While these crimes do occur at Akwesasne, and many other border areas, they involve a small percentage of the population. The ads cite publicized cases, but do not note that tribal police assisted in the investigations and arrests of culprits. The transparent setup by casino mogul Donald Trump, who sees a competitive threat to his Atlantic City, N.J., casinos, makes sense. It is in his interest to limit tribal gaming in states surrounding his enterprises. This is the group stimulating legislative action.
Emotions are very high right now over Indian sovereignty, casinos and land claims.
In the eastern United States, there is much active anti-Indian strategizing and lobbying going on. In New York, we are seeing sudden surges, like the one just passed. In Connecticut, a carefully positioned book, poised for Hollywood, scouts for congressional action and threatens to derail recognition to several historic tribes. That needs ongoing consideration. But let's also consider the victory, which has its lessons.