#StopDisenrollment: NEVER GIVE UP In the Struggle for Our Rights

I was sent an article entitled 22 Reasons to Never Give UP by my cousin Russ, at a point where I was feeling a bit low about working the blog and the fact that a number of our people have dropped out. But, I’ve read it a few times and now I’m going to adapt some of it where it would pertain to those of us that have been harmed by their tribes.

At some point in the various journeys we embark on in our lives, we get to a part where we feel like giving up. Sometimes we give up before we even start and other times we give up just before we are about to make that huge break-through that we have been putting so much effort in to achieve.

I have created this list of 22 reasons why you should never give up and I hope that you will find it before you give up, so that I can inspire you to keep going!

1- As Long As You Are Alive Anything Is Possible

The only valid excuse you have to give up is if you are dead. As long as you are alive (and healthy and free) you have the choice to keep trying until you finally succeed.    OP: Why give up when all we are expending is TIME? “I don’t have the time” is one refrain, of course they can tell me all about the “Real Housewives of New York” or “Keeping Up With the Kardassians.” WTF? You can email a letter WHILE you are watching those shows.

3- Michael Jordan

Arguably the best basketball player of all time. He attributes his success to all his failures. He just never gave up even when he knew he had missed over 300 shots and had missed the winning shot of the game many times. Every time he got knocked down he got back up again.    OP: Never mind that Wilt Chamberlain was the best of all time. The point is, keep going. Sure the last fax/letter didn’t get an answer, but the next one might. I once got a call EVERY WEDNESDAY morning at 7:15 a.m. from a job applicant I interviewed but didn’t have a position available. Ultimately, she DID get a position. She was a terrific employee too.

7- Chris Gardner – The Pursuit of Happiness

Have you seen the movie “The Pursuit of Happiness”? It is based on the life story of Chris Gardener, a man who went for the lowest of the lows in an environment where most people would give up (no money, no job) to the highest of the highs (A millionaire with his own investment firm). If you ever think about giving up, watch this movie! OP: NEVER GIVE UP. Excellent movie. For GREATER GLORY is also a great film showing how the Catholics of Mexico stood up to a corrupt government.

9- Nelson Mandela

Campaigned for justice and freedom in his South Africa. Spent 20 years in jail for his opposition to apartheid. On release he healed the wounds of apartheid by his magnanimous attitude toward his former political enemies.   OP: 20 years fighting for what was RIGHT. FROM PRISON. We still have our computers, our phones, IPADS.

10- You Are Strong

You are stronger than you think. One little setback is not enough to stop you from achieving your goals. Neither are 10 or 100 or 1000 setbacks.

11- Prove Yourself

You don’t want to be known as someone that is weak and gives up. Go out there and prove yourself to the world and to yourself. You CAN and WILL achieve what you set out to do. The only time you fail is when you give up.    OP: MANY times I’m asked, “WHY won’t someone DO something to help us?!?” WHY should they when we aren’t ALL doing something to help ourselves out? We need to double our efforts, so those in position to help, WILL help.

14- Your Family and Friends.

Let the people you love and who mean the world to you be your inspiration to persist and persevere. Maybe you need to try a different angle, study more or practice more but don’t give up!   OP: All of us have a lot of extended family. We need to have these discussion around the dinner table. You need to talk to your friends about HOW Pechanga, Chukchansi, Pala, Redding have HARMED you and your family. ASK for their help!

15- Because I Tell You To.

Not that I am any sort of guru or Godly figure, but if you want to give up then don’t. Just because I’m telling you not to. OP: This just reminds me of my parents. So …

17- Improve Our World

When you achieve whatever you set out to achieve you can use your success to make a difference to the world or other peoples lives. OP: For example, the recently disenrolled Chukchansi should be coupling with the first group disenrolled to bring the tribe together. One thousand strong, they would be an imposing force. One thousand letters make a statement. Similarly, ANY disenrolled who get back in their tribes should help those who are in moratoriums get their rightful place.

19- Let The Haters Hate

There will always be haters. There will always be plenty of naysayers and people who try to tear you down. Don’t pay attention to them and don’t take what they say to heart. Let the haters hate and you keep believing in yourself.   OP: On our blog, we get some commenters trying to get us to quit. Well, NO. If the tribe had quit when gambling was illegal, there would be no casino. Other tribes have been fighting for decades for water rights.

21- Inspire Others

Be an inspiration to others by refusing to give up. Who knows what someone else can achieve because you never gave up and in turn inspired them not to give up. OP: Spread the word about our blog to others. Snoqualmie too back their tribe, Laytonville put some people back into the tribe. We have done good, AIRRO keeps hope alive. YOUR help is needed. YOUR letter could be the one that breaks the camel’s back!

P.S. NEVER GIVE UP!