"'I think the Indians have overreached with this,' observed Bob Stern, president of the L.A.-based Center for Governmental Studies.

They have -- in that they've written themselves a better deal than they could negotiate with the governor and the Legislature.

When Californians overwhelmingly approved Indian gambling, they probably thought that the limit of 2,000 slots per casino would mean something. Six years later, it means that they are being asked to approve a measure that effectively would blow off the lid as a reward for backing away from a deal that would help this broke state.

It's as if the measures' backers looked at voters and saw the word 'sucker' inscribed across their foreheads."

Get the Story:
Debra Saunders: Do you feel lucky? (The San Francisco Chronicle 9/26)