Anthem
by Leslie Noyes
Standing tall and proud
Voices raised in joyful praise
An anthem for us
Outside looking in
The disenfranchised hear but
An anthem for some
Until all are free
The lyrics are merely words
An anthem for none
Tag: Native Americans
Caucus
cau·cusOrigin
mid 18th century (originally US): perhaps from Algonquian cau’-cau’-as’u ‘adviser.’
In Iowa, voters are meeting by party all over that state in order to demonstrate their preferences for the 2016 Presidential election. Members registered to vote Republican cast a ballot with their candidate’s name on it making the process similar to what occurs in all other states across party lines.
Democrats, however, use a process that includes meeting with others of their party and breaking into groups by candidate. They powwow and campaign citing pros and cons of their chosen candidate.
I’ve heard the word caucus forever, and speculated that it had something to do with the Caucasus mountain range in Europe. The same root of the word Caucasian.
Wrong! Caucus is derived from caucauasu, a word from the Algonquin peoples of the North American continent, and means “adviser.” It’s a genuine made in the USA word.
Some day I would enjoy participating in a political caucus; however, I have no desire to move to Iowa. It’s a great state, but they have some nasty winter weather. In fact, there is a storm headed their way even as I type this. Iowans are a hardy bunch, though, and will caucus their hearts out.
As for me, I shall sit in front of my television, (on my porch in 70 degree weather), to find out who comes out on top in this first big political event of the year. I can hear the frogs caucusing down by the lake. Maybe they’ll let me join in.
Peace, people!
On a Mission
Tallahassee has an untrumpeted treasure in an unlikely spot on Tennessee street just across from Panera Bread. For the past year I’ve driven past Mission San Luis thinking that one day I’d visit. On Tuesday I did just that. All I have to say now is what took me so long?
From the brochure: “Mission San Luis functioned as the capital of the western missions in La Florida from 1656 to 1704. Populated by more than 1500 residents, including one of the most important Apalachee chiefs and the Spanish deputy governor, San Luis was one of early Florida’s larger colonial outposts.”
The members of the Apalachee tribe actually invited the Spanish Friars to build a mission in their midst, thinking it would increase their status.
The Friars gained a lush environment where crops could be grown and shipped to the larger outpost of St. Augustine.
When various threats emerged to the Spanish holdings, a fort was built on the site; although, it never housed enough soldiers to properly protect the Spaniards or the Apalachee from other Europeans–namely the French and then the English.
Mission San Luis is an ongoing archaeological site and includes remnants of the Apalachee council house along with examples of the stockade and church.
If you’re ever in the Tallahassee area, I recommend you stop for a visit. Let me know you’re in town and we’ll tour it together!
Peace, people!
Praying for Eyebrowz 