Without transparency, we will never know what really happens. Simply asking for A, B and C and then refusing to negotiate gets the Tribes the same thing as walking out, without anyone knowing what happens. It becomes a bigger problem when the state hides or lies about it. Take the Skokomish River last year. We were told that the Tribe and State were negotiating. The State insisted they would hold the line. Then when nothing happened they said they were still negotiating. The Skokomish Tribe publicly stated that it was not an issue at NOF and was barely discussed. Then, this year, I was told by someone that the Skokomish river access was a sticking point and that if the State pushed for it the Tribes would not negotiate. It was not even allowed to be brought up or no negotiations would take place. The fact is, this is only one situation. If the tribes can do it there, where else are they taking this position? Simply put, if one side points a gun and says your life or your money, that is not a true negotiation. Refusing to go to the police, not putting in methods to defend yourself, or not telling anyone only ensures that it will continue to happen.