Quanah
Parker provides the perfect model of adaptation to change. I will stay clear of
judgmental terms such as "progress," “good” and “evil.” All events
occurring in our universe are, by nature, neutral. Judgment originates from a
perspective, which is only that…. an individual's perspective.
The history
of the Comanche Empire is a history of total Comanche dominance followed by
total submission based on their use and knowledge of available technology.
Quanah Parker was the last leader of the Comanche Nation by virtue of
incredible intelligence with his many life skills. He lived from 1848 to 1911 and
had a lasting impact on US history during his time and still provides a guiding
light for today. Quanah deeply loved, admired and was guided by both his
exemplary white mother and Indian Chief Father throughout their life.
Since the
early 1700's, when the Comanche drove the Spaniards from the Llano Estacado
(Palisaded Plains in the Texas Panhandle), the Comanche were the undisputed
rulers of these Great Plains through traditional training and their superior
use of Comanche technology. The principal Comanche technology was the Mustang,
an unintended gift from the Spaniards. The Comanche had expert knowledge of the
Great Plains and those who ventured into their domain perished from Comanche
hands or were killed by the harsh land itself. The early European usurpers
simply had inadequate knowledge of how to negotiate the plains environment with
their inadequate tools.
In 1860, Brigadier General Mackenzie was ordered by the US Government to pursue and eliminate all Indian resistance at any and all costs. Mackenzie, like Quanah, was also a product of a nurturing childhood. Mackenzie was a student of everything. Unlike Custer, Mackenzie was a workhorse, not a showhorse. All victories in the early encounters between Quanah and Mackenzie went to Quanah Parker. Quanah's technology (bows and arrows) was far superior to the single-shot rifles and single shot pistols of the invaders. A Comanche on horseback could shoot 20 arrows to one shot from a gun which had to be manually reloaded. The horsemanship of Comanche warriors was superior to the European battle style on foot. However, evolving new technology (the Colt Revolver) started to change the balance of power. The combination of the Howitzer, US conviction and the accumulating knowledge of Mackenzie gradually shifted the balance of power to the European invaders. For 15 years Quanah Parker led Mackenzie on many fruitless and embarrassing chases (picture Keystone Cops), but Quanah was also learning and began to foresee that change was inevitable for the Comanche lifestyle.
In the
spring of 1875, after 250 years of technical dominance, the Comanche Nation
surrendered to change. Quanah submitted to Mackenzie at Fort Sill. As a result
of Mackenzie's admiration for Quanah's skills, life experiences and dedication
to purpose, Mackenzie took Quanah under his wing to teach the Comanche Chief
English and the evolving American way. As in all worthwhile relationships,
Mackenzie learned just as much from Quanah. Quanah embraced the inevitable
changes. During the last 40 years of Quanah's life, he was consulted and
admired by Presidents and many former adversaries. Most Indians perished or
chose to live the rest of their life with bitterness. Change is neutral and
ever constant. It is what it is. Quanah prospered and became a guiding light
for those who chose to listen and follow his example. Quanah bought an
automobile, English clothing and built a 10 bedroom, 2 story clapboard siding
house for himself and to share with his many admirers and insatiable students.
Our country has passed through comprehensive changes
that have been brewing underneath the surface for many years. These changes
have only recently revealed themselves. Like Quanah we must embrace the new
United States. It is what it is. Will the United States ever be what it once
was? Never will it look the same again. Outstanding accomplishments are created
through extraordinary circumstances. As I have lectured about architecture, I
have been guided by a comment, "For years we called automobiles,
'Horseless Carriages.'" Cars were cars, not Horseless Carriages. We have
chances for many great opportunities ahead that will be created for us by extraordinary
circumstances. Are we going to choose to be only bitter or choose, like Quanah to adapt to the new, ever changing environment.
