Why haven't the shootings on the Red Lake Reservation been of extreme media importance? Is it because the shootings took place on a reservation? Is it expected that people living in such conditions behave in such a manner that forces the world out? Are the native nations so sovereign from the rest of the United States that they are not worthy of national condolences, as when any tragedy happens?

In one instance, there is a huge deal being made by the media over one certain life that a family will not give up, no matter how much it is going to put their daughter at peace. Yet, we have 10 people who were shot to death in Minnesota; 10 lives taken which consisted of children, grandparents, a teacher and a security guard.

Ten people, 10 human beings who make up the U.S. population, 10 people whose families lives are forever changed and 10 people who were from a Native American community. All that is received is a blurb of some new evidence or a blurb on TV about the funerals or a small brief in the newspaper.

President Bush was immediately on a plane to Florida to rush to Terri Schiavo's side, yet it took him five entire days before he even commented on the tragedy that shook an entire population.

It is the worst school shooting since Columbine, the tragedy that rocked suburban white America. Is this not comparable to Columbine? Are incidences such as these more prevalent in the colored communities which make people unreceptive?

One's beliefs in a situation like this need to be put to the side. People's lives were lost, and a community was forever changed. The Red Lake Reservation of 5,000 American people - not just native people - needs everyone's support in getting through this untimely tragedy. As Americans, we owe them that much.

Ashley Harding and Holly Newland
political science junior and journalism junior