The Man Who Knew Indians

There is a common theme in western literature which has been titled by some scholars as "The Man Who Knew Indians." The concept of this theme is that in order to overcome the enemy you must first understand who they are, what they believe, and more importantly how they fight.
Typcially such a story theme revolves around a beleaguered outpost or a cavalry troop, or perhaps an isolated wagon train out on the trail. The men in the story are often led by a foolish or stubborn officer, or perhaps influenced by a pacifist preacher. Such leaders refuse to fight the enemy on their own terms, prefering instead to "Go by the Book" or perhaps "Follow the Good book." The soldiers or settlers are about to be wiped out due to such stupidity when a scout, experienced cowboy, or half breed Indian steps in and saves the day by showing everyone how to fight like an Indian.
Three classic stories that best illustrate this theme are Arrowhead with Charlton Heston, Fort Apache with Henry Fonda and John Wayne, and The Last Wagon with Richard Widmark.
The introduction in a story of a man who knows Indians, although not usually politically correct, allows the author or director to explain the motives or tactics of an otherwise unfathomable enemy. Typically the hero was either raised by or married to an Indian and can therefore relate to their plight. Describing the character's personal experiences allows the author to paint a more sympathetic portrait of the enemy, although of course the purpose of this hero is to help his own people fight them.
Inherent in this theme of course is the portrayal of the command structure as inherently wrong. Stupidity, stubborness, ignorance or racism all create a situation where the enemy (Indians) are about to win. "If we could only reason with them and talk to them like Christians"
is a favorite line, usually followed by a white flag, or perhaps a Bible held high by some holier- than-thou preacher, who is then often greeted with an arrow in the chest or a bullet to the head. The "Man Who Knows Indians" could see this coming but no one will listen to him as he is often viewed as an outcast, or someone who is racial interior for "knowing Indians" in the first place. It isn't until it is almost too late that he is finally listened to and allowed to save the day.
Perhaps if one considers the events of today this theme isn't as out of date as one might suspect. You only have to listen to the far left liberal politicians and others who suggest that we sit down with the terrorists and try to talk things out like good Christians. (Sound familiar?)
When a terrorist leader is killed everyone feels safer, but nobody wants to know who authorized it or is willing to take credit for the initiative.
There is now abundant evidence that the Clinton administration had several opportunities to eliminate Osam Bin Laden well before 911, yet failed to heed the advice of those military men who "knew the terrorists". This same group of military- hating pacifists are once again urging us, the beleagured settlers, to abandon the trained "indian fighters" who know the enemy, and instead to try and seek friendly solutions. Just as Fort Apache's Col. Friday (Henry Fonda)died after failing to heed the advice of a trained Indian fighter, (John Wayne), and just as Neville Chamberlain's appeasment policies led to a stronger Nazi Germany, such a course will merely embolden our enemies. Perhaps we should all read more westerns before voting in '08