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Tell us what you think >>
Selected submissions will be posted here, so check back regularly.
11/15/2007
Yes yes yes. It is what comes to mind with this visionary Trudell. There are so few who speak with truth in such an eloquent and "cut to the chase" manner.
That we are all connected to spirit and earth, this is all that matters, and indeed it is the only thing that will keep humans continuing to exist on this planet. Bless John, and Mother Earth. Boston, why did it take so long to get this film here at WGBH?
11/13/2007
I was actually disappointed in this documentary. I am very familiar with Trudell\'s life and work. Very familiar. Rae\'s treatment is all style at the expense of real substance. For a man who has risked so much and who has literally been in the eye of the hurricane that we call AIM, this film was emotionally unengaging.
5/2/07
Corrine Tsoodle
Lawton, Ok
Just read the interview where John tells about his writings and how the things' come to
his mind. I can identify with him on that. I too, have to write down the words/thoughts in
my head before I lose them. Before I realized I used to get these words/thoughts in my
head and I would think "Oh, I'll write them down when I get home." I never could remember
them just as certain how I first thought about them,....then the words are lost forever.
Good Luck on the film, looking forward to seeing it. Eagleclanwoman.
01/04/07
Mat
Cherry Hill, NJ
I attended a screening of Trudell at the Sundance Film Festival. Not having any Native
American blood in me, I can still honestly proclaim that
it was by far my favorite film of the festival and possibly the year. It is a rare story
nowadays that any man would fight so hard for a dying
cause of any sort, but to fight for something as important, valued, and historical as
Native American culture is truly remarkable. On top of this,
the poetry and music that is portrayed in the background of the breathtaking images of
Native American traditions and culture old and new is
enough to bring tears to my eyes and fire in my heart. Once again, not having Native
American anywhere in my family history, I still feel
the rage and obsession to overcome all obstacles that these poor people have been put
through by the US government for so many years.
Superman and X-Men might have already hit screens in 2006, but John Trudell is the real
cinematic hero of the year. I HIGHLY recommend
this film whether you are Native American or not. It is truly the biggest surprise and
greatest glory to hit screens in 2006.
11/20/06
Helen Berliner
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Can
One very late night in 1987, I was painting in my studio in Berkeley, CA, and listening to
KPFA, Pacifica Radio, when a voice came on that just... stopped me. Wet paintbrush in
hand, I stood and listened and wept. What a blessing to hear not only true words, but the
dignity of true warriorship. Then, for the next 2 days and night, I painted 2 paintings in
honor of John Trudell. They've been in storage all these years, waiting to be donated to
some appropriate site. For now, long life and deepest gratitude to John Trudell.
10/30/06
rose
vancouver
u ask: quote -"The U.S. government considered the American Indian Movement (AIM)óthe
organization headed by John Trudell from 1969 to 1971 a "terrorist organization. Do you
agree with this assessment? Why or why not? " -unquote
i say: we all know who the terrorists really are and continue to be. just ask any iraqi or
afghani in their own countries or any native, black or person of color living in the "free
world"
u ask: why?
i say: recognize that overt racism is not acceptable in the shadow of political
correctness therefore seems to be non-existant, but ladies and gentlemen it is alive and
well - ask an native person who has been out her door and in the non-indiginous world for
more than an hour and interacts with more than one person, even for simple needs like
banking or groceries. it is within the looks, glances and everyday interactions that
differ so vastly from the way non-indiginous beings interact with one another.
i say: racism is even predominant within our own people towards our own people.
non-indiginous persons need not even make an effort to hurt us, we do it to ourselves.
i say: these are the finer teachings that our terrorist gov't has bestowed unto all our
children. i reject this legacy wholeheartedly. i reject all attempts to subjugate me - to
enslave me with alcohol, drugs, tobacco or gambling.
so...... if the gov't wishes to label us as terrorists, than i will label the gov't as
racists. i will label them as killers of women and children. i will call them the
genocidal cowards they truly are. i will tell the truth. i will sing it loud. i am sworn.
