I read Mr. Parlato's commentary (on March 22) pertaining to the "unfair advantages" the Senecas have at their Casinos and in their smoke shops. After reading it the first time, I got the impression that Mr. Parlato was just another hate spewing, whites-only racist. As soon as my initial appall over his rambling diatribe subsided, I realized that his views are just those of a small, ignorant man.
What racial or ethnic groups deserve different rules than others in the United States? How about those that have treaties with the federal government? African-Americans, Latino-Americans, Jews or Muslims don't have treaties with Uncle Sam, but we do. All of them broken, too. We’re not looking for reparations, handouts, or pity from the government, but upholding their end of countless treaties would be nice.
The casino is taking away business from mall-type stores (electronics, clothing, jewelry, etc.) because of their tax-free advantage? Apparently, Mr. Parlato has never set foot inside Seneca Niagara Casino, or he would know that all goods are marked up extremely high, sold almost entirely to players club members cashing in their comp dollars. Then again, it sounds like Mr. Parlato wouldn't care to sit at the blackjack table with any common man dressed in a T-shirt and blue jeans.
Mr. Parlato suggests a protest by burning tires on the roads leading to the casino. More power to you! Throughout American history, people have used protests of action when peaceful assembly has not worked.
Of course, these protests are only used as a last resort, when those backed into a corner feel actions speak louder than words. Ever hear of the Boston Tea Party, Whiskey Rebellion, or Harper’s Ferry?
What about the convention center being taken over by the Senecas? Please, that dump was heading nowhere fast! Any convention-goers would immediately head to Niagara Falls, Ontario, to spend their entertainment dollar. Now, as the casino grows and grows, local politicians fight over who gets the millions and millions in slot revenue (Unless they're in front of a camera, then it’s all smiles and hugs).
Forgive me, Frank, if I don’t shed a tear over your borderline racist, self-serving commentary. To me, it just sounds like the babbling of an ignorant man.
