Wednesday, November 23, 2016

The Native American nations need to join with the other organizations of casinos to bring about a better understanding of their culture.

Artist Lou Ann Merkle (left) and former Philadelphia restaurateur Judy Wicks with Merkle’s banner they will be taking to the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation in North Dakota in support of those protesting a pipeline (“Wopila” means “Thanks” in Lakota Sioux). Wicks has arranged donations to feed 2000 people at a Thanksgiving dinner.



November 23, 2016

By Jeff Gammage

People know Judy Wicks (click here) as the founder of the popular White Dog Cafe, but she won't be serving Thanksgiving dinner to anyone in Philadelphia this year.

She'll be 1,635 miles west, at the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation in North Dakota, where hundreds of American Indians are leading a tense protest against construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline.

Wicks organized a 50-person brigade to provide a hearty Thanksgiving dinner to demonstrators - given in gratitude, she said, to those who have put themselves on the dangerous front line of a battle over clean water....

There is every reason for casinos, including those of the Native American nations, to form a coalition and solve the problems they face. Just because Donald Trump is a business man and involved with casinos there are valid reasons for him to receive a delegation of casinos to bring about an understanding of their problems and pitfalls. 

The Native American nations have a very interesting history, including the development of casinos on their land. The casinos helped raise the Native American nations out of poverty. They own successful casinos and hotels. I think the Native Americans can bring a special understanding of their culture to facilitate an improved relationship with the president-elect.

This is not slight of hand or tricky words, it is a man elected into the executive branch of the USA who can bring about effective legislation that would address the unique business of casinos, including that of the Native American casinos. The casinos were necessary to develop to improve the lives of the Native American tribes. It is best these cultures are protected and not exploited by lobbyists who cause them more harm than help.

I might add, Donald Trump ran a campaign that did not depend on corporate monies. In that lies the reality he never wanted entanglements with American business of any kind. I am sure there were donations that can be called up as questionable and most probably should; but, the fact his primary run depended heavily on free media exposure, the conflict of interest is minimized.

The truth is the truth. Donald Trump was the one person in the Tea Party that could run for the presidency without finger pointing to corruption. If Donald Trump can have a White House without crony corruption he will sincerely impress the American people.

I see Argentina is not among the current holdings. (click here)