According to Barney Frank (D-MA), if people enjoy an activity, there is no reason not to allow them to engage in it, as long as it causes no harm. Case-in-point: Casino gambling, which Frank supports for Massachusetts. If we follow this logic, couldn’t the same case be made for legalizing prostitution and other “victimless" crimes? The State of Nevada, where prostitution is quite legal, certainly thinks so. But I digress, as it’s not clear how gambling qualifies as an activity that causes no harm given the concerns about crime, addiction, traffic, and other social problems that come along with casino gambling. And in spite of the countless studies that have shown legalized gambling to be a nasty regressive tax on the poor. Frank argues that the government has no business telling people what to do with their money. Think about that statement coming from one of the bluest of the blue man group, known as the Massachusetts Congressional Delegation. But even if you accept that on face value, the state, by legalizing casino gambling is actively promoting a vice-riddled pass time within close proximity of its citizens. Think of the advertising currently done by