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January 15, 2002 by: O.F. Submit your commentary here Commentary Archive
First, some say slots will bring in a bad element. That's a load. As pointed out in a recent letter to the editor by a Riordan's bartender and Maryland horseman, these same people are fine with lotto machines being in every other store in poor neighborhoods. We have gambling. The form doesn't matter. Furthermore, many highly successful and responsible people simply enjoy slots. I find them fairly boring myself, preferring poker and blackjack, but this supposition that only degenerates will avail themselves of the opportunity to play slots is absurd on its very face. Another miserable excuse put forth by the anti-slots people is that the track owners will make money. Of COURSE they will make money! Since when did a private enterprise making money become a bad thing??? Next, there is a complaint that not enough money will go to schools. Well, is SOME money better for schools or NO money. Doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure this out. But apparently, it is too much for the politicians (primarily Democrats) in Annapolis. If the schools need more money, raise the fees. Cut something else. The idea that slots are there JUST to provide money for education is ludicrous. Furthermore, my father worked at the racetrack as a chemist while in high school. He is acquainted with many in the industry to this day. In addition, I know a few in the racing industry myself. It is a vital part of Maryland's culture, part of our history that once gone, will be unrecoverable. I have heard many people state that they don't go the track simply because there is so much time between races. This is exactly where the slots fit in. They will give these people something to do while waiting for the next race. Everybody wins (figuratively of course). So, as you can see, we should have slots. This bellyaching is just another example of the liberal "anti-" philosophy that has been adopted in recent years. A clear, coherent message of opposition is never introduced, but since Ehrlich came in riding the wave of slots legalization, they need to be against it. It is embarrassing. So, put some pressure on your representatives. Let people know that slots are good idea. Let's make the government work FOR us instead of against us. |
It's easy to sit there and say you'd like to have more money. And I guess that's what I like about it. It's easy. Just sitting there, rocking back and forth, wanting that money. -JH
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We have seen this debate raging in the Maryland community since the beginning of Bob Ehrlich's campaign. To slot or not to slot... THAT is the question. Obviously, the answer is yes. Let me explain why.