The following is an excerpt from a speech given to Congress in 1833
by then President Andrew Jackson telling them what the nation’s
Indian policy should be.
“My convictions upon this subject have been confirmed. That those tribes
cannot exist surrounded by our settlements and in continual contact
with our citizens is certain. They have neither the intelligence, the industry,
the moral habits, nor the desire of improvement which are essential to any
favorable change in their condition. Established in the midst of another and
superior race, and without appreciating the causes of their inferiority or
seeking to control them, they must necessarily yield to the force of circum-
stances and ere long disappear. Such has been their fate heretofore, and if
it is to be averted it can only be done by a general removal beyond our
boundary and by the reorganization of their political system upon
principles adapted to the new relations in which they will be placed.”
So as you can see, there are Presidents and there are Presidents;
and then, of course, there is this President, ha,ha!
Islander.