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Mostly Clear
Dec. 31st, 2006 03:57 pmIt's cold, and mostly clear, on Oneida Nation territory today. From our hotel window on the 11th floor, I can look north and see the cars streaming down the NYS Thruway and, a few miles beyond that, the ridge of hills that define the horizon. Yes, it's a beautiful day in the neighborhood of Oneida Nation CEO, Ray Halbritter.
Ten or fifteen years ago, I designed the roof systems for the first housing the Oneida Nation built for its people from casino proceeds. From then on, I've had a growing sense that what is done here is done for the people. And it's done for people who, historically, have had their homes, culture, livelihoods, the very fabric of a once-thriving society, torn apart by the dominant (white) culture.
So when people complain, as they sometimes do around here, that it's based on gambling and non-payment of taxes, to the state and federal governments that provide their services, I suggest they take a short drive up Rt. 11 to the Onondaga reservation to see how much those same governments have done for a neighboring member of the Iroquois Confederacy.
The Onondagas are the "faith keepers" of the Confederacy and, as such, have felt obliged to resist what they feel are the corrupting influences of a gaming-based economy. To say that they are doing less well is an unbelievably sad understatement. And, while i respect them for their principled position, I find it difficult to condemn others who have taken a different path for the betterment of their people.
From the 11th floor, the view is of rolling hills, beautiful stone and wood and steel architecture, and the snowy greens of PGA golf courses. It's the winding ribbon of fitness trails and the rooftops of clubhouses, restaurants and several hotels. and it's the constant coming and going of people who work for the largest employer in three counties.
Perhaps those who talk self-determination and nation-building should take the drive up I-90 to the exit at Vernon-Verona-Sherrill to learn what that really means. I'm in room 1112 of the Tower Hotel if they'd like a tour.
LPK
LiveJournal
12.31.2006
Ten or fifteen years ago, I designed the roof systems for the first housing the Oneida Nation built for its people from casino proceeds. From then on, I've had a growing sense that what is done here is done for the people. And it's done for people who, historically, have had their homes, culture, livelihoods, the very fabric of a once-thriving society, torn apart by the dominant (white) culture.
So when people complain, as they sometimes do around here, that it's based on gambling and non-payment of taxes, to the state and federal governments that provide their services, I suggest they take a short drive up Rt. 11 to the Onondaga reservation to see how much those same governments have done for a neighboring member of the Iroquois Confederacy.
The Onondagas are the "faith keepers" of the Confederacy and, as such, have felt obliged to resist what they feel are the corrupting influences of a gaming-based economy. To say that they are doing less well is an unbelievably sad understatement. And, while i respect them for their principled position, I find it difficult to condemn others who have taken a different path for the betterment of their people.
From the 11th floor, the view is of rolling hills, beautiful stone and wood and steel architecture, and the snowy greens of PGA golf courses. It's the winding ribbon of fitness trails and the rooftops of clubhouses, restaurants and several hotels. and it's the constant coming and going of people who work for the largest employer in three counties.
Perhaps those who talk self-determination and nation-building should take the drive up I-90 to the exit at Vernon-Verona-Sherrill to learn what that really means. I'm in room 1112 of the Tower Hotel if they'd like a tour.
LPK
LiveJournal
12.31.2006
