Over the past year all i've heard on this board is negativity towards first nations from many of us. I believe anyone doing this should check themselves closely. The actions of a few does not give anyone the right to group all FN's together. Spence does not speak for the bulk of FN's. What we have here is a person issue, not a FN issue. So to all FN's, I sincerely apologize if you're being pulled in to this mess simply because you're aboriginal. I know many FN's who are appauled at Spence's crap and who are amazing contributors to not only their reserves, but to society in general. I've met good and bad people from every ethnic background, not once did I believe the whole lot of them was tainted. Give respect to everyone you come across, until they give you reason not to. This is a common courtesy that we seem to be losing, it's really quite sad.

The blame doesn't lie solely on non-indian groups though. FN's have to grow thicker skin, and have to learn to stand up for themselves, against their own. Why take offence to me or anyone calling Spence on her crap? It doesn't mean i'm calling all FN's idiots. I'm simply standing up for my rights, your rights, human rights. Stop defending someone you know fully well doesn't speak for your beliefs. Is Spence really who you want representing your ethnic group? Really? Are you really willing to let her speak for you and your family? Are her actions ok because you believe her cause, or only because she says she speaks for FN's? Do you not see that her attempts are escalating? What's next? Will you be right beside her when she blockades entry points to sick kids hospital? Where do FN's step in against their own? Part of not being stereotyped against is your responsibility. If every Canadian, American, Italian etc backed their own at all costs we'd be at war eternally. It's not always easy, but sometimes you have to admit one of your own is a nutbar, ya know? It's time for FN's to want and expect more. FN's deserve better. The way to get respect isn't by blindly following a woman who has no ones best interest at heart but her own delusions of what she thinks is right or wrong. Stand up for yourselves for Gods sake. And certainly don't get pissed at me or others for pointing out that you have a loose cannon who is currently destroying your credibility by association. It's time for this crap to stop. It starts from within folks.

djje