This was a crazy election year. It's finally over, the country has spoken and I, like everyone else, am hoping for the best.
As it relates to our fight, I hope Senator McCain will continue to keep a skeptical eye on IGRA, and that the incoming administration will usher in a new era and bring an end to the spread of expanded and predatory gambling across our nation.
According to an LA Times article earlier this year:
Barack Obama has warned about the dangers of gambling – that it carries a “moral and social cost” that could “devastate” poor communities. As a state senator in Illinois, he at times opposed plans to expand gambling, worrying that it could be especially harmful to low-income people.
During the campaign, the Clinton camp distributed a document titled “Obama Blasted Gambling as Socially Destructive and Economically Irresponsible,” listing several of his past quotes.
The Clinton document states Obama described himself as “generally skeptical” of gambling as an economic development tool and likened the expansion of slot machines to the state lottery, in which, he said, “you’ll have a whole bunch of people who can’t afford gambling their money away, yet they’re going to do it.”
Sounds a lot like what we've been saying. So cross your fingers. And hope.
During the campaign, the Clinton camp distributed a document titled “Obama Blasted Gambling as Socially Destructive and Economically Irresponsible,” listing several of his past quotes.
The Clinton document states Obama described himself as “generally skeptical” of gambling as an economic development tool and likened the expansion of slot machines to the state lottery, in which, he said, “you’ll have a whole bunch of people who can’t afford gambling their money away, yet they’re going to do it.”
Sounds a lot like what we've been saying. So cross your fingers. And hope.
Tonight — tonight, more than any night, I hold in my heart nothing but love for this country and for all its citizens, whether they supported me or Sen. Obama — whether they supported me or Sen. Obama.
I wish Godspeed to the man who was my former opponent and will be my president. And I call on all Americans, as I have often in this campaign, to not despair of our present difficulties, but to believe, always, in the promise and greatness of America, because nothing is inevitable here.
Americans never quit. We never surrender.
We never hide from history. We make history.
Thank you, and God bless you, and God bless America. Thank you all very much.-- John McCain in his 2008 Concession Speech
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9 comments:
Hi Gladys,
There is indeed reason for hope, between the latest posts from Bumpkin on the justices' questions on Carcieri v Kempthorne, and the election of the individual most qualified to lead the United States at this critical time. The dogs and their supporters have also prevailed, cutting off another avenue by which slot machines could be introduced by stealth. Frankly, I admit that I'm surprised question 3 passed, given the relentless "think of the jobs" drumbeat of the opposition. However, many (if not most) of the voters have, in the past 8 years, experienced the indignity of having one's job taken away through no fault of one's own, and without a two-year grace period in which to prepare for the eventuality. You're lucky if you get two weeks these days. Let us all maintain our audacity
Very nice post GK. In fact you've been bloggerrific recently. A lot of posts, less "epic" than normal, but still full of the Gladys,,, I don't what ... Je ne sais quois ...
Ah merci mon frère!
So many things to talk about lately! I have a note book with two pages full of future blog topics I can't get through because something new is always coming up!
I had wanted more time to blog because I feel it's been one of the most effective tools in the anti-casino movement, and in our battle in particular. And, like you, I'm also here keeping the momentum going. There are a lot of topics to cover, and the fight is still very much alive.
Au revoir pour maintenant!
Gladys
Question 3's overwhelming support in other than the immediate surrounding areas was overwhelming. That seems to speak to more than an attitude of 'let's protect the dogs,' but also an anti-racing, anti-gambling mindset.
The Brockton Enterprise reported --
State Rep. David L. Flynn, D-Bridgewater, promised the crowd he would push to have the track licensed to host slot machines.
“Don’t count me out for continuing the fight and don’t count the Carneys out,” Flynn said.
Someone needs to give Flynn a reality check. No slots! No casinos! Time to find another use for the land and stop supporting campaign contributors against the wishes of voters. He's a one note politician.
Dear Anon. 1:48,
Gladys is on it. ;~)
I'm so sick of these lowered expectations for our region. Flynn and Carney are outdated dinosours who can't see a future beyond slot machines. While most of are aiming higer these days, they've got their heads in the sand.
Gladys,
Bravo. I couldn't agree with you more. Carney and Flynn gotta go.
Excellent blog Gladys. I hope that our new President will continue to see that gambling and gambling revenue is not the future for our Country. I also hope that Senator McCain continues to question the past abuses of IGRA and work towards a more fair and open process. Perhaps one that will include all the voices of people who face a potential casino in their hometown or region.
As far as question 3 goes, I am happy dog racing has been banned. A big win for all the dogs as far as I am concerned. I think this vote has spoken volumes about how people in this State feel about casino gambling in general. We don't need it and we certainly don't need all the problems or mitigation that go along with it.
Let's keep our State casino free and slot free.
No Casino!
No Slots!
Gladys,
Another true to form blog from you.
You've raised the bar and your keeping it there!
All I have to say about John McCain's speech, Class Act!!!
All I have to say about Flynn & Carney, actually you said it, dinosours, absolutley!
Very good points fiferstone, and good to hear from you!
Judy
Its been many years since I went to the dog track in Raynham but the last time I was there it seemed like a majority of the employees were Brockton High School teachers working second jobs.
To reiterate what Fiferstone said, at least the full time employees there have plenty advance notice of their impending unemployment. If they dont plan accordingly, shame on them. They should be one up on everyone else, they KNOW when they're going to be unemployed.
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