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PACT
Responds to DeFazio Comments
Recently, Congressman DeFazio submitted a Guest Viewpoint to a local newspaper, the Siuslaw News. This is PACT's response. April 7, 2004 I am encouraged by Congressman Peter DeFazio’s March 31 Guest Viewpoint responding to my criticism that he and other elected officials have failed to address concerns raised by the Florence casino. I am encouraged because it suggests that Congressman DeFazio recognizes that the detrimental effects of a casino on an off-reservation community cannot be ignored even though, in the words of one official, the issue is “politically radioactive.” People attempting to preserve the character and strengths of the community in which they live can generate a lot of heat. The Florence casino is a local manifestation of the “reservation shopping” problem that is confronting dozens of communities victimized by an ill-conceived, ill-administered federal policy that has been hijacked by well-financed, commercial gambling interests hiding behind a façade of tribal economic self-sufficiency. According to the New York Times (3/29/04), there are now 291 groups seeking federal recognition as tribes, and many have already signed with investors seeking a piece of the nation's $15-billion-a-year Indian gambling industry. Of the groups awaiting final determinations from the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs, two-thirds have casino investors bankrolling them. Politics being what they are, Congressman DeFazio would lay the problem at the feet of the Bush administration. Truth be known, the problem is truly bipartisan. The abuses have accumulated under every administration since the passage of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988 and, during that time, have been ignored by every Congress. Not coincidentally, political contributions by casino interests have increased proportionally as Indian casino gambling has grown into a multi-billion dollar a year industry. Congressman DeFazio expresses his frustration in getting no response to his request for a hearing from the chair of the House Committee on Resources. Being “politically radioactive”, we understand the frustration of being ignored. Congressman DeFazio, nevertheless, will have the opportunity to actively participate in the Committee on Resources hearing scheduled for next month at the request of the bipartisan Connecticut congressional delegation. Closer to home, Congressman DeFazio states, “the controversy surrounding the siting of a casino in Florence is a matter for state officials and the Bush Administration.” This lament ignores three salient points: the governor has turned his back on the concerns of the Florence community and the state’s constitutional prohibition of casinos; no state or federal elected or appointed official has stepped forward to speak up for those concerns; and, most importantly, any real solution to these problems lies solely and exclusively with Congress. We understand that Congressman DeFazio may not carry much weight with the current Republican administration. However, we hope that he will intercede, on behalf of his Western Lane County constituents, with Oregon’s Democratic governor to recognize their legitimate concerns as provided in the State-Tribal Gaming Compact. I encourage all concerned about the ramifications of Florence becoming a casino town to join me in thanking Congressman DeFazio for his awareness and to encourage him to vigorously pursue protection for local communities targeted for casino exploitation. Susie Dewberry PACT President Write to: U.S. Representative Peter DeFazio 151 West 7th, Suite 400 Eugene, Oregon 97401 Phone: (541) 465-6732 Toll Free from Oregon: 1-800-944-9603 Fax: 541-465-6458 e-mail form: http://defazio.house.gov/ContactMe.shtml |
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