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Cherokee Preachers Protest Proposed Casino

"Some councilors learned only last week of plans for the casino, and said during a committee meeting they thought they had been blindsided.

"Earth-moving work began last week on the property, which is in tribal trust.

"…The work was halted after the committee meeting, and councilors have said they want further study on the casino issue.

"The pastors said they opposed any casino, temporary or permanent.

"…`What are we going to do about these people who become addicted to gambling?' [Rev. Virgil] Holcomb said. `Somebody is going to have to pay the bill. This should have been voted on by the people.'

"Deputy Chief Hastings Shade said that as a Christian, he understood the ministers' concern about people developing a gambling problem. He said it's a parent's responsibility to teach children in the home that gambling can be dangerous.

"But the tribe must have some way to make money, he said. Government funding, which supplies about 90 percent of the tribal budget, will likely be cut.

"…The Rev. D.J. McCarty, director of missions for the Cherokee ministers' group, said all its members oppose gambling.

"…McCarty said a woman in his congregation lost her car and almost lost her house because she played bingo so much.

"…As an alternative, he suggested a local Branson-style attraction, with entertainment and other recreational possibilities.

"…Councilor Stephanie Shepherd said she believes it deserves serious consideration.

"…`We can be successful. Non-Indians can be successful in doing business many, many other ways, and we can, too,' she said. `Sometimes we may have to do it harder, smarter, instead of the easy way.'…"

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