THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, December 9, 1995 TAG: 9512080033
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A14 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 38 lines
The editorial cartoon Nov. 28, ``Evolution of the Indian headdress'' by Wright of the Providence Journal Bulletin, left me wondering if perhaps cartoonist Wright has been on vacation or trip recently and visited one of our reservation casinos, not doing so well financially.
Surely he or she does not attempt to offend the Native American Indians in this ``politically correct'' climate we live in. I'm sure he is aware of the past history they have with the conquerors - Anglo-American people. As I recall, being honorable and proud did not exactly get the Indian anywhere except on a reservation.
However, through the years, 300 give or take, we have survived and learned what is valued among the Anglos - making money. We have had the best teachers and have learned well. We have come a long way from Manhattan and beads. We now have casinos.
So I say to cartoonist Wright and The Virginian-Pilot, if drawing this cartoon and publishing it is meant to get a rise from this Indian, I say, ``No offense taken.''
If, however, money was lost, I say, and I think I speak for the casinos on all reservations: Come back. Bring your friends. We welcome all of America to bring its money and play our games. We will be happy to recoup a minuscule percentage of the great, great losses we have taken in the past.
I should be receiving my check from the Isleta Pueblo Tribal Fund any day now. We have a casino, you know. Again, thanks and ``Y'all come back now, hear?''
SHERRI TURNIPSEED
Virginia Beach, Nov. 30, 1995 by CNB