Assistant secretary Dave Anderson says gaming has helped relatively few Indians, according to The Minneapolis Star Tribune.

Anderson spoke with the paper about the recent controversy over his decision to remove himself from gaming matters. He says the Bureau of Indian Affairs has more important things to worry about.

"The real problem in Indian country is the woeful health care, high alcoholism, drug abuse, high suicide rates and unemployment," Anderson tells the paper. "It's not the result of an ineffective bureau. It is solely, solely, the result of young people growing up without hope."

Anderson says he is trying to promote healthy lifestyles to Indian families. He says he has lost 30 pounds since taking office.

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Dave gets grilled on the Hill (The Minneapolis Star Tribune 6/14)
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