Over 500 years ago there existed a civilization that was like no other since then. It existed right here in North America. This civilization by today’s standards would be considered primitive and backward because of their lack of the modern amenities we no have. But if you were to take a closer look at them, they were in fact ages ahead of us. The problems we face today were nonexistent in their times.
The debate over health care? They had avoided the diseases we no so fear. Deadly and contagious viruses were unheard of. Cancer did not exist. They did not deal with dangerous toxins that we do today, and somehow skin cancer did not affect them. Cardiovascular disease and obesity did not exist. The food they eat was the most organic and completely natural food available. It was eaten regularly in the right amounts. They did not need anyone to tell them that they should eat in moderation and have a balanced diet. There was no need for increasing one’s amount of exercise.
Environmental degradation? This was unheard of. Nothing was wasted if a use could still be found for it. The people lived as if they were a part of nature. The destruction of their environment was a threat to them. Trees, fish, resources abounded. No activity was unsustainable.
Poverty? If you measure it in dollar terms which they had none of, then yes. But how can there be poverty if everyone has enough to eat? If everyone has shelter, health, love and desires nothing more? If everyone has time to spend with their family and leisure to do what they want?
Quality education? Everyone had access to knowledge. It was pasted down from generation to generation and between individuals. It was accumulated through life experiences. The elders who had accumulated it were widely listened to and respected.
Inequality? A more egalitarian society could not have existed. Everyone had access to the same amount of food, clothes, shelter, health services, and had an equal say in community decisions. The Indian chief was nothing more than a spokesperson for the village. The decisions were made by the people. This was a true democracy were everyone’s voice was heard. There were no special interests with undue influence. The special interests were those of the community.
This civilization unfortunately was eliminated by a less democratic and less perfect one. Western civilization came in and brought disease, inequality, poverty, and monarchy. A flawed civilization overpowered the natives, destroying all the good things they had achieved. Western civilization is now struggling to solve these very same problems the Natives had solved so long ago. If only they had joined the natives instead of conquering them.
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