By Mark David Blum, Esq.
Remember back in Junior High School, there was always this one kid who had no friends, who always did their homework, and who tattled whenever someone broke the rules. We all know people like that. Some of us, at one time or another, may have been that person.
I think I have found an enclave of such persons located in Madison and Oneida Counties. They run under the name of U.C.E. I have grown to dislike them and their politics.
Here’s why …
This region is rich in early American history and there are disputed claims between the local Indian tribes and the ‘white settlers’. The Indians maintain the land is theirs by grant and treaty. UCE and local municipalities argue against and say the land belongs to the State. So far, the Courts have agreed with the White People. At stake here are millions of dollars in tax revenues.
But, for UCE, that is not good enough. Not only did they seek to secure title to the land, but UCE openly and aggressively attacks Indians in general and is opening legal attacks on successful Indian enterprises.
Where this hits home with you and me is at the Turning Stone. UCE has led a charge across the State continually arguing that New York has a Constitutional ban on Class 3 gambling (the fun stuff) requiring all the casinos scale back to ‘bingo halls’. UCE has openly lobbied to prevent the Turning Stone from serving alcohol. UCE also led the charge to ban smoking from the casino as well.
Now, UCE wants the Casinos closed down completely; putting hundreds out of work and costing the community millions of dollars in revenues. The sole basis for their argument is the previous declaration of the Supreme Court that the White People own the land; not the Indians.
Superficially, UCE has a valid point. Casinos should comply with the law. Alcohol should not be served in illegal gambling halls. Smoking is banned from public places in New York. Everybody pays taxes. They are justified in claiming that everybody should comply with the same laws. I agree.
In reading their text and arguments on their website is how this entire crusade of theirs has nothing to do with title to the land. Instead, UCE’s fight is about legislating their own backwoods hillbilly morality. Their complaint is not that the compact between the governor and the tribe is illegal. The real issue for UCE is that they do not want gambling in New York. Local tribes are just the patsies for the Christianist dogma attitude.
Moreover, since no self respecting UCE person would ever set foot into the Turning Stone, the concern about air quality inside seems a tad disingenuous. I tend to believe the insistence that the Casino now comply with New York’s Clean Indoor Air Act is more directed at causing financial harm to the casino and to make it less desirable to the general public. UCE is now fighting tooth and nail to prevent the application by the Turning Stone for a liquor license.
UCE is just a disguise for the morality police. Their primary objection is to people having fun. While they may enjoy spending their days writing letters to Congressmen and Senators and filing lawsuits against various tribes and government officials, some of us like to enjoy life. UCE seems to be an amalgamation of very angry people, disappointed in their personal lives, who only find validation in bringing down the joy and peace of others. Perhaps it is something far more sinister: Maybe, they just don't like people who gamble, or people who smoke, or who drink alcohol, or who have money enough to gamble. It could be something as simple as petty pathetic childish jealousy.
I wish them well.
If I were the tribe, I would shut down the Casino, close all tribal businesses, and leave the area.
Let UCE feel the pain.
Comon LUCKY SEVEN !!!
*for more information on UCE, read http://www.upstate-citizens.org/gambling.htm
