American Indians and reserves

[TimtheGuy]

Originally Posted by Auntie Bob

Sorry but, I'm a little skeptical. I haven't seen Government get into too many things that didn't eventually get royally mucked up. I don't think I want them opening casinos.
Besides, I think it's about time the bands have a way to make some real money. It sure bothers a lot of people that they are actually doing it and they can't get their hands on any of it though. Kinda like back in the old days when gold was discovered in the sacred lands of the Black Hills. Of course, we know how that one turned out for the NA people. I'm sure that in time, the Government will figure out a way to take the gambling away too.

I didn't mean the government would run the joints. No way. I meant "public" as non-native owned. I would want them run by the Harrah's, MGMs, Wynns or private investors of the world. They would produce major tax dollars and much better jobs than the native casinos. They would also offer a much better place for players as they would be much more regulated.

[Minnehahapolitan]

Originally Posted by TimtheGuy

I didn't mean the government would run the joints. No way. I meant "public" as non-native owned. I would want them run by the Harrah's, MGMs, Wynns or private investors of the world. They would produce major tax dollars and much better jobs than the native casinos. They would also offer a much better place for players as they would be much more regulated.

Tht would be dandy if not for every piece of historical evidence that should cause a conclusion to the contrary. Their land was taken, they were literally told to eat grass, their populations were killed, their children were forcibly educated by the government, they were de facto relegated to reservations which make any urban ghetto look like The Garden of Eden. The only thing that keeps most American Indians from reverting to what is literally the most extreme poverty in America is casino revenues. I would rather have my conscience than have casinos run by Las Vegas gurus. the state makes sufficient taxes with the current system. Any added revenue in Saint Paul would be blood money. This city is home to Bellecourt, Little Earth and The American Indian Movement. Mpls. is the epicenter for urban Indian culture in America. This state will sell casinos to profiteers over dead bodies. What is wrong with the current casinos? The jobs are good paying, they are well used by players, they are well maintained and provide for Indians and non-Indians alike. Why would someone toy with that? This isn't Atlantic city; I really don't give a damn how well the casinos are run.

[my54ford]

You are right though, history shows that things will continue to change. At least until such time as we've destroyed so much of the earth and depleted so much of the environment, rendering it inhabitable that no one feels that it's worth fighting to get more of

it.

Hogwash! thats the defination of a hunter gatherer tribe! Live in one place till it can't support life then move on, kill whoever is in your new spot then start over....... Sounds like indeginious people to me. Frankly I can't get over the boldness of people who think that mere man can destroy something created by GOD....

[golfgal]

This tread is taking a wrong turn.