Who runs California's Modern Indian War? - A few facts
This was originally written during the time leading up to the vote on Proposition 5, leaving the information a little dated.
I realize that few people would think that this site is part of anything bigger than one motivated person because of its' simple design. I feel, though, that it is important to point out that this site is not here because of funding by either side of the debate but that it is here because of my strong conviction on this issue. I feel that Native Americans have been kicked around enough throughout history. We must stop it from happening now. We must stop it from adversely affecting Native Americans into the 21st Century.
A few facts:
Who is the author of this site?
I am a Caucasian male with a full-time job for a public utility provider. I am not affiliated with any entity connected to this issue. I am engaged to a wonderful woman and have a 3 year old son to whom I also devote my time away from my full-time job. Of the time I have left over, I am strongly motivated to work on this web site, which is a one man operation.
Is there any income from running the site?
The below info regarding no ads was originally the case. Several months after the vote on Prop. 5, I added a few ads which have not generated any kind of income as of this revision.(6/24/99) The book links provide a 5% commission, but do not send a payment until a commission of $50 is reached, or total sales of $1000 worth of books.
Absolutely none. The opposite is true - as time is money - it is only being spent at this site. The banners at the bottom of the page include: Geocities - in return for the web space, Freestats - in return for the free statistics service, and Dewa - whose graphics I have used from time to time. No entities, including Native American gaming proponents, provide any money or gifts to myself, the sole operator of this site.
What are the author's basic arguments for Native gaming?
1. You don't have to be for or against casinos to support the rights of Native Americans to have gaming establishments on their own sovereign reservations. Please consider that the land they were given was an infinitesimal portion of the land that was original taken from them, and that the tribal entities are intended to be separate, sovereign governments.
2. Native gaming has helped raise tribes out of poverty. It has given them a means of self-sufficiency on land that, in many cases, was not economically viable due to its' geographic location.
3. Gaming is legal throughout many parts of the county. It is not the evil that opponents make it out to be. If it were a real threat, like murder or illicit drugs, it would be outlawed throughout the U.S., and we would not have things like a State-run lottery.
Who is the opposition?
1. Nevada interests: Casinos & Hotels, the Nevada Resort Association, & Nevada politicians. Should they really have a say in this California issue?
2. Horse racing and Card room operations in California: Economically, it is in their best interest to eliminate any competition.
3. Entertainment companies including Disney: They also would like to hold back competition.
4. Labor Unions: Would likely want to assure that they have a place in the work force at any gaming establishments before they would support them.
5. Religious groups: I think it is suffice to say that, although religious groups do a lot of good, they should allow Native Americans to make their own decision on this harmless enterprise which helps bring them out of poverty and into self-sufficiency.