Now this is priceless. Here’s page two:
“The Mormons’ interaction with Native Americans remained friendly until they clashed over limited resources. [In the Salt Lake Basin] Young had purposely selected the arid Great Basin as the Latter-day Saints’ new home due to its ruggedness. He wanted church members to grow closer as they struggled to build Zion, and he wanted outsiders to pass by on their way to greener locations. But Young’s plan failed to take into consideration that Native Americans already were using the Great Basin’s resources to capacity.
As Mormons poured into Salt Lake City, settlers appropriated rivers, streams, and springs. They fenced off productive land and used up raw materials such as pine-nut bearing trees. This caused no immediate conflict, but upon discovering their loss, members of the local Ute tribe demanded access to their resources and, when denied, simply did what they had long done and took what had been theirs.
As the Mormon population grew, tensions escalated. Infertile soil and a lack of water made it impossible to quickly create dense, sedentary settlements, so Young sent newcomers farther from Salt Lake City. Unwilling to change plans, he advised against provoking the Native Americans, but soon allowed ruthless punishment of any Indian caught stealing or harming a settler or his property.
In a short time, church leaders authorized attacking American Indians who refused to give up their resources without a fight. Church leaders argued that Native Americans who resisted were actually rejecting Christ’s message and, by refusing, justified retribution.”*
*From Online Nevada Encyclopedia, “Mormons and Native Americans: A Historical Overview”
Not the Mormons' fault. Columbus made them do it.
We did NOT observe a holiday yesterday! I had medical appointments! PHOOEY!
Columbus actually was a Byzantine Greek from Chios! Genoa ruled Chios, so that’s the connection with Genoa. But if Italian Americans want to support Columbus Day and oppose the “resistance”, that’s all right with me!!!!