Tribal leaders resist unions

Re “Tribal pacts no quick fix,” Feb. 1

The Agua Caliente, Morongo, Pechanga and Sycuan tribes are spending loads of money to convince us that it is in our interests to vote for Propositions 94, 95, 96 and 97. The tribal leaders are playing on our emotions about how these gambling agreements will help ease the state budget deficit and benefit the tribal communities. I could sincerely support these agreements if the tribal leaders showed compassion for the many workers who have tried to organize unions in the casinos. Instead, any efforts for unionization have been met with fierce opposition by these leaders who, not too long ago, faced similar oppression when they organized for their basic human rights.

Jose Zapata Calderon

San Dimas

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For several months, I’ve seen a virtual onslaught of TV ads promoting the California Indian casinos and now the ballot measures they favor. These ads represent an extraordinary amount of money. One can only wonder how much the tribes stand to gain from this investment. One can only worry how this gain will be used to further manipulate our elected officials.

Sandra Smith

Yorba Linda