From time to time I have used my soapbox to point out the egregious treatment of Native Americans. Every time I hear America called the "Land of the Free," my heart contracts and I stop and pray for those who have never really reaped the benefits of that freedom.

This article covers the sad state of medical care on reservations, beginning of a story of a little girl with a stomach ache. Though she was only 5 years old, her parents were told she was depressed. Again and again, they were advised nothing was really wrong. She died of cancer within the year.

Now, I know that many Americans do not have health care, but the Federal Government entered into an agreement to pay medical care for those whom it displaced again again in the name of progress. Like most of our agreements with the original inhabitants of our Land of the Free, it was only partially fulfilled. I have written about the payments due from land rights several times. Those are caught up in "accounting." Over 30 years now, edging toward 40.

Yes, a few Native American nations have taken advantage of the rights that allow them to reap revenue from gambling. Good for them. For shame that it is more lucrative for them to encourage gambling and drinking than anything else. We have come full circle in this country. How much land was gambled away, was traded for a few trinkets because taking advantage of other people is our heritage?