In a statement on May 22, by Rhode Island State Senator Juan M. Pichardo, referring to the recent Supreme Court case regarding the Narragansett Indians stated that “he felt very strongly that the tribe has been treated unfairly”. He is also quoted as stating, “The tribe has been trying to provide for their nation’s people and be self sufficient while working in collaboration with the State of Rhode Island.” As you are most certainly aware, the tribe has been trying to have 31 acres of land placed under Federal trust.

The apparent purpose is to permit the Indians to be exempt from local and state laws which would enable them to build a casino on this land. Apparently, Senator Pichardo has not been listening to the citizens of Rhode Island who voted not long ago approximately 2:1 against a casino in this state.

While we support the Indians--and any other individuals or groups--who would pursue legal business ventures, we do so as law-abiding citizens of this state and community. By allowing anyone to be exempt from such laws by having their land placed in a trust puts them in diametric opposition to these laws and subjects the Town of Charlestown and its citizens to an unwanted facility: a casino. There is nothing preventing the Indians from engaging in economic development—provided it is within the guidelines established for ALL citizens.

As citizens of Charlestown, RI, we are gravely concerned about the position taken by Senator Pichardo. There is nothing to indicate that the Indians are being treated unfairly nor, it would appear, have they been “…working in collaboration with the State…” We would challenge the Senator to back up these statements with facts instead of sympathetic words.

A casino or any other venture neither permitted nor desired by the citizens of Charlestown and of Rhode Island, would destroy the environment of this town forever. The laws written that prohibit such ventures are there to protect the majority. Yet, the majority are being asked to relinquish their rights as guaranteed by the Constitution for the benefit of a very few.

We respectfully submit our objections as specified above and ask that you consider the rights and responsibilities of everyone when, as representatives of a democratic society, you cast your vote on this issue.