10/24/06
Khowutzun, Vancouver Island
Hi there i haven't seen the movie yet i have checked alot of this website. But i am moved
by everything that John Trudell has done and said for the First people (Aboriginals around
the world.) It gives me and im sure alot of other people alot of will and strength to not
give up on what we believe in and what our rights are to our homeland and culture. Those
sacred things are a big part of who we are. The first time i heard John Trudell was when i
was 5 years old and it was the cassette that came out in 1982-83 my parents use to listen
to it all the time. My father ,step mom and friends had very strong beliefs about our
indian rights and they told me stories of when they went and joined the RED POWER MOVEMENT
IN 1978 in San Francisco and im proud that i had family who were apart of something that
can make a difference for our people. Although i live way over here we as first nations on
this earth are still family !
6/22/06
Luis Armando Sanchez
Dallas Texas
It moved me, I would like to see it again. Please show more topices of this nature. Have
questions for mr Trudell hope someday he can answr then. John Trudell please keep up the
good work. Don't let our youth not know or understand about you and about the movements
that happen in the past.
6/8/06
teresa
san luis obispo, ca
Loved it...compelling, sad and hopeful. Traveled hours to see it twice at film festivals
and purchased the DVD. Thanks for having it on PBS sorry to see it aired only once...
5/12/06
Kacey Lee mcKown
High Bridge, NJ
These are the people children should be learning about in school. I hesitiate to say I
have never heard of Mr. Trudell before this documentary. It saddens me that he is not
well-known by ALL generations. One of the reasons I quite teaching history is because we
as teachers are not ALLOWED to teach history. John Trudell would envoke too much thought
in the public school system. Way to go. I hope you re-air this special or make it
available for purchase.
4/26/06
PAP
Rittman, Ohio
I also would like to thank PBS for airing this great show "Trudell" I was saddened for his
life`s journey has been so full of tragedies. It is also very scary to hear his "message"
because I see it unfolding right before my very eyes. People better wake up, and try to
save what`s left of our Mother Earth. If it isn`t too late already.
4/25/06
Diane doty
Cincinnati, Ohio
I only caught the last half of "Trudell" yet it still evoked feelings of inspiration for
this amazing man who spoke out, who created a voice for himself and others. I can honestly
say that I am ashamed that I have never heard of this man before I watched this film, yet
I am excited to learn more about him and his actions.
The film was just mesmerizing.
4/18/06
Dann Freeman
Cincinnati Ohio
I really enjoyed the PBS story on John..I thought Heather did a masterful job,presenting
John and his life as it is and was..........I was very touched and sadden about Tina and
his family and the fire that took their lives.......I could feel John' deep thoughts and
pain.
Much thanks and good thoughts to Heather for sharing this excellent doc on a man of true
conviction and spirt.
4/18/06
Zachary Richardson
Mt. Pleasant,TX
When I turned on the program and saw Trudell speaking at Alcatraz, I could not believe I
had never heard of this man before. This revolutionary should be set alongside such greats
as William Wallace, Malcolm X, and Gandhi. I have always, as long as I can remember,
shared sympathy with the Native American people, and how they were mercilessly slaughtered
and stripped from their land. I identified with everything that John spoke on, on civil
rights and respect for the land. And still today, the Indian is discriminated against and
still does not have the rights of an "American," and still the land is being destroyed and
the mountains are being torn down for the sake of a profit and politics. This film
magnificently captured the man known as John Trudell and AIM, and hopefully, the American
public will respond to this program and demand freedom at last for the First People (if
they can get their minds off of politics and money).
4/18/06
Linda Piera-Avila
Santa Monica, Calif.
Thank you, PBS, for airing "Trudell!" Thank you, Heather, for such a fine film! I hope
that PBS will air the longer version which was screened in theaters. People need to hear
more of, about and from John!
John is a word shaman, the voice of resistance, the people's remembering; the spirit of
Crazy Horse is in his words!
I first heard John in 1984, speaking on a college campus and his words had a profound
effect on my life. Whatever activist work I have been able to do has been because of
John's influence.
Regarding your questions above... No, AIM people were not and are not the
terrorists....Enron, Halliburton, and Lincoln Savings, et al, are! If the U.S. government
does not have the responsibility to uphold past treaties, then what does that say about
their integrity regarding other types of law, e.g., Constitutional? The dominant culture,
including the US government, needs to honor its word and treaties. But before it can do
that, it has to get back in touch with its spirit and connection to the earth. A big task!
