Opinion: Poarch Creeks need state to protect gaming enterprise

The State of Alabama is currently suing the Poarch Creek Indians before the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals. In 2009, the U.S. Supreme Court held in Carcieri v. Salazar that the federal government could not take land into trust from tribes that were recognized after 1934. The Poarch Creeks were not recognized until 1984.

If the Poarch Creeks lose on appeal, the tribe's gaming operations would be subject to current Alabama law. That's a possible shutdown scenario the Poarch Creeks can't risk, and a decision from the appellate court could come at any time.

You can't blame the tribe for trying to protect its business interests, but that's the problem with cutting a classic sweetheart deal. It will inevitably create a money train for the political class designed to keep out market-driven competition and protect a singular interest.

If our elected representatives in Alabama think we need to have gambling in Alabama, then they should simply put it to a vote and let the cards fall where they may. Rigging the game in favor of a few is begging for more of the same corruption and cronyism that have plagued Alabama for far too long.