In the second half of the nineteenth century, the Euro-American citizenry of California carried out mass genocide against the Native population of their state, using the processes and mechanisms of democracy to secure land and resources for themselves and their private interests. The murder, rape, and enslavement of thousands of Native people were legitimized by notions of democracy—in this case mob rule—through a discreetly organized and brutally effective series of petitions, referenda, town hall meetings, and votes at every level of California government. Murder State is a comprehensive examination of these events and their early legacy. Preconceptions about Native Americans as shaped by the popular press and by immigrants’ experiences on the overland trail to California were used to further justify the elimination of Native people in the newcomers’ quest for land. The allegedly “violent nature” of Native people was often merely their reaction to the atrocities committed against them as they were driven from their ancestral lands and alienated from their traditional resources. In this narrative history employing numerous primary sources and the latest interdisciplinary scholarship on genocide, Brendan C. Lindsay examines the darker side of California history, one that is rarely studied in detail, and the motives of both Native Americans and Euro-Americans at the time. Murder State calls attention to the misuse of democracy to justify and commit genocide.

Loves Park got its name from Malcolm A. Love, a Rockford industrialist and alderman who, in 1901, puchased 236 acres of land along the east bank of the Rock River just a few miles north of Rockford. Love used the property as a private retreat. Soon therafter, a railroad was built through the area, and in the decades that followed, residences and businesses started to arrive. The city incorporated in 1947 with a population of 4,500. Once it was established, all the elements of a modern community followed, including police and fire departments, a library, churches, gas stations, restaurants, and other businesses. Since then, the city of almost 24,000 has continued to prosper and is now home to the annual Memorial Day Young at Heart Festival, which brings in people from all across northern Illinois, and RiverHawks Stadium, home of the Rockford Riverhawks Frontier League baseball team.

This new book, Guided by Spirit, reveals the divine treasure we each carry within ourselves. The spiritual poetic insights and illustrations guide us into uplifting and calming dimensions. There are passages that emphasize jubilant revelations and passionate positive perceptions that fortify your faith that all is eternally well with one's Soul! In addition, this book emphasizes an enlightened awareness, a passionate hope, and a steadfast faith in God and this beautiful, spiritual world that has been crafted by The Master Creator. All the selections have been created from intense visionary insights that are generated from everyday activities seen in a new light, as the words began to pour from my innermost thoughts. Many of the selections were birthed in prayer, and then when I sat in silence during meditation to listen. Still others originated from my dreams, especially vivid ones, which would wake me up at night, where I quickly outlined thoughts that I could build on the next day. Some topics revolved around holidays and family reunions, which were inspiring opportunities for collecting wisdom from older members, and gems of insights from the little ones. Uplifting speeches from ministers and spiritual workshop leaders have generated a plethora of fertile reveries for sacred poetic revelations sculpted into writings. Even illnesses provided opportunities for me to reflect, read inspiring literature, and record my perceptions here. Come now, and allow yourself to sample this haven of inspiring words and phrases that are uplifting for these times of challenge and turmoil. As you peruse these inspirational selections, may your heart be uplifted and resonate with the one Spirit that connects us all. Happy reading, and be at peace.

“This book has been on my mind for many years. My daughter lost oxygen at birth and had to be placed in intensive care. By working with her to help her excel intellectually and physically, I have learned that babies and toddlers can absorb far greater knowledge and understanding than many of us realize. Indeed, learning does begin in infancy and we, as parents, can greatly enhance this process. My baby experienced birth trauma, but the opportunities are there whether your child has trauma or has a completely normal birth. All the unbounded possibilities exist through teaching your little one the joy of learning as a lifelong habit. This book illustrates what can be done.”

There is only a short breath between one's spiritual feelings and the words that reside inside each of us. This is a book of insights generated from spiritual feelings, which are experienced by reading the poems aloud during or after meditation and prayer, or whenever one's need calls for a connection to the essence within. Selected poems can also be read as a meditation by themselves. All the poems are uplifting and appeal to the soul, and may transform your way of thinking about life and the universe. The author hopes that you feel the blend of faith and living spiritual currents that motivated these poems. The world propelling these words is one that is beyond dogma and beyond judgment.