Louis Riel

Louis Riel

Louis Riel should not have been hung because he represented those who couldn't represent themselves.

Louis Riel was disappointed with the way the Métis were, so he took it upon himself to represent the Métis and their rights. Even though the actions that followed, such as keeping the new governor out the colony, was illegal and very wrong. Riel risked it for the rights of the Métis. As for Thomas Scott, Riel has absolutely no legal right to have him shot, but Riel himself never touched a gun for that purpose. He had a firing squad shoot Scott. Although, Riel may have ordered the squad to shoot, but the men could have backed down, no matter how powerful Riel seemed.

After the rebellion, he was elected by Manitoba to sit in the House of Commons. Riel went to Ottawa but was not allowed to sit as a member in the House, for he was threatened by many to be shot if he appeared in the House. This was the mistake of the government. They should have sopped the nonsense and threats. For Riel was a man of ideas. He was a man who was knowledged in the government. It was obvious since he formed his own government. Riel would have been an asset to the Canadian government.

In 1884, Gabriel Dumont rode to Montana and asked Riel to defend the Métis once again. Riel returned to help the natives once more. Riel was risking capture when he returned. This was a very noble act on his part. Instead of staying nice and safe in Montana, Riel gave up his safety for the Métis. Riel decided to try an unviolent approach this time instead of starting an all out rebellion. Riel and the Métis drew up a petition and presented it to the government. The petition, which demanded more food and money for the natives, was looked over but not acted upon. The petition was fair in all parts but the government turned it down. It only demanded that what belonged to the natives be returned.

In early...

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  • Submitted by: blaine
  • Date Submitted: 05/24/2008 04:29 PM
  • Category: Biographies
  • Words: 590
  • Pages: 3
  • Views: 86
  • Popularity Rank: 3031

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