On casinos, federal aid, tribes want it both ways
As I read the article regarding the Navajo Nation wanting the federal government to fund its housing project, I became quite offended. The Navajo Nation has I believe three or four fully operating and quite profitable casinos that belong to the tribe. Doing just some cursory searching, it is very clear that this housing project could very easily be funded from the proceeds of these casinos!
Various articles throughout all media have talked about how the tribes around New Mexico are always trying to reduce the amount they pay to the state out of the profits of the casinos. The tribes also are constantly bellowing about their “sovereign rights” whenever an issue comes up where they may have to abide by state, local, and/or federal laws. If an entity claims that it is immune from various laws from the United States of America, then don’t come begging with hat in hand for money for a project that could be funded by their own casinos! What about using $100 million to build houses for disabled veterans? What about using that much money to pay all the families who struggle because alimony and/or child support payments are not being paid?
Non-Indians are not allowed to have huge casinos because tribes fought very hard to be the only entities allowed casinos. Also, verified members of tribes do not pay income taxes. Full disclosure: I do not file income taxes either, but I had to serve my country in the Air Force, and only because I am now 100 percent disabled am I able to not file taxes.
How hypocritical that only one type of people can be allowed to have casinos; if that is not pure discrimination, what is? I find it very sad that the tribes claim poverty when they need funds, but fight tooth and nail against anyone else in a free country being allowed to build casinos.
In reality, anyone born in this great country is a native American! Allowing only one group to have casinos is what appears to be the biggest running joke in this country.
BARRY L. DAVIS Albuquerque