Music: Moon Shadow Whispers - Home Old New Orleans Friday's Journal |
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Photo Credits: Pixabay; Wikimedia.Commons & the following photographers: Neelix, Iwona Erskine-Kellie, Bureau.Land.Management, 7mike5000, Jeffhollett, Howcheng, Draugen |
America's Corner Attic |
The photos on this page are from the scenic states of Washington and Oregon. The title comes from a quote by Timothy Egan: "Here in the corner attic of America - near a rain forest, a desert, a foreign country, a hidden fjord, a raging river, a glacier and a volcano - is a place where the inhabitants sense that they can do no better. Nor do they want to." Except where noted, the quotes on the page are from Chief Joseph (1840-1904), leader of a band of the Nez Percé tribe of the Pacific Northwest. Chief Joseph was well-known, well-respected and an indomitable voice of conscience for the West. |
From the 1918 book, "Indian Heroes & Great Chieftains" by Charles Eastman: "The great Chief Joseph died broken-spirited and broken-hearted. He did not hate the whites, for there was nothing small about him, and once he laid down his weapons, he would not fight on with his mind. But he was profoundly disappointed in them. I call him great because he was simple and honest. Without education or special training, he demonstrated his ability to lead and to fight when justice demanded. He out- generaled the best and most experienced commanders in the army of the United States, although their troops were well provisioned and well armed. And he was great, finally, because he never boasted of this remarkable feat. I am proud of him because he was a true American." |
Of all the wise words spoken by Chief Joseph, this is the quote that touched me most, words as true today - and as relevant - as they were over a century ago. The most profound thoughts are so often very simply stated. -- Nancy I believe much trouble would be saved if we opened our hearts more. |
All men were made by the same Great Spirit Chief. They are all brothers. Treat all men alike. Give them all the same law. Give them all an even chance to live and grow. |
Good words do not last long unless they amount to something. |
The eyes tell what the tongue would hide. |
Excerpt from The Deseret News, Salt Lake City, Utah, published August 9, 1971: "Had the Nez Percé chosen to do so, they could have put an end to the Lewis & Clark expedition there on the banks of the Clearwater River. Instead, they welcomed the white Americans, supplied them with food and looked after the explorers' horses for several months, while they continued to canoe to the Pacific shore." ~ The first white men of your people who came to our country were named Lewis and Clark. They talked straight. These men were very kind. |
In the winds which pass through these aged pines, we hear the moaning of departed ghosts, and if their voices could have been heard, that act would never have been done. But, alas, though they stood and watched, they could neither be seen nor heard. Their tears fell like drops of rain. |
The earth is the mother of all people, and all people should have equal rights upon it. |
I do not believe that the Great Spirit Chief gave one kind of men the right to tell another kind of men what they must do. |
Wall-mounted quote by Chief Joseph, World Showcase pavilion of Walt Disney World's Epcot. |
Hear me, my chiefs! I am tired. My heart is sad. From where the sun now stands, I will fight no more forever. |
Chief Joseph |
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