Quote:
Originally posted by Kristin AGD
They are building a resort style casino out by where my Dad lives. (North of Tulsa) I love casinos. And I never go out to Shreveport. I will probably visit my Dad a bit more often. 
But I do feel bad. This is Oklahoma, these are not rich communities. There are a minority of well off individuals in these smaller towns. Poor people with a predisposition to drinking and gambling problems are only going to sink lower with the influx of all these casinos. I have to wonder if these casinos are going to truly benefit the Native American population in these communities. 
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I think in Oklahoma the situation kind of stinks. NA Casino money is finding its way into places it really shouldn't go. I attended (as a member of the media) Brad Henry's victory/watch party (newly elected OK governor, Democrat). I can tell you that a very good number of NA contributors were there. Very rich folks by the way they were dressed.
It seems really crooked to me that a few folks NA and even non NA's are getting rich while the majority of the tribe lives in poverty, not having close to the number of opportunities their rich leaders do.
Some tribes opt to send out paychecks to all on their roles. Others put the money into development on the reservations. I'm for anything that gives people the opportunity to improve their lives, I'm just not convinced that these operations are doing more good than harm.