Investor whines about Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe debt

Letter: Investor whines about Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe debt

Tribe investor's losses aren't government's affair

The state-supported gambling issue in Massacusetts is hypocritical to begin with. How can a government make private gambling illegal (presumedly because it is a nefarious and crime-related activity), yet support it when sanctioned by itself? It doesn't matter if it's lottery tickets, casinos or horse racing.

Then I read about Herb Strather whining to the governor about getting his seed gambling money back ("Investor calls Wampanoag on debt," Sept. 29). The picture of him on Page A4 says a lot: big smile and double-fisted victory signals thrust exuberantly in response to the Wampanoag tribe's federal recognition in 2006.

My guess is that his elation had far more to do with his 1999 investment in their casino efforts than the tribe's official recognition as legitimate Native Americans.

I suggest Mr. Strather write off his speculative investment as a bad bet and hope his seed money was well-spent by the tribe.

Caleb Warren

West Barnstable