4/17/06
dagawohali
Blue Creek, Georgia
He has defintely got the gift of describing what is physically happening in the US, and
the world for that matter and he has what Vine Deloria, Jr. describes as standing. John
and I, our paths crossed once in Salt Lake City just before he went on to Wounded Knee.
and he definitely has influence and charisma!
4/17/06
Greywolf
New Orleans, LA.
It is such a pleasure to see John still kicking. This film was fantastic.
The U.S. goverment is fully responsable for upholding treaties, period. But sadly it never
has and it's conservative majority doesn't care about other people. If it doesn't make
them money or gain them something they don't already own and dominate, they just don't
care. Sad but true fact of life.
It still amazes me how "blind by choice" most of American is...
4/17/06
Mark Winsick
Buffalo, NY
I first became acquainted with John Trudell around 1997 with the Graffiti Man record and
later through his other recordings and was deeply moved by his "lines". He is a visionary,
a poet, a humanitarian, an activist, and an important spokesman for mankind and Native
American people. The courage, honesty, compassion and integrity exemplified in his work
are unparalleled.
4/17/06
Darlene Marsh
Laytonville, California
From the highest mountain to the deepest valley of my spirit, I thank you PBS, for having
the courage, to air the film, "TRUDELL"
Thank you to Heather Rae, for her common sense approach, to film making. You Go Girl!
As this film was being aired, I was at the Larkspur Cafe' Theatre, in Larkspur,
California, with John Trudell and his BAD DOG band, for the first, of a SRO, two night
event. Not the rain or the flash flood warnings, could keep that crowd home! John and his
band, performed new music, from the, soon to be released, Double CD, "MADNESS AND THE
MOREMES". If,after seeing this movie, you "get it" you will truly enjoy the new music as
well. Look for it, in late Summer!
Thank you PBS. I do trust,that you will air,"TRUDELL" again.
Thank you John,with living consciousness, for being my friend---
PEACE
4/17/06
G Barnes
Joshua Tree, CA
John Trudell is a testament to the spirit of Native Americans. Through both triumph and
tragedy he is still able to see the truth. This film and the events of John's life have
inspired me.
4/17/06
Stephen Spraley
Springboro, Ohio
Thank you PBS and Independentlens.
Trudell will open your mind to the facts of the spirt of the native Indians. The native
Indians were the best caretakers of the earth. We should all listen to the warnings.
4/17/06
Jim Holbrook
Albuquerque New Mexico
I do not now, nor did I ever, believe that AIM is a terrorist organization. I never
thought it was out of step with other civil rights movements that were active at that
time. It was part of my education growing up to watch on TV as minorities sruggled for
their rights, from blacks being chewed on by police dogs and power-hosed by uniformed
goons in the south, and to see how Native Americans lived on reservations in unbelievable
poverty with no ownership of the land or its resources. I grew up ashamed for this country
and its indifference that left people with no other means to escape their plight but to
push back from the brink any way they could. So I do believe that AIM has had a major
impact on how we perceive indigenous people, at great cost- so many of their brave members
and their families have suffered and died for a better life. Our government will never
uphold past treaties, which were made with the same insincerity of this current regime,
which lied about war, and waits hand and foot on corporate America. The land and resources
Native Americans want to retrieve were long ago, with very few exceptions, put into the
hands of Corporations and are off limits to everyone, or were divided and settled on long
ago.
4/17/06
Jane
Hermantown, MN
I have never written to PBS about any program before, even though PBS is all I ever watch
on TV. I was so deeply moved and affected by the film on John Trudell. He is truly a great
American and this film should be shown everywhere. Next time, show it on The American
Experience, because it truly is one. As a postscript, I hope the agency or persons
responsible for the deaths of his family are brought to justice.
4/17/06
Barbara VanderWel
Ionia, Michigan
I Loved the show & John Trudell is my favorite singer of all time
4/17/06
Chereeze Hall
Rochester, NY
It is incredible how United States still continues to call itself a Democratic Union. Its
elected leaders actively seek to destroy individual thought and the true observance and
care of all womyn and men. They are entitled by their wealth and a cache of military arms
which they will not hesitate to use on their "fellow" americans should the need arises.
