Searching for clues at birthplace of the black human rights activist
Malcolm X was a charismatic speaker and became known worldwide as one of the leaders of the black movement “Nation of Islam”. With his radical views, he was seen by many as an opponent of Martin Luther King, who advocated non-violence. More here.
Guest post by Volker Seitz on the controversy surrounding USAID
President Donald Trump has ordered a 90-day pause in development aid – with the exception of humanitarian aid – until its efficiency and consistency with US foreign policy have been assessed. Germany should take this as an example, says the guest author. More here.
Two female writers, a bank robbery and an adopted fox
The best thing about traveling is the people I meet along the way. At Flathead Lake in Montana, I met two remarkable women. Both are rooted in their Christian faith, write under a pen name and self-publish their books. Get to know Hannah and Sarah and their powerful stories – in real life as well as in their books. More here.
Indigenous long-term prisoner Leonard Peltier may go home.
In the final moments of his term of office, US President Joe Biden commuted the two life sentences of Leonard Peltier, activist of the American Indian Movement, to house arrest. Despite pleas from supporters, the White House refused to grant a full pardon. More here.
Elon Musk’s tweets catapult mass rape into the spotlight.
British-Pakistani rape gangs have been wreaking havoc in Great Britain for decades. Politicians and authorities are said to have covered up their crimes against minors, partly for fear of being seen as racist. More here.
Canadian wild geese, childhood memories and a song
My favorite subject here on the north shore of Flathead Lake are the Canadian wild geese that gather here and in the surrounding fields. I love their calls. They inevitably bring back fond memories. More here.
The suspected Islamist terrorist attack in New Orleans overshadows the start of the new year.
Will people in the USA, as in Germany, soon think twice about going to outdoor festivities and entertainment districts? Let’s defy the terrorists with joie de vivre! In Woods Bay, Montana, people do this on New Year’s Day with the “Polar Bear Plunge” into the ice-cold water of Flathead Lake.
On the death of Terry Ree: Dakota Sioux, musician, comedian
They were a successful music-comedy duo for 55 years. Their political incorrectness made “The Indian and the White Guy” from the US state of South Dakota legendary in both cultures. Now Terry Ree, the “Indian”, passed on. He was 75 years old. More here.
Flight over Flathead Lake and Christmas Stroll in Whitefish
I’m back where I was a year ago at the same time: in Montana. Just like then, I’m waiting for “real” snow. I have three things planned for this stay in Big Sky Country, the “land of the big sky”. And then there are all kinds of surprises along the way.. More here.
Guest post by the Native American & Human Rights Action Group
December 10: International Human Rights Day. In Oslo, the Japanese organization Nihon Hidankyo receives the Nobel Peace Prize. The survivors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki cooperate with indigenous victims of atomic bomb tests. More here.
