A mexican, a white man an american indian are in Saudi Arabia. They are all
sharing a smuggled crate of booze.  All of a sudden, Saudi police rush in and
arrest them. 

The mere possession of alcohol is a severe offense in Saudi Arabia. For the
terrible crime of being caught consuming booze, they could all be sentenced
to death! 

However, by a stroke of luck, it was a Saudi national holiday on the day of
their sentencing. So, the extremely kind Sheikh decided they could all be
released after receiving just 20 lashes from a whip. 

They were preparing for their punishment when the Sheikh announced: "It's my
first wife's birthday today, and she has asked me to allow each of you one
wish before your whipping." 

The mexican was in line first; he thought for a while and said: "Please tie a
pillow to my back." 

This was done, but the pillow only lasted 10 lashes before the whip tore
through. The Mexican had to be carried away bleeding and crying in pain. 

The white man was up next. After watching the mexican in horror, he said
smugly: "Please fix two pillows to my back." This was done, but even two
pillows only lasted 15 lashes before the whip tore through again. The white
man was soon led away bleeding and crying also. 
 
The Indian was up last, but before he could say anything, The Sheikh turned to
him and said: "I have never met an Indian in Saudi Arabia.  Your culture is one
of the finest in the world.  For these reasons, you may have two wishes!" 

"Thank you, your Most Royal and Merciful Highness", the Indian replied. "In
recognition of your kindness, my first wish is that you give me not 20, but
100 lashes." 

"Not only are you an honorable, handsome and powerful man, you are also very
brave. If 100 lashes is what you desire, then so be it. And your second wish?"
the Sheikh asked.  

The Indian replied: "Tie the white man to my back." 

 

[110 years after the Indian resistance to white occupation ended the Indians'
sentiment of having been treated unjustly lives on even in expressions of
humor.  After all these years of resistance, I hope the Palestinians will
not have to achieve illusory vindication in a joke, but a real vindication
deeply rooted in the reality of being their own masters in their own land.
However, if vindication in a joke is what the future holds for them, I hope
that  it is only an ebb in fortune's tide that will lead to their triumph over
their oppressors.  Nevertheless, even if the injustice done to the Palestinians
is righted, we cannot fully celebrate without achieving a similar vindication
for the American Indian. How can we be happy when everywhere we go in this
countr! y there are signs that an enormous crime was committed and the
injustice done has never been righted?