As we drove from Phoenix on Highway 60 we had the Superstition Mountains on our leftside and we talked about how many risked their lives for the search of gold (the Lost Dutchman) in the arrid and rocky environment of that powerful piece of mother earth. As we approached San Carlos we stopped our suburban to take in the powerful rocky mountainside and terrain - remembering that this was Geronimo's stronghold. We had to drive past the strip mines and the small struggling towns of Globe and Miami. The drive was spotted with small restaurants teasing us with the promise of original mexican food and bars promising cold beer!
Once we passed the mines, we found ourself in Apacheland... we could see the smoke plumes from a fire hundreds of miles away... We drove through the community and I was in awe of the historic preservation of their old federal buildings and churches. From a tourism standpoint, they have such opportunity with their recreation areas and casino/hotel operation. They also have a golf course!
Okay - this may sound weird, but I was so impressed with the Bashas that they have on the reservation! This grocery store had many Apache employees. At every level - bakers, cashiers, managers, stockers.... amazing!!! These are minimum wage jobs for the most part!
As for my feelings about Geronimo - I am convinced that I stood up for the right cause and for the right reasons! He was defending his people, his land and his principles. Until such a time comes when the President of the United States stands up for the integrity of this nation's native peoples, we must continue to fight the battles of those who came before us and we must continue to fight for the rights of those who are unborn!!!
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