"I�ve said it many times in the past, but I will say it again; one of the criteria for federal recognition should be that a new tribe should be denied the opportunity to open a casino until 10 years from the date of recognition. A 10-year waiting period should be a standard part of the federal recognition process. Now how hard would it be to add this stipulation to the recognition process? It would certainly drive away many of the financiers and speculators looking to make a quick buck on the new tribe�s casino operations.

And if a tribal group is honestly seeking federal recognition because of its historic connections as an Indian tribe with a recognized language, culture and traditions, its motives to reclaim this unique status should be pure and should far outweigh any prospects or desires of opening a casino. In other words, its actions should be honorable rather than based on greed.

It seems to me that the United States government, state governments, and Indian governments are seeking to raise revenues by playing to the worst instincts of human nature. Gambling is a game of chance. First of all one must place a bet in order to win. In order to place a bet one must first have the money to do so. Where does that money come from? From a paycheck, a social security check, or a welfare check?"

Get the Story:
Tim Giago: Betting on an uncertain outcome (The Native American Times 5/22)

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