Skelton on Indian Gaming

* George Skelton’s Oct. 8 Capitol Journal on Prop. 5 and the Cache Creek casino was well worth reading. I have been to Cache Creek; it is a pleasant, easy drive from Sacramento, and a beautiful casino. I can understand why the folks who run it don’t want competition. But that is the whole point of Prop. 5. I understand those who oppose any gambling; it is logical for them to oppose Prop. 5. But the tribes who have agreements with Gov. Pete Wilson don’t oppose gambling; they oppose letting other tribes have it.

Would you let Wilson sign an agreement with Chevrolet so that there could be no Ford or Toyota dealers in California? Of course not; such an idea is ludicrous. I am glad that the Rumsey Band of Wintun Indians is financially secure for 10 generations. (I am a public school teacher; I’m not secure even for one generation!) Why should other tribes be denied the same security?

BILL RAABE

Huntington Beach

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I feel gambling is hurtful to society, wherever it is.

The passing of Prop. 5 will allow much more gambling in California. At first, it might help Indians economically; but as time goes on, the Indians and the rest of us in California will be hurt by the problems which always go along with gambling.

I say vote no on Prop. 5, for the good of most of us in California.

LESLIE SIM

Fullerton