We the people need to engage in active soul searching and address the following question:
Are we willing to rescue ourselves from the mindlessness and spiritually bankrupt
politicians who continually think up new ways to disempower the masses of everyday
citizens?
Honestly, there are many leaders who have come and sacrificed their life and wisdom to
facilitate human rights and indeed civil rights issues. What make Trudell a living Legend
is exactly that he is still living and modeling by example. We as the masses need to
follow by example before our human existence is no more. Get involved at the local level
and realize that the atrocities of institutionalized poverty are still prevelant. Be aware
that this is more than a "First People" issue and as witnesses to a government that is out
of control it's up to us to stop the downward cycle for our spiritual well being and the
future of our children.
4/14/06
teri
NYC
John Trudell is one of the most important public figures alive today and as the portion of
the film I caught pointed out he has become that through great personal suffering and deep
thought; similar to the experience of Nelson Mandela.
An entire generation of elders who warned of the ecological crises we're now witnessing is
now gone and so we have the responsibility to remain hopeful in spite of all reason.
I don't wish to honor the question about 'terrorism' with a response. Although the phrase
American Indian is frought with negative implications the phrase Native American, which
you chose to use to describe a movement, is more problematic since it was created by the
Bureau of Indian Affairs specifically to imply that the Indigenous Peoples of North
America have no more rights that any hyphenated Americans - no special treaty rights as
nations. Somehow Native American became the 'politically correct' term for indigenous
people here, but never with the complicity of those who fight for sovereignty and
respect.
I hope the film will be repeated so that I can share viewing it with others who will be
inspired by his words and life story.
Sincerest thanks for a most important document.
4/14/06
C
Seneca
I think what is missing from the Fischer Price pow-wows is the sense of the warrior. What
is the purpose of life if not to fight for one's beliefs, and as John so eloquently
emphasized, the lives of our descendents. What is most striking about the way this peice
was put together is that is elucidated the poetry not in John's life, but of his life.
4/14/06
Deb Socci
Oviedo, FL
Thank you, PBS, for airing John Trudell's biography. I teach Environmental Biology at a
Community College. I was so moved by segments of this film that I found myself (trying to)
quote John the next day in my class. (We were discussing nuclear power.) His insight about
the nuclear war in the U.S. having already started is great. Is there a possibility that
this film might be re-run and/or available for purchase through PBS so that students can
view it? It is very inspiring and thought-provoking. John is truly a very creative and
courageous man. Thank you.
4/13/06
Jamie
Kentucky
If I ever had a hero it would be John Trudell.
4/13/06
Mary Taylor
Billings Heights, MT
John Trudell certainly caught my ear last evening--I consider myself to be somewhat
informed on issues of concern but by far I'm missing the boat. Thank you PBS for bringing
John into our lives, minds, and hopefully actions, he is truly an inspiration to our time.
Keep up the great work!!!!
4/13/06
Anchorage, Alaska
My husband and I were fortunate to experience the power of John Trudell's words in person
in Anchorage some years back. We continue to hear his words over KNBA radio. He has the
ability to speak in a way that allow people to listen. Thanks for airing this independent
film
4/13/06
RON LIPPERT
WILLITS , CALIFORNIA
TO SEE & HEAR HIM IN PERSON LAST FRIDAY FOR ONLY THE 3RD TIME AND THIS TIME AT AREA 101
NORTH OF LAYTONVILLE & LAST NIGHT TO SEE & HEAR THE DOCUMENTARY ON TELEVISION 9 IS TO KNOW
THAT JOHN HAS & IS ONLY INTENSE WITH REASONS AS WE ALL SHOULD BE IN THIS TIME OF OUR
LIVES, TOO...KNOW THAT THE ENEMY IS THEM AND NOT YOU...BE A TRUE NON-CONFORMIST...CAUSE NO
HARM TO THE EARTH...BE A HUMAN BEING...
PEACE & HEALTH, TOO...
