http://nativetimes.com/index.asp?action=displayarticle&article_id=6360

Commentary: Is it right to celebrate the Land Run?
Some believe it is a tragic day

TULSA OK
Louis Gray 4/22/2005

Many Oklahoma Schools will be celebrating the Oklahoma Land Run. Some will
dress up in costume to depict in detail the clothes of White settlers back
in 1889. While many Oklahomans are eager to celebrate the taking of the
Indian land, many Native Americans believe it nothing short of throwing a
party for thieves.

It would be as unseemly as going to the hometown of Gen. George Armstong
Custer and having a victory parade. That would be clearly wrong.
In truth there were some Indian people kept to the side by the calvary.
They stood and cried. I wonder if the schools will show that? I wonder if
they will show the planning of the theft? I wonder if the schools will
teach the children the truth?

Some historians might argue that the Indians were paid for their land. It
is also reasoned that the tribes were being punished for fighting for the
confederacy during the civil war. Of course thousands of Native American
Oklahomas fought and died for the Union.

It was their opportunity to rush into Indian territory and stake their
claim on the richest grass on earth. The Land Run was always about power,
money and greed.

Some tribes were paid against their will as little as 60 cents per acre. Or
as some might theorize outright theft. Who would want to sell their home
when they didn't want to and only recieve pennies on the dollar for their
land?

It is wrong for anyone to object to such a famous event in Oklanoma
history? Is it wrong to steal from humble people? Some parents are sending
notes asking educators to not humiliate their child by making them take
part in the racially insensitive reinactment.

Wrong is wrong no matter how few agree the celebration is incorrect.
Oklahoma schools have a long history of selling everyone on the idea it
could rewrite history. Why not?