Allow new tribal casino

The name of this city is “Spokane.” It’s not “Kalispel.” Yet the so-called leaders of Spokane and the local paper keep fighting the efforts of the Spokane Tribe to build their casino.

My own mother caught wild salmon at the mouth of the Spokane River as little girl. I believe the Spokanes have the right to build a casino in Riverfront Park if they want to. The tribe has jumped through all the hoops to try and satisfy all the naysayers, yet they get the door slammed in their face.

The Kalispels have a monopoly, and I am sure they pay a hefty price to keep everyone happy. How can you justify opening the door for the Kalispels and slam it in the face of the tribe that gave the city its name? It’s called politics, and anyone with common sense can see that. If you don’t want to go to a casino, you don’t have to. If you do want to go, you should have a choice.

Quit using Fairchild Air Force Base as an excuse. The U.S. Air Force has not stated publicly the casino is a threat. The elite few can’t decide for the masses.

Daniel Russell

Spokane