I have always felt that the very fact that Native Americans have " Status" at all is the single most obvious thing that keeps them down.

They are singled out like no other ethnic group on the planet. In some ways its too their advantage, in many more ways its not. In example, can you think of any other group of people that are un-able to buy alcohol where they live ?? why is that ?? well, its because way back when it was decided that as a race of people " they cant handle it" They still can't buy it on the res to this day, so in effect, they are living the stereotype.

In America, a person can be anything they decide they want to be. There are no rules that say Native Americans have to live on a res and subject themselves to the issues that come along with that.

America is a melting pot of ethnic groups. A vast majority of Native Americans are far removed from their roots, not by law but by choice. In alot of ways its their own fault that they have a lower economic status than other groups in the USA. Nobody has ever mandated that this has to be the way it is. They choose to do so. Its 2007.. time to get off the government boob and join the 21st century.

I don't think the ability to sell " cheap smokes, fireworks and gambling " does much to enhance their cultural heritage. It just builds on the Stereotype. Same for fish and game.

Probably not a popular view, but its how I see it.