4/13/06
Kathy Snitker
John Trudell and the others of AIM are not terrorist, simply true Americans wanting
justice for all. Aim opened many eyes, unfortunately when the media shifts some forget. Of
course the US government should uphold past treaties. When old man Chevy dies, his
children still want you to send in that car payment. A contract is a contract. Thank you
PBS
4/13/06
jose balli
corpus christi
JOHN TRUDELL TELLS IT HOW IT IS AND IS NOT AFRAID TO SPEAK OUT SOMETIMES OUR GOVERMENT
WILL MAKE YOUR LIFE AND FAMILY PAY FOR WHAT YOU SPEAK WHICH IS ONLY THE TRUTH YOU ARE A
VERY STRONG PERSON AMERICA NEEDS TO UP HOLD PAST TREATIIES AND RECONIZE US AS THE FIRST
AMERICANS.
4/13/06
David Goheen
Ellensburg, WA
Thank you PBS for airing worthwhile material. I saw John Trudell live here in Ellensburg.
If anyone gets the chance, he is the most exciting speaker I have ever seen, and I highly
reccomend seeing him live.
4/13/06
Sandi Perry
Franklin,TN
Just wanted to say thanks for showing Trudell! I,and many others in this area are hoping
that there will be another opportunity to see this very moving story about this great
American Indian man. Again ,thank you.
4/13/06
George Robinson
Mesa, Arizona
In listening and viewing the program, I was taken back as to his charisma as he spoke, his
experience and his foresight of what to expect, if we as humans continue to destroy the
earth. John is a critical thinking person; a person who people should listen to and think
about his words. His words are like iron, they have meaning . . . spoken with truth . . .
4/13/06
diane doty
edmond ok
I really enjoyed the film on John Trudell. I am happy to see such quality programming on
tv.
4/12/06
Betty Schleicher
Kennesaw Georgia
Thank you PBS. I had never heard of John Trudell and was moved beyond expression.
Hopefully, you will repeat this show many times.
4/12/06
Tom Hart
Bayfield, WI
Thank you for your part in airing this excellent film on the life of one of our region's
biggest heroes. Treaty rights is a big part of our history and struggle here on the shore
of Lake Superior. John has come here often to lend us his amazing, strong spirit. We are
all obligated to teach the TRUE history of this sacred land and certainly the true story
involves genocide, broken treaties, organized terrorism and ongoing desecration of the
earth. Nevertheless, as John says we know that the Earth will have the "final antibiotic".
Thanks again. you are living coherently!
4/12/06
William
Vermont
I've been waiting for this film to be seen not only by myself but by a large audience.I
would like to thank PBS(independent lens),Heather Rae,and of course John for allowing
Heather to make the film possible,in which Heather did a great job portraying John.Only
John and his people can truly understand the injustice Native People have indured over the
last couple hundred years.It takes a very couragest Man or Woman to stand up for what they
believe in and to speak the truth from their heart and John is one of those people.He is
in fact one of last of his kind.We need more people of his kind in this world.Peace to all
thanks again for this film.
4/12/06
Mary Ann
Florida
First and foremost, I would like to thank PBS for having the courage to broadcast this
insightful look into the proud spirit of a true native american, John Trudell.
The American Indian Movement,(AIM), is an organization that is promoting equality and
fairness and the right to legal assemby as is guaranteed in this United States of
America.
I think America's native consciousness has changed toward the AIM encounters of the 1960's
and 70's in that it became a personal matter to most americans on how suppression of a
peoples is not american. And that there is shame in the history of the way we have
displaced the culture and traditions of a proud people, our first true native
americans.
I do wholeheartedly agree with John Trudell's statement that the occupation of Alcatraz,
in the name of the 1868 Fort Laramie Treaty, is an honorable postion since the native
americans were always assured that the United States Government would uphold any treaty it
made as legal and binding. Since both parties signed the treaty put forth, both would be
obliged to honor it.
Mr. Trudell's words have recalled to mind these words:
We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish
Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general
Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and
establish this Constitution for the United States of America.
4/12/06
Sumter, South Carolina
As a person of mixed Native heritage, I want to thank Public Television for airing this
outstanding film. It is precisely this type of gripping, independently produced
documentary that epitomizes my reason for supporting public television. The film was a
very honest, gutsy portrayal of a true hero. It also provided a rare glimpse of how our
government violates human rights right here at home and seeks to crush the spirit of any
group that makes a serious attempt to hold our officials accountable for the empty
promises they make.
