Editorial: Seminole Tribe's illegal gambling

Thursday, September 25, 2008  

"Illegal gambling is occurring in the State of Florida thanks to an unauthorized agreement negotiated by Gov. Charlie Crist with the Seminole Tribe—even though the state’s Supreme Court has invalidated the compact. Incredibly, the governor—whose duty is to execute the law—is doing nothing to stop this outrageous situation.

In light of the governor’s inaction—seemingly in the hopes that his upcoming appointments to the state highest court may permit the matter to be revisited with a favorable result—on Sept. 19 Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum was required to ask a federal commission to stop the Seminole Tribe of Florida from playing the illegal games at its casinos.

In July, the Florida Supreme Court unanimously overturned an agreement between Crist and the Seminole Indian Tribe allowing expanded gambling at its casinos, siding with House Speaker Marco Rubio. On Sept. 11, the court rejected motions from the governor and the Seminoles seeking a rehearing.

And yet, the illegal games continue—and Crist is doing nothing to stop them."

Get the Story:
Editorial: Obey the law, Gov. Crist (The Florida Baptist Witness 9/25)