Editorial: Delay is the 'new' strategy at the BIA

Thursday, May 31, 2007  

"Once again, tribal and municipal leaders have made the long trip to the nation's capital in an effort to move along Beloit's application for a casino and related entertainment attractions.

And, once again, the visit was less than fruitful.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs moves slower than molasses in winter. What was initially billed as a 60-day review now appears open-ended. There's even talk of waiting for new standards for off-reservation casino plans, which may or may not grandfather in proposals like Beloit's, now some 8 years in the making. After all that time, changing the rules at the end of the game would be grossly unfair. But, then, Native Americans are rather experienced at the U.S. government being unfair toward them, so nothing should come as a surprise.

Unfortunately, Washington is all about the politics. The St. Croix and Bad River proposal is solid - 8 years' solid, with the regional experts' favorable conclusion. Does that matter in Washington? Who knows? In that city, what matters is influence and advantage. The shifty doings in D.C. over this application suggest the political game is afoot. The area can only hope its congressional representatives - who ought to know that game - are playing hard on our behalf."

Get the Story:
EDITORIAL: Has delay become the BIA strategy? (The Beloit Daily News 5/31)