Richard Oakes, born on this day in 1942, was a Mohawk indigenous activist and leader within the Red Power movement, playing a prominent role in the 19-month occupation of Alcatraz Island from 1969 - 1971.

Oakes promoted Native American studies in university curricula and is credited for helping to change U.S. federal government "Termination" policies (policies regarding assimilation of indigenous people into the culture of the colonizer) of Native American peoples and culture.

In 1969, Oakes led a 19-month occupation of Alcatraz Island with LaNada Means, approximately 50 California State University students, and 37 others. On January 5th, 1970, Oakes' 12-year-old daughter, Yvonne, fell to her death from concrete steps. After her funeral, Oakes left the island.

In 1972, Oakes was shot and killed in Sonoma, California, by Michael Morgan, a YMCA camp manager. Allegedly, Oakes violently confronted Morgan, and Morgan responded by drawing a handgun and fatally shooting Oakes.

Oakes was unarmed when he was shot. Morgan claimed he acted in self-defense, and was acquitted on charges of voluntary manslaughter.

"We do not fear your threat to charge us with crimes on our land. We and all other oppressed peoples would welcome spectacle of proof before the world of your title by genocide. Nevertheless, we seek peace."

Richard Oakes

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  • DyingOfDeBordom [none/use name]
    ·
    1 month ago

    The eruptor at least seems like a good weapon, I stole one off a guy and it didn't seem to suck ass. I haven't seen a blitzer yet but I really imagine it's going to be dogshit and I fucked myself not getting the eruptor warbond

    • Frank [he/him, he/him]
      ·
      1 month ago

      It's kind of limited right now bc they turned off the shrapnel effect that gives it most of it's damage. I guess it was doing too much friendly fire insta kills but i never saw that. If they fix that, though, it's a really unique and cool primary.

      The blitzer is goofy bc it's an arc weapon but the stuff, infinite ammo, and no need to reload can make it a good cqc choice with strong cc. But it has the same limits as the arc thrower - bodies can block the shot, it can fry your teammates.