Casinos: Gateway to the Future?
Reading recent letters to the Advocate opposing casino gambling in Massachusetts makes me wonder what future, if any, this state can expect. Absent intervention by a few gatekeepers, including the writers of those letters, the citizens of Massachusetts would appear to be a bunch of boobs who will spend their lives sitting in front of slot machines, gambling away their savings and then their homes, and finally blowing their brains out in despair.
Forget about high tech, manufacturing, or green jobs in this state if these morons are the bulk of prospective workers. Close the universities and maybe even the high schools. They’re obviously a waste of money if all they produce are mindless fools who will become addicted to the first blinking lights and free drinks they happen to come across.
How sad. How sad.
Paul Cherulnik
Leeds
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Thank you, Valley Advocate, for the insightful, or shall I say inciteful, article [“Attack of the Killer Casinos,” December 22, 2011] on the impending curse of legalized gambling in the form of casinos. Once again you have written rings around our local [paper].
I had no idea that Sen. Stan Rosenberg was such a jerk. His “reasoning” that $1.2 billion are “thrown away” by Massachusetts gamblers in Connecticut casinos is faulty logic—deceptive, misleading and insulting to the intelligence of voters. Does he suggest that we put border patrol on the Mass/Conn line in order to keep in revenue? That would be a better solution than knuckling under to the crafty corporate casino industry, which, once established, will turn this state into rubble.
What we are experiencing today is a full-blown Depression, and stooping to the low level of dependency upon the casino industry to provide revenue is imbecilic. It will attract all the wrong elements and hasten the further destruction and decay of our cities, which have thus far resisted such desperation. The intelligent discussion provoked by actual studies, referred to in the article, should tell a cautionary tale.
Just say No! This next election day will be a revelation for politicians like Rosenberg and [Governor Deval] Patrick. Whoever had the brilliant idea of bringing the lottery into Massachusetts deserves the title of Founder of the Stupid Tax, as it is referred to in some circles. The frailty of human character needs not to be tempted. I would love to see a recall movement for both the aforementioned so-called leaders, who have displayed no awareness, no concern, and no spine. We can do better, Massachusetts!
If we need revenue, Mr. Rosenberg, please have the intestinal fortitude to tax the rich! Thanks for nothing, Governor Patrick!
It seems here in America that somehow our supposedly elected representatives have been elevated to an untouchable status once reserved for the aristocratic assholes left behind in England. Who says we need casinos here in Massachusetts? Is this the best that the “Democratic” Party can offer the overworked working class and poor here in this, once the most enlightened of the states—nothing but an ever more dismal, depressing and hopeless vision for the “future”?
I plan to vote for Jill Stein, and am proud to say that I have rarely fallen for the BS now routinely dished out by the “Democratic” Party. Since they have no spine and are actually low-level fascists, they are even worse than their disloyal opposition party, who are just what they appear to be and do not seek to appear otherwise.
Pam Hyjek
Northampton
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Party System Hurts Independent Voters
Last week I went to Brookline and set up a table in front of Trader Joe’s with a fellow independent to talk to shoppers about what’s going on in Washington, or I should say, what’s not going on in Washington.
The twin problems of the economy and partisan gridlock were foremost on everyone’s mind and at times I felt like a therapist lending a compassionate ear as people gave expression to their frustration and concerns about the direction our country is headed in.
And, while I am a social worker in my day job, this was no “Lucy Booth” offering advice for five cents. Instead, we invited passersby to lobby Massachusetts congressional leaders to hold congressional hearings on the ways partisanship is so hardwired into the political process that the American people can’t be heard.
In the course of an hour, dozens signed postcards. Among them were a political science student, a mom, a grandfather and several peace activists.
Members of our group, Massachusetts Coalition of Independent Voters, have already met with Congressman Michael Capuano to ask for his help in bringing about hearings, and have requested a meeting with [U.S. Sen.] Scott Brown.
Polls show that 38 percent of Americans consider themselves independent while in Massachusetts, 51 percent are registered as such (or “unenrolled,” as we are dismissively called). But the political process hasn’t adapted to this change. In fact, the parties have resisted it, writing and regulating a complex set of protections that preserve their position as the preeminent special interest groups in America.
As a result, independent voters, a plurality nationally and a majority in Massachusetts, face structural barriers that prevent us from fully participating. Congressional hearings to shine a spotlight on these barriers will lay the foundation for change.
Evelyn Dougherty
Jamaica Plain
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Social Programs in McKnight
Very well written and researched [“Who Are the People in Your Neighborhood?”, December 22, 2011]; you have well captured the feelings of this wonderful neighborhood. We have supported the many well-run and well-managed programs over the years.
In the late ’70’s there were more than 35 programs in McKnight. I think it is appropriate in the name of normalization and community integration that other neighborhoods have the opportunity to be supportive of people reintegrating into the community.
I want to thank the Sheriff’s office for realizing its error and reacting appropriately. Let us hope that this new organization is as concerned and sensitive to our needs.
Jim Boone
via Internet
