Geronimo: Mind-boggling

We recently toured the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian at One Bowling Green in New York City. The museum lies at the foot of Broadway in a wonderful old building that was originally constructed as the U.S. Customs House. They have an exhibition there, demonstrating the historical and continuing special relationship between Native Americans and horses. One of the famous Native Americans who is part of the exhibit is Geronimo.  This reminded us of our years owning and operating a small guest ranch in Arizona. Our ranch wasn’t far from the Apache Indian Reservation. History told us that Geronimo, with his braves, had ridden across our property as they fled south. Geronimo is a much admired hero of the Apaches. It was a special place to many, including us, due to its history.

Of course, we needed horses on our ranch. We ended up with two for our personal use. One was an Arabian named Cittana and it just so happens that the other horse I bought off the reservation was a mustang who came with the name Geronimo. Geronimo was a headstrong horse but loyal and we became a great team. I don’t know what we would have done without him. We explored miles of desert and mountain terrain, the same terrain that the original Geronimo had rode. I led the way on Geronimo with Katherine on Cittana bringing up the rear. We came to love our horses and the location. Eventually our ranch became the stopping off point for dinner, stories and a good night’s sleep during the Geronimo Ride which was an annual event organized to commemorate the original Geronimo’s ride south.

We were two upset people when it was announced that Geronimo had been killed. Not the original Geronimo but now Geronimo was the code name for Osama bin Laden. The terrorist, the bad guy, the evil guy we have been hunting down since 2001. What does this say regarding how we still feel about the American Indians? We stole their land, their way of life and much more. Now we are stealing their hero and using the name in this way. Somebody should be ashamed of themselves.  I know, now we are getting new versions in the same way we got new versions of how bin Laden was killed and disposed of. Interestingly, the original American Hero, Geronimo wasn’t killed but captured and eventually became a Christian.  He was no bin Laden. Either was my horse that I trust is still alive and well in Arizona.

Stan the Man