[Al Gator]

Had the europeans moved into an area and assimilated and lived according to the rules and regs in place by those who lived here first, I don't think they would have been seen as invaders.

The fact is that they barged into someone else's real estate, set up their own governments and rules, and then DEMANDED that the native folks comply with these changes.

Kinda big chutzpa if you ask me.

How would you like a bunch of illegals moving into your neighborhood, and then telling you that you had to comply with rules that they established? Your town council is disbanded, you don't need it, we'll set up a court and tell you how to act.

Kinda pushy, huh?

[indcons]

Surprised that an "Indian" thread doesn't have a "What are they complaining about? They have all those casinos" comment so far.....

[wallcrawlr]

And those that purchased the land on which they settled?

and btw, where were these rules/regs published for all to see?

and lived according to the rules and regs in place by those who lived here first

There were innocent people on both sides. Settler and Indian. To blanket label them all as invaders or barbarians is not fair/true/accurate.

[don asmussen]

Al Gator wrote:

"-- Had the europeans moved into an area and assimilated and lived according to the rules and regs in place by those who lived here first, I don't think they would have been seen as invaders.
The fact is that they barged into someone else's real estate, set up their own governments and rules, and then DEMANDED that the native folks comply with these changes. --"

Al, you have to remember that the native folks had no 'rules & regs'.. The Santee Sioux and the Chippewa had been fighting over land in Minnesota ever since the mound builders had abandoned it..
Europeans in effect won the land by joining in the battle.
Not a very fair battle, but one won on the 'square'.. - By the standards of the time.