4/12/06
Iyeha Enoha
Rome, NY
"It does not take many words to speak the truth", but if these words are not carried to
all peoples, they are like leaves in the wind, that fall to the ground and die. You have
shown much honor to the great speakers of the truth, John Trudell and Leonard Peltier. You
have carried their words and the true story of who the real "terrorists" have been, since
Columbus landed!
These great warriors and all who stand with them, are our heroes. You have chosen to stand
with them. Perhaps now the cry "Free Peltier!" will be strong enough that this government
will no longer be able to ignore it! Americaís ìnative consciousnessî has been slow to
change since the movement, only because it was driven underground for a while. It is still
alive! You have helped make it stronger. You have made a difference!
Wi hiweush!
4/12/06
Evan Taylor
Boise, Idaho
I do not agree that AIM is a terrorist organization, and for one to believe anything that
the U.S. government spouts off as 'terrorism' one must first understand that American
foreign policy itself should be classified as terrorism.
As for the occupation of Alcatraz, yes the U.S. government has a responsibility to uphold
past treaties but does anyone actually expect them to? Of course not, one only need see
the new rulings concerning eminent domain to figure out the mind set of the U.S.
government.
As for the film itself, I was very moved. I honestly have never heard of Mr. Trudell
before. However having seen this film and hearing his beautiful, poetic words and his
non-violent activism I am moved to learn more about him and the plight of the American
Indians. I thank Heather Rae and everyone else who has brought this film to us, so that we
may learn from Mr. Trudell.
4/12/06
james leppin
rickreall oregon
john trudell,please tell me when america was free were there savages or is this a lie?
4/12/06
Hu Man
Point one; No!!
The american Government and the industrial conplex has long be the primary terrorist
orginizations in this country and the citizians have the right to oppose all injustice,,
especially when they are made laws.. Until the entire population has an unhinder ability
to directly influence all lawmaking democracy will be absent...
Point two
What conciousness? Limited media coverage of ongoing oppression and injustice keeps the
american public in the same fog that has always existed when regard to injustice towards
natives ..
Point three
The u.s. government is required to uphold all its promises,, but more than that to uphold
the spirit of the constitution not just the general provisions and corrupted
alterations...
The Beast was born and lives through the militeristic government of america..
4/12/06
Venus
To first answer the questions posted, it is simply about truth. The power of the word is
the honor and respect with which it is upheld.
All that take care of and respect Mother Earth are indigenous people. We The People...must
be accountable and responsible as we call ourselves American for what is said and done in
our name. Give time and energy only to that which we will to create. Each person's
kuliana' is there own walk. Blessed be the Peacemakers. Thank-you Independent Lens for
airing this program. Congradulations PBS, it is about time, the truth be told.
4/12/06
ten horse woman
washington indiana
the words i have to say come only in tears about what has be done to us. and are mother
earth. i have so much respect for you john trudell.
4/12/06
Priscilla
Thank you PBS for broadcasting this program. I have to applaud Mr. Trudell for his
devotion to such a huge cause. Activism, it seems is the only avenue to effect change for
the North American Indian.
4/12/06
Luis Torres
El Paso Texas
Kudos to Heather Rae for providing John yet another stage to voice his powerful and
resonant message. Not since Dee Brown's Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee have I been so
moved. John's work is not done, though. Our brother Leonard Peltier remains bodily
unjustly incarcerated and his body needs to be united with his spirit which was set free
long ago. Individual Indian Trust litigation still looms large with the Cobell vs Norton
lawsuit hanging in the balance. Continue to help heal Mother Earth, John, with your
insightful spoken word and song. As I write this, Marty Stuart's powerful CD,
Badlands--Ballads of the Lakota--waifs in the background. Listen to the children. Let us
all listen to the children.
4/12/06
Barbara Ayling
Boise Idaho
Oh my god, what a stirring in my stomach,one that I have not felt since my younger days
when we would march wherever we could and listen to the small handful of native american
friends brought to our churches and schools "for the betterment of the Indian race"...My
friends that could only get an education by being removed from their homes and families
because schools did not exist on the reservations...how very sad and very true. I am
grateful for men like John Trudell for giving voice to my friends and to me the white girl
with Indian blood, I still cry at every Pow Wow and how I want to join the dance, because
I know that is where I belong and where my heart aches to be. I just watch from the
sidelines with tears in my eyes and a lump in my throat for so many reasons. AIM a
terrorist organization, please, war is terror and war has be raged by the white man acorss
this country and across the world for many many years...AIM did exactly what John
wanted..it brought the spirit back to it's people and gives creedence to the facts that so
many people choose to ignore. Thank you Heather Rae for the beautiful story on film and
thank you John Trudell for never giving up. I salute you. Thank you for letting my tears
flow freely.
4/12/06
Deborah Chertow
Malibu, CA
I have not yet seen this Bio on John Trudell. I have been dying to see it, he is such an
amazing human being. Please let's get this out there!!!!!
4/11/06
Mishanagqus
My opinion: John Trudell is no less of a civil rights leader than Martin Luther King, only
the U.S. Government salutes Dr. King. I cried watching the PBS documentary. I was a young
adult during the late 60's & early 70's. My mother was deeply involved in our rights as
the indigenous peoples on this soil. She took the "political" avenue of airing her
grievances to no avail! Bravo John Trudell for having the courage of your ancestors.
Thanks for caring enough to stick your neck out to help our generation stand tall and say
enough! You made the world see the "truth". It costed you more than most men would ever be
expected to pay for his convictions. With love and the highest esteem,
Mishanagqus
4/10/06
Portland, OR
I want to thank PBS for airing this film. If it weren't for you and people like Heather
Rae, the general puplic wouldn't hear of American Hero's like John Trudell or what AIM was
about. I took my high school grandson to see the film at a Native American film festival
and he made the comment "..now I've learned something my teachers don't..." This is what
has always amazed me about the US talking about communist propoganda - what about the
United States propoganda? Why don't our students know about AIM? Why are the names John
Trudell and Leonard Peltier not discussed in classrooms. They should know more about
Alcatraz then it was once a prison!
Aim was fighting for American Indian rights - they were fighting the terrorist! It helped
"native consciousness"-or the way we perceive indigenous people by bringing American
Indians out of the past tense, as I had always read in text books. Should the United
States uphold past treaties? Are they not still benefiting from withholding money and land
owed the Indians?
Are the United Statesians not beneficiaries of this country's wrong doings? - yes, they
should at least honor the treaties, since it was the US government that coerced the
original people of this land to sign.
4/10/06
Rita Martinez
Coeur d' Alene, Idaho
I caught part of the film as I was flipping chanels. I found it very imformitive, sad,
happy, a big spiritual yah! for some truth being spoken. I agree the government is big
time messed up. The treatment of the people is messed up. The way history in schools is
taught is only what they want you to learn. I also think its up to each person to take
responsabilty for their spirit what they do, how they choose to live, what they choose to
beleive in, who you beleave you are and where you come from. That I beleave is what major
consciousness change is.
4/7/06
sharon burdick
sandpoint, ID
thank you so much for airing the film 'trudell'. what a powerful proclamation of truth
delivered with such compassion - truly amazing - lifechanging - should be required for
history classes and anyone interested in truth...trudell's naming of corporate leaders as
terrorists is a more accurate assessment,& i would add our government as well. i can only
hope that our native consciousness has changed in that people hopefully are waking up &
thus recognizing the difference between truth & lies. yes, the government continues to be
(or should be) responsible to uphold the promises made. thanks to heather rae for making
the film.
4/4/06
Jeff Murphy
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
I am still anxiouslly waiting for the viewing of Trudell. I've sceen the previews on
Movies.com and from what I have sceen so far I know it's going to be a far out film. I
would like to see this film broadcasted to every home, village, tribe, and concious being
around the world. It would be a wonderful start to what we need to get after. Indeed we
are on the frontlines and the front is vast. Fred Hampton said," you can kill a
revolutionary, but you can't kill a revolution".....I say Far out! and I add "Nothing is
ever destroyed, only changes forms" All Power to the people, the animals, plants, and
spirits!! Peace
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