Why do we call them the enemy?

Why do we call them the enemy
This struggling nation that’s won independence across the sea?
Why do we want these people to die?
Why do we say North and South, o why, o why, o why?

Well that’s just a lie! One of the many and we’ve had plenty
I don’t want more of the same
No more genocide in my name!

Why are our history books so full of lies?
When no word is spoken of why the Indian dies and dies?
Or that the Chicanos love the California land
Do our books all say it was discovered by one White man?

Why are the weapons of the war so young?
Why are there only rich ones around when it’s done?
Why are so many of our soldiers black or brown?
Do we think it’s because they’re good at cutting other people down?

Why do we support a colony
When Puerto Rican people are crying out to be free?
We sterilize the women & rob the copper mines
Do we think that people will always be so blind?

Nazi forces grow again, ignorance gives them a place
The Klan is teaching children to hate the human race
Where once there was a playground, now an MX missile plant
Do they think it’s fun to see just how much we can stand?

--Holly Near, 1972