Give Them Command of Their Own Destiny, and They Might Prosper

   There is scripture -- prophecy -- among those of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that the descendants of the Book of Mormon people will someday, "blossom as a rose." (Doctrine and Covenants 49:24)
   As I blogged yesterday, wondering at how perhaps a socialistic governing of the Indian Reservations is holding them back, I thought how maybe it will not be until we release them from that socialism that they blossom.
   They are not blossoming at present. Many live in poverty.
   We speak of those in Venezuela and other places, and of how socialism has reduced them to poverty. Is perhaps the same happening with the Native Americans, where government is restrictive, where they have not personal property rights, where they governed much from Washington?
   I do remain wondering if they could prosper under communal ownership, even under a communal management. This would be socialism, as well, wouldn't it. But it would allow pride of ownership, and pride of management, whereas now much is done from Washington.
   The native Americans need to be given the right to command their own destiny. If we do not give them individual property ownership, at least give them the right, as tribes, to own the property.