Date: Fri, 09 Jul 1999 01:22:59 -0400
From: mat catastrophe <mat_catastrophe-AT-PunkAss.com>
Subject: Re: info on White Clay???


OOTSONATI-AT-aol.com wrote:

> In a message dated 7/8/99 9:25:53 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
> dcombs-AT-bloomington.in.us writes:
>
> << AIM coming out of hiding after all of these years is a bit loopy.  Damn
>  Pine Ridge has a casino now.  It's so far out of the way no one goes there
>  to play, but they have one.   >>
>
> Its probably good that the Casino isnt making money. The Qualla Boundary in
> NC has one that is really booming, but Harrahs and a few Tribal leaders are
> making all the money from it, not the average Cherokee.
>
> Before the casino was built, the community thought it would be a great way
> for them to make money, and provide job opportunities for the people. However
> after it was almost completed the community realized that the good jobs were
> reserved for out of town folk, and the money they would receive from the
> casino is very little.
>
> Also the town had alot of gift shops, hotels, restraunts, and other
> attractions, which are now closed due to the casino. There are still other
> things to do there, but not as many. Its still a pretty peacefull place to go
> and relax, even though theres more traffic now.

I always hated going to the reservation, even as a kid.  It just seemed wrong
that people would have to sell themselves like that to survive.  Most of what the
average, ignorant tourist sees is merely caricature of Indian culture as it's
been passed down through movies and poorly written (i.e. fixed) textbooks....

Now, the thought has occured to me from time to time that I ought to go to the
casino.  Who knows?  Maybe I could actually win some money and dick Harrah's over
a little bit....

A funny sidenote, before I slip back into lurkerdom....my sis works at an info
place in the area, and when I went in one day to see her, I started checking out
this big cardboard ad for Harrah's off in one corner.  Typical ad stuff,
detailing the features of the casino, including "Culturely Themed Daycare."  And,
no, *I* didn't make that spelling error....two jokes in one, kidz.

later,

--
mat catastrophe
http://www.freespeech.org/mat/
"i'm just waiting to happen..."