John,

I suppose this should evolve into an open discussion at the SHA or some such
conference. I had little doubt that the encomienda evoloved into something
less formal over 300 years, but that the underpinnings influenced how Spanish
authorities dealth with local people when they colonized foreign lands. I feel
apologists for the colonizers are inappropriate, but that is just my opinion. To
say European takeover of native lands was inevitable is like defending the
U.S. concept of Manifest Destiny. I prefer to simple accept that it happened and
study the effects. To say that a small number of Spanish soldiers could
hardly manage thousands of native people is to ignore what actually happened. Why
they accomplished the conquest is a fascinating question, but happen it did and
I dont think we ought to apologize for any European incusion. But that is my
opinion.

Ron May
Legacy 106, Inc.