“Let Me Be a Free Man”
Chief Joseph on Freedom
Chief Joseph, also known as Hin-mah-too-yah-lat-kekt, led the Wallowa band of the Nez Perce tribe in the late 19th century. Among his many profound words, I am fond of this gem:
“Let me be a free man, free to travel, free to stop, free to work, free to trade where I choose, free to choose my own teachers, free to follow the religion of my fathers, free to talk, think and act for myself — and I will obey every law or submit to the penalty.”
There is much to commend in this earnest appeal for individual freedom.
It’s tempting to use his quote as a jumping-off point to condemn U.S. government policy in the 19th century. That was admittedly the context of Chief Joseph’s remarks. He repeatedly denounced the hypocrisy and moral failings of the U.S. government in its conduct toward Indigenous Americans during his time.
Let me pause and state the obvious:
I agree with that critique.
I also agree with his endorsement of individual freedom, and that’s my focus here. Hence, my question to you…
