As we’ve all heard, the number one most wanted terrorist has been killed: Osama Bin Laden. He was the founder and head of the terrorist group al-Qaeda and is responsible for the 3000 deaths that occurred on September 11th, 2001.
Being familiar with Osama Bin Laden’s “accomplishments”, let’s turn over to the Indian Chief Geronimo, or his original name: Goyahkla, or “He Who Yawns”.
Goyahkla was a prominent leader of the Apache tribe born and raised in modern day New Mexico. He fought against both Mexico and the United States in attempts to fight for his tribe’s land and for revenge.
After the Mexican army attacked and killed his family, Goyahkla became an active soldier of the Apache tribe first fighting bands of the Mexican army. With no guns, only knives, Goyahkla seemed invincible and was known throughout his tribe to have supernatural powers. The Mexican soldiers being attacked by Goyahlka would scream out “Saint Jerome” (Jeronimo) in vain. After enough soldiers had cursed the saint’s name at the fierce Apache fighter, he became known as Geronimo.
He later fought bands of the United States’ army as well. He is known for his bravery and superior fighting skills. However, no one is a hero forever. Geronimo eventually was captured by the United States army, surrendered, and was held as a prisoner of war.
According to ABS News, The United States Navy SEALs used the name “Geronimo” as Osama Bin Laden’s codename. Now that we know a little bit of the history of both Osama Bin Laden and Geronimo, how in the heck can these two be even compared? Osama killed thousands of innocent people who did nothing to him, as a revenge for the injustice against Palestine that the United States participated in and because we support Israel. Geronimo didn’t kill innocent people and was fighting for his tribe whose land was being heartlessly stolen by the United States and because his own immediate family members were killed for no reason. I guess it doesn’t matter what you do or why you do it, but the country you do it to. Anything against the US is considered wrong. And granted, some things against us are indeed wrong, but definitely not all things. Geronimo is a hero. Osama Bin Laden is evil. But since both fought against the US, both are automatically considered wrong.
When I heard about this codename, I couldn’t think of a more appropriate topic to post about. Many Native Americans are outraged, and could you blame them? That is most certainly the biggest insult. Putting a warrior hero in the same category as the most wanted terrorist? Someone please tell me this is a joke…
I guess kids aren’t the only ones who need to take history classes.
