Although attention was divided, Senator Rosenberg apparently circulated a memo to his colleagues that contains some egregious misinformation, distorts the history of the CT Slot Parlors, and pretends to use LIT (Land into Trust) as the threat posed to immediately approve the grossly flawed and hastily composed Casino Legislation being debated before the Senate.
It was clear from listening to Senator Rosenberg's description that he has never read "Without Reservation" that was distributed to each member of the legislature at one time when the Aquinnah proposed a casino on the Plymouth waterfront.
It is my understanding (and I'll post the transcripts when available), that the Senators believe Carcieri v Salazer poses some imminent threat.
Because the comments I heard Senator Rosenberg make were so totally wrong, the following email was sent to him --
Honorable Senator Rosenberg:
You are incorrect in the comments you made about
Land Into Trust.
Both Carcieri v Salazar and the Hawaii decision PREVENT
LIT.
The Hawaii decision was signed onto by a majority of
Attorneys General.
SCOTUS and Hawaii Being Ignored
To justify this legislation for the incorrect reason you offered is
absurd.
Massachusetts does NOT find itself in a comparable situation
to Connecticut.
Texas has successfully prevented Tribal Casinos because they
have NOT legalized slots.
In addition, if you truly believe the 'threat' posed by Native
American Tribes, you need to be aware that there are an
additional 6 or possibly 8 Massachusetts Tribes that have
filed for recognition.
Respectfully,
We have consulted with competent legal council and with the BIA and they say the Mashpee will get land in trust within a reasonable period of time. They appear to be the only tribe in the foreseeable future that is expected to get there and be able to install gaming.
If the state does nothing there is ample precedents for class II machines with no taxation, community mitigation or regulation. This has been thoroughly researched and documented. I am not the only Senator researching these issues. Senator Morrissey and Spilka both of whom are attorneys have also researched this exhaustively and have come to the same conclusions.
I know this conflicts with your perspective but it is an honest difference of opinions.
Stan Rosenberg
This was posted in 2009 --
SCOTUS and Hawaii Being Ignored
Within weeks of the 8-1 Carcieri v Salazar decision, a second
strike on fee to trust was issued. This time it came from a case
originating in the state of Hawaii. In the 9-0 decision on Hawaii
v. the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Justice Alito wrote, "It would
raise grave constitutional concerns" Congress sought to "cloud
Hawaii's title to its sovereign lands" after it had joined the
Union. "We have emphasized that Congress cannot, after
statehood reserve or convey....lands that have already been
bestowed upon a state". How many readers of this paper could
be effected by issues concerning land that has been "bestowed
upon a state"; as an original colony, through disestablished
territory or when the territory entered into statehood?
The research and fact finding of this process have been conspicuously lacking.
Senator Rosenberg, NO ONE, not even you can offer a cost for the bureaucracy you're creating.
Senator, you need to do your research and not simply find a colleague who believes he/she has offered an opinion.
At NO TIME have I heard any Senator address that the SCOTUS Hawaii decision negates your argument.
There will be NO TRIBAL CASINO ON TRUST LAND IN THE COMMONWEALTH, unless these folks in the Senate approve this folly.
In addition, I would call it to your attention that the Mashpee Wampanoags' historical connections to Middleboro have been challenged, but their historical connections to Fall River? Surely you jest?
I remember when Glenn Marshall told us it was INEVITABLE and THOSE SHOVELS WOULD BE IN THE GROUND ......
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5 comments:
Thank you for writing this and for reaching out to the always insufferable and suddenly condescending Rosenberg. How dare he suggest that a group of local citizens and stakeholders could not possibly know more than he or Senatorial attorneys on this. Never mind the fact that competent Indian law attorneys ALSO helped research and write Cv.S. AS far as the BIA is concerned - they have a vested financial interest in promoting the inevitability myth. And Morrissey?? The one who wasn't even aware of C.v.S. at the 2008 debate in New Bedford. This is nothing more than the same thing we were treated to in Middleboro three years ago - pros telling us it was inevitable and hoping the uninformed would swallow it hook line and sinker. The truth shall set us free, baby, but the Senate apparently runs on ignorance and it's faith in boobs like Rosenberg.
Did you write him back and tell him he was wrong? Instead of telling him he is incorrect, you should tell TUcker so she can call him out on this tomorrow.
Senator "Not Rocket Science" Rosenberg has convinced himself, truth be damned, that he is correct, and besides, that chairmanship he was promised is more important than the disgusting legacy he will create.
Why ask critical questions or conduct a critical analysis when you have a lucrative promise?
He'll be out of office, as many of the others will, on a fat taxpayer funded state pension, while we'll be left with the degradation he has created.
Senator Menard will be enjoying her pension or position in the newly created bureaucracy.
Senator Pacheco has been looking for an Ambassaforship, twice denied from what I understand.
The Republicans don't have the brains to make this a substantive issue - like the astounding cost of the bureaucracy and the total net loss this will create.
I highly recommend that, if you don't want to travel to Boston or are unable because you actually work or have commitments, that you review the video archives and transcripts available below --
http://masslegislature.tv/?l=sen_video
It simply doesn't get more edifying than this!
When you find something interesting, don't hesitate to post it or send it to me.
I have all the transcripts if you want them.
Please feel free to post as you wish.
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