Dogma

I am a Sagittarius…born in the beautiful month of December. My father used to call me “arch”…short for “archer”…my sign. When I was young, stupid and easily embarrassed, I hated that nickname. Not so much these days…or in the days when I started to appreciate the idea that my father gave me that nickname not only out of love, but out of understanding of who I was as a person, even at an early age - and one that turns out to be startling accurate. He saw me for who I was as I think most father’s do with their children…probably didn't like me asserting my “person” during my teen years so much, but it only shows his oh so controlled patience towards me being me, or who I was becoming to be. Thank you Dad, I love you for that.

According to the stars, those born under the Sagittarius sign are ruled by the planet Jupiter…we are knowledgeable and philosophical, with a great ability as a communicator…we also are apparently ones to have open minds and a love of learning….oh – and we are very blunt about our thoughts, feelings, and general assessment of the situation, or the world in general. We basically are forthright and straight shooters in life...Sounds great for the most part…but the downside is- and yes - we have our negative traits- none more damning than our bluntness - and it is because of that bluntness the Sagittarius is also easily seen as being dogmatic….which is not the case…or at least, not in mine (in my blunt opinion)…or shall I say, I try very hard to make sure that is not the case in my life in general and mostly when I openly discuss the land in trust >slash< tribal casino situation in Massachusetts. 

The recent “developments” regarding the Wampanoag Tribe of Gayhead are at the very least….interesting. The “opinion” from the NIGC is…..even more interesting…..yet, not quite accurate from my perspective, for many reasons. It also is a development that is much different than the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe except in one minor detail….the truth of the situation. 

The Wampanoag Tribe of Gayhead are gleefully declaring that the Federal Government has given them permission to game on their settlement land in Gayhead….no, they have not. The Wampanoag Tribe of Gayhead says that their claims have been vindicated…no, they have not…and nor will they be unless – no – until…there is an actual official Lands Opinion published by the NICG...which there is not.

Call me dogmatic…but here is what I know…okay…truthfully…here is what I am willing to share about all I know of this situation: The Wampanoag Tribe of Gayhead is claiming that the federal government has given them the green light to open a gaming facility on Martha’s Vinyard on Settlement land granted them by a Congressional Act in 1987. The NIGC opinion that the land is eligible under IGRA is not only greatly flawed, but contradicts an opinion given by the DOI over a decade ago. This same Tribe gave up aboriginal title to said land in order to get the settlement, meaning the land is under local and State jurisdiction and that said same Act clearly lays out the who, what, where, when and why of government jurisdiction and the how (if any) way gaming can be conducted on that land. Couple that with the things I won’t share right now and will just place into the “other reasons why their claim is premature and ridiculous” category….I am feeling quite confident this is all just another kink in the non-moving wheel of there ever being a tribal casino in Region C….this is not me being dogmatic…it is me being honest with what the real situation is. It will be interesting to see if our State Legislators and State Council can actually connect the dots…be honest and less…ummmmm…dogmatic…about the true situation surrounding LIT for the Mashpee Wampanoag Land in Trust bid as well as the Wampanoag Tribe of Gayhead’s claim to game…

- every dogma must have its day - Carolyn Wells

- believe nothing, no matter where your read it, or who said it, no matter if I have said it, unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense - The Buddha

- be the change you want to see in the world -