FROM THE ARCHIVE
Opinion: Assimilate the Asians
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FRIDAY, MAY 3, 2002

"There appears to be a culture clash happening around Indian Country here in Connecticut, and it's not between the Yankees and the Indians.

It's between those who walk and those who drive.

The walkers are mostly Asian immigrants from New York City who've come to work at Foxwoods Resort Casino and Mohegan Sun, and they've brought some of their customs, like daily aerobic exercise and conserving space, along with them.

They'll learn.

Not long ago the shocking news emerged that a number of these casino employees are actually walking to work, wearing trails through residential neighborhoods and crossing busy highways that aren't meant to bear any human imprint.

Even motorists who've had unexpected encounters with deer and other wildlife are totally unprepared to dodge the nation's most endangered species, the common pedestrian.

On top of that, some of these Asian workers are apparently sharing beds in single-family houses, sleeping in shifts to save money. And instead of saving up for their own high-priced digs, many are said to be sending money back home to their families.

How will the property tax base expand if this keeps up?"

Get the Story:
Bethe Dufresne: Walk to work; can this really be America? (The New London Day 5/3)

Related Stories:
Mohegan Tribe expands safety measures (4/22)