I don't know what Ward Churchill claims for himself about Native blood. I don't think its an important issue.

Of course, one does not have to be Native American to join in struggle for native rights. Many white people back the fight for African-American rights.

Persons can be pacifists if they so choose, but have no right to even suggest that those oppressed by dominant ideology and military force need to adopt non-violence as a tactic or strategy. Palestinians as well as Native Americans come readily to mind.

With some 9-11 survivors pissed at any suggestion that their loss ought to be seen in a larger human rights context, another orgy of American exceptionalism, self-pity, and anger at all things deemed unpatriotic is over--at least for the moment.

Ward Churchill will remind us that those nagging questions about the "why" of 9-11 still need answers.