see! im generous! look how i burn my couch!

[smortensen]

In my readings this week, i came across the term "potlach" (which is not to get confused with the after-church congregation meal full of casseroles and church juice) and i was really confused with it. The native americans apparently practiced this ceremony to exibit their wealth and their generosity.. but wouldnt burning or destroying all of one's possessions demonstrate stupidity as opposed to generosity. i think it would be alot more generous to perhaps act as a changed-hearted scrooge and give away the belongings to the less wealthy and the poverty stricken, instead of inviting the poor peopel over to watch you burn all of the stuff they dont have. i think its flaunting and very very dumb. I completely approve of the federal and provincial governments for banning such practices.

[Mr. Delainey]

The question I have for you is this: what authority does any government have to interfere in the rights of individuals or groups who value that which you do not? You simply disagreeing with a practice is not grounds for banning it. What if a government was put in place that regarded Christianity the same way they did the Potlach? Your response will be telling. If you won't tolerate it for your own particular situation you should not expect others to tolerate it either.