Liberty Minute October 24 2013

Public outrage over the name of the Washington, D.C. NFL franchise is infinitesimal. Indeed, only the most sophisticated instruments known to applied physics could measure it. Yet the establishment media insists that calling an NFL team the ?Redskins? is an intolerable affront to American Indians. The individual propelling that narrative is a casino mogul named Ray Halbritter, who calls himself the Chairman of the New York Oneida Nation.

As it happens, Halbritter is not even a member of the tribe he presumes to lead. He was installed by the federal government as tribal ruler over the objections of its legitimate ruling Council, which had rejected him. With the help of federal funds, Halbritter built the Turning Stone Casino and a string of tax-exempt enterprises. He also pursued a land claim that continues to imperil the property rights of tens of thousands of New York State residents.

In 1999, this correspondent traveled to upstate New York to report on Mr. Halbritter?s empire. Despite the lucrative casino proceeds, most Oneidas were living in destitution while Halbritter?s cronies reveled in wealth and luxury. Some of his political rivals, including the elderly, were harassed and abused by tribal police.

Halbritter isn?t merely a politically correct opportunist; he is something akin to a Third World dictator.

Let us take back the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free.