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Texas Indians Undaunted by Bush's Threat to Shut Down Casino14 November 2000YSLETA DEL SUR, Texas – Nov. 14, 2000 – As reported by Indian Country Today: "Gov. George W. Bush's promise to uphold American Indian tribal sovereignty sounded out an empty campaign promise as the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld Texas' right to sue Tigua Indians over gaming. "With Texas intent on shutting down the Speaking Rock Casino and the Tigua preparing for another court battle, Americans went to the polls to cast their ballots for president of the United States. "… After the a three-member panel ruled in favor of Texas' right to sue Tigua over the legality of slot machines and keno games, Diamond said tribal members feel they can win the case on its own merits if granted a hearing before the full Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. "If not, the Tigua are prepared to take the case to the U.S. Supreme Court. "…Although Bush attempted to distance himself from the Tigua lawsuit during the presidential race, it was clear when Texas filed the lawsuit that it was done at the insistence of the governor. He asked the courts to determine the legality of Tigua gaming. "…Diamond, Tigua general counsel since the tribe gained recognition in 1965, said Bush has always held states rights paramount over tribal rights. He said Bush failed to respect American Indian nations as independent sovereign nations with a relationship solely with the federal government. "…The Tigua are asking the entire 15-member panel of the Fifth Circuit Court to hear the case. The tribe argues that Texas permits house-banked games in the state lottery - including Pick 3, Cash 5 and Texas Million - allowed by a Texas Constitutional amendment…" |