Schwarzenegger says he stands by remarks - "Indians Ripped Off California

• Stupid Movie Star Governor Believes Indians are the issue  -  Not Gambling

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger says he will not apologize for comments made last week against Proposition 70, which some Native Americans have dubbed racist and bigoted. Last week, while stumping against the Nov. 2 ballot initiative that would open the door for unlimited slots, and introduce craps and roulette, Schwarzenegger told a customer in a San Diego cafe, "The Indians are ripping us off." Friday he told reporters at a Los Angeles news conference, "Read my lips. The Indian gaming tribes with Proposition 70 are trying to rip off California.  "I will say it again and again and again because that's what they are doing. And the reason they are upset is because the truth hurts." William Rukesyer, a "Yes 70" spokesman putting out the message that casinos opting for Proposition 70 would pay the equivalent of the corporate tax -- now at 8.84 percent -- on net profits, said the governor's stance continues to inflict pain on the people to whom it was directed and heighten racial tension. "Racial language really has no place in California," he said. "History taught us again and again what can happen when politicians start using inflammatory language and start scapegoating ethnic groups," Rukesyer said. [more ]

• Tribal leaders and the NAACP are demanding apology [more ]