A Tale of Two Americas: Native American Patrols and the Misunderstood Monroe Doctrine

The city of Minneapolis has a long history of Native American activism, dating back to the establishment of the American Indian Movement over 50 years ago. The movement was formed in response to police brutality and has continued to play a vital role in the community. Recently, the city's Native American neighborhoods have seen a resurgence of citizen patrols, this time in response to the presence of ICE agents. Outside the Pow Wow Grounds coffee shop, a group of volunteers has been keeping watch, scanning the streets for any sign of ICE activity. The group is made up of community members who are determined to protect their neighbors and friends from deportation. As one volunteer explained, "We are still being chased," a sentiment that echoes the historical struggles of Native American communities. Meanwhile, in the world of politics, a different kind of struggle is playing out. The Monroe Doctrine, a 1823 policy that aimed to promote cooperation and non-intervention in the Americas, has been misinterpreted by US President Donald Trump. Trump has used the doctrine to justify his quest for domination in the region, twisting its original intent to suit his own agenda. But not everyone shares Trump's vision for America. Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny, who recently performed at the Super Bowl, has a very different idea of what it means to be American. During his performance, Bad Bunny celebrated the diversity of the Americas, listing off countries from Canada to Chile. His message of inclusivity and unity was met with outrage from Trump, who saw it as an affront to the greatness of the United States. As Ted Widmer points out, Trump's reaction is a perfect example of how the Monroe Doctrine has been misunderstood. The doctrine was originally intended to promote cooperation and non-intervention in the Americas, not to justify US dominance. Bad Bunny's performance, on the other hand, was a celebration of the diversity and richness of the Americas, a vision that is much closer to the original intent of the doctrine. The contrast between these two stories highlights the deep divisions in American society. On one hand, we have a community coming together to protect its most vulnerable members from the threat of deportation. On the other hand, we have a president who is using a centuries-old doctrine to justify his own brand of nationalism. But as Bad Bunny's performance shows, there is another way forward. By celebrating our diversity and promoting cooperation, we can build a more inclusive and equitable society. This is the true spirit of the Monroe Doctrine, and it is a vision that is worth fighting for. As the Native American patrols continue to watch over their community, they are not just protecting their neighbors from ICE agents – they are also fighting for a vision of America that is inclusive and just. It is a vision that is rooted in history, but also looks towards a brighter future. And it is a vision that is shared by people like Bad Bunny, who are using their platforms to promote unity and cooperation. In the end, the struggle for a more inclusive America is not just about politics or policy – it is about the kind of society we want to build. Do we want to be a nation that is defined by fear and division, or one that is defined by hope and unity? The choice is ours, and it is a choice that will shape the future of our country for generations to come.