, on whether to allow alcoholic beverages to be served in the casino. Of course given many tribal members' battles with alcoholism, the issue is controversial. Of course one needs to remember that alcoholism is not a problem unique to the Cherokee or Native Americans.
Many of those who've come out in opposition to alcohol being served in the casino will cite Scripture. While there are passages taking a stand against drunkeness, there are passages where Jesus himself had consumed wine and others calling for the drinking of wine in remembrance of Christ's sacrifice.
Don Rose, one of the petitioners and advocates to call for this referendum vote, had spoken before Tribal Council and was called a blasphemer by one clergyman for calling attention to this fact.
Here's what the Bible says: Luke 22:17-20:
"And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves: For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come."
"And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me."
"Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you."
I'm an Episcopalian and a Baptised Christian. I take communion where in addition to eating the wafer, wine is sipped. The following passage is read by the priest:
"After supper he took the cup of wine; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and said, 'Drink this, all of you: This is my Blood of the new Convenant, which is shed for you and of many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me.'" Catholics and some other denominations may also be familiar with this sacrament.
I have no problem with members of the clergy opposing the use of alcohol. What I have a problem with is their lack of distinction between consumption and inebriation. There's a huge difference, just as their is between eating and gluttony.
When this issue comes before, please keep that in mind, and vote based upon what you think is best for the tribe. Don't allow politicians and doublespeakers to taint your thoughts.
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8 years ago
1 comment:
Osiyo,
It's good to consider Jesus' words. Will y'all also consider the words our Creator gave your ancestors, some of whom risked their lives fighting to keep alcohol and its evils from Cherokee People? Will y'all consider your obligations to your ancestors' cousins and siblings who died trying to defend y'all by defeating the colonial corporations that were bringing alcohol to degrade Cherokee People, land, and culture? Will y'all consider your obligations to your descendants? How will they learn to do right with leaders who, instead of fighting, invite colonial corporations into their lands to destroy Cherokee People, land, and culture? In this context, when this US creation, "Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians", is judged by southeast indigenous standards that value honesty and productivity ECBI seems to represent a weak, small-hearted, impoverished People.
Defeat ends the moment you get up to fight. Cherokee People do not have to remain the drunken defeated People colonial leaders have made them to be. No government or corporation can rob us of the role our Creator assigned us. We pray Cherokee People will recover your Cherokee culture and rise to become the People you were created to be. Meanwhile we struggle, with our Creator's help, to survive the consequences of ECBI leaders' choice to misrepresent to the world, propagandizing even on Yamasi lands, that alcohol sales are compatible with responsible southeast Native government.
peace,
Lori Johnston
Yamasi Leader
eco@yamasi.org
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