Editorial: Reject non-Indian gaming in Oregon this November

Monday, October 11, 2010  

"Whether you gamble or not, most people would agree Oregon's Indian tribes provide the state with plenty of slot machines and blackjack tables. We don't need non-tribal casinos too.

A measure on the Nov. 2 ballot is written to allow a single non-tribal casino on the site of Portland's former dog track. But one non-tribal casino is surely just the start. Once the first is built, other would-be casino operators will demand the same opportunity statewide.

The prospect of rampant casino development is the main reason (but not the only one) for Oregon voters to turn down Ballot Measure 75.

For moral and sociological reasons, a lot of people would prefer to ban all casinos. That viewpoint has merit, but the point is moot. Federal law says states with lotteries must allow tribal gambling. The requirement provides a modest payback for white culture's historical devastation of native society.

In the Bay Area, our tribal casino has turned out to be a pretty good neighbor. The Coquille Indian Tribe's business arm provides hundreds of jobs, mostly to non-Indians. Casino revenue has made the tribe prosperous, allowing it to provide health coverage and other benefits to its members while bankrolling other investments in the local economy. The tribe also is a significant supporter of nonprofit organizations."

Get the Story:
Editorial: We have enough casinos already (The Coos Bay World 10/8)