And now:Ish <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes: Well, way to go, Billy Ray! Return-path: [EMAIL PROTECTED] From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Full-name: AOL News Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Fri, 16 Apr 1999 16:59:22 EDT Subject: Billy Ray Cyrus Links Kosovo to Trail of Tear Billy Ray Cyrus Links Kosovo to Trail of Tears BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., April 16 /PRNewswire/ -- The media has picked up on the observations of country music star Billy Ray Cyrus, who is correlating the plight of the refugees of the Kosovo conflict to the United States' own shameful drive of the original Native Americans from their homeland -- the so-called Trail of Tears. Cyrus initially made the observation during a panel discussion on the nationally syndicated "Leeza" television program. Reporters and radio stations across the country have reported on the popular singer/actor's evaluation and are requesting additional commentary. Paul Harvey, on his national radio broadcast, recently praised Cyrus on his insight in the matter in addition to the humanitarian content of his music and many charitable endeavors. Cyrus, through songs on his albums, has previously documented such historical chapters as "The Tail of Tears," and "Some Gave All," a tribute to all veterans of war. One hundred sixty years ago (1838-1839) the U.S. federal government drove Native Americans from their traditional homes in Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina and Georgia, to barren encampments (later known as reservations) in Oklahoma. Along the way entire villages and families, including women and children, endured inhumane hardships such as starvation, disease, freezing cold, rape and even murder -- "ethnic cleansing, not unlike Kosovo," states Cyrus. More than 3000 Cherokee died on the drive, 1600 in stockades and the same number en route. 800 more died in 1839 in Oklahoma. Cyrus, who is a supporter of Native American issues and other worthy causes, through his Billy Ray Cyrus Foundation, has a section of the original Trail of Tears running near his Nashville, Tennessee-area farm. This led to his research and concern on the subject. Please contact Luck Media & Marketing, Inc. for additional information regarding Billy Ray Cyrus. SOURCE Billy Ray Cyrus CO: ST: California 04/16/99 16:58 EDT http://www.prnewswire.com &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& Tsonkwadiyonrat (We are ONE Spirit) Unenh onhwa' Awayaton http://www.tdi.net/ishgooda/ &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
