Thread: McCain calls Indian gaming, immigration 'out of control'

http://www.normantranscript.com/localne ... _252004102

Published: September 09, 2006 12:00 am

McCain calls Indian gaming, immigration 'out of control'

The Norman Transcript

Transcript Staff Writer

OKLAHOMA CITY -- John McCain has passed the torch.

McCain, Arizona's senior U.S. senator, spoke Friday night at the Oklahoma Petroleum Club in Oklahoma City. He commended fellow Republican and Oklahoma junior Sen. Tom Coburn for becoming the new leader in the Senate against excessive federal spending.

"Our Republican base is unhappy with the fact that we have been unable to restrain spending in Washington," McCain said. "Tom Coburn has assumed a leadership role. He's taken from me the title of Miss Congeniality in the Senate and the fact is that he's done a great job."

While Coburn and McCain have fought for reduced spending, McCain said two other issues are currently out of control: Indian gaming and illegal immigration.

McCain, who chairs the Indian Affairs Committee, said something must be done to regulate Indian gaming across the country.

"It's probably too late, but I do believe that Indian gaming in America, not just in Oklahoma, needs much greater oversight," McCain said. "What you try to work is to increase the budget and size and capability of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Commission and also prohibit further abuses, such as taking land into trust without the local input of governments directly affected by Indian gaming operations. We've been trying very hard and I can tell you that we are not successful."

Another issue McCain discussed was illegal immigration. He said there are many issues that need to addressed, including border security and how to manage illegals already living and working in the United States.

"(Illegal immigration) is a product of 40 to 50 years of failed policy," McCain said. "We have broken borders and our first priority is to fix those borders. The president and I and others believe that after we secure the borders, we need to somehow resolve the issue of 11 to 12 million that are in this country illegally."

Despite "broken borders," McCain said he believed the country is safer today than it was five years ago, when terrorists attacked the World Trade Center and the Pentagon on 9-11.

"I believe the country is safer, but I do not believe the country is safe," McCain said. "The fact that we've not had another attack since 9-11 is testimony that we've made improvements. Some people would say we were just lucky. I don't think so. I think that the president and this administration deserve credit that we have not had attacks since 9-11."

Tom Daxon, Oklahoma Republican Party chairman, applauded McCain's visit to Oklahoma City.

"Senator John McCain has been a strong leader in public life for our country for many years," Daxon said. "Because of his leadership and service, John McCain could very well be the next president of the United States. It is an honor to host him in the state and we appreciate his desire to help the Oklahoma Republican Party."

Althea Peterson 366-3539 apeterson@normantranscript.com

Pure McCain BS.

"Our Republican base is unhappy with the fact that we have been unable to restrain spending in Washington," McCain said.

While Coburn and McCain have fought for reduced spending ...

But, maybe we could spend a little more on my pet project.

"What you try to work is to increase the budget and size and capability of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Commission

I sent an email with this article and link and the ALIPAC site to my assist. Chief Mike Bailey of the Choctaw Nation in Oklahoma, we will see If I get a return email from Mr. Bailey, if I do I will post it here at Alipac. I let him know I was very unhappy about Senator McCain trying to stick his long nose into the affairs of the Choctaw Nation. We are a soverign nation in our own right and McCain has no business trying to tell us how to run our business esp. after the way he is taking care of America's business! I also let the assist chief know what ALIPAC was all about and posted our site on my email to him. i guess it must gripe his ass that we are no longer in need of the Federal government to take care of us, as through our own endeavors we are doing a good job of that ourselves! At one time we were almost totally dependent on the Federal government for our health care and were under the MISMANAGEMENT of the Bureau of Indian Affairs,now thanks to the great leadership of our Chief Pyle, the Choctaw Nation now pays for 90% of our health care benefits. I think Senator McCain is the one who is out of control here!!!

McCain has become a disease to America.

I believe that he's leading the way to do away with the Indian nations for the same reasons of the ignoring of our existing immigration laws, no border security and the continuing of all public documents printed in bilingualism--all part of the preparation of the NAU. States rights and the Indian nations will continue to be attacked.

Let McCain try, if war is what this man wants then war is what he will get!

Nitty,

I just want to say, that if there is any group of people who have a legitimate gripe against our country, it's the American indians. I think that they should have some autonomy on their reservations when it comes to running their business. The Cherokee have a Harah's casino, here in Western North Carolina and it has helped those on the reservation in many ways. As long as there is no law breaking going on, I think the tribes should be given a wide berth by the federal government.

i guess it must gripe his ass that we are no longer in need of the Federal government to take care of us,

The socialist regime must have everyone on the dole if it is to exercise its' power. The Chief should not take McCain lightly.

McCain has become a disease to America.

Gaming is out of control but illegal immigration is a banana!

How this man is even considered a candidate for president ought to tell us all something about the mindset of the national GOP. Jeez Louise!

WavTek, thank you so much for the support! I don't know just what McCain thinks he is doing but I am dam sure going to find out! The Choctaw Nation is a soverign nation, here in Okla, we don't live on a reservation but the Choctaw and the rest of the 5 civilized tribes here all own land, it is not federal land it is Indian land we own it in fact if anyone is arrested on Choctaw land it has to be done by the choctaw tribal police not by local, state and federal unless they have permission from our Chief and tribal members. I think the leaders of this country see the Indians doing well with their gaming industry and want to cash in on it I know Arnold tried that in CA, so far he has not been able to touch the Native gambling there. It's sticking in their craw that we are no longer dependent on them! I am going to write Senator McCain a scalding letter and let him know we are watching his underhanded ways of trying to cash in on the Indians it is not going to work here, if any one wants to they can google McCain and find out how he tried to steal water rights out from under some Arizona tribe. I don't think McCain knows just how many of us "Indians" there are he wants to play hard ball he will lose most of the Native votes out there, this man is an idiot and the sooner more people know that the better! He is cutting his own throat as far as running for President! I just hope to God when it comes time for him to be re-elected the people of Arizona kick his butt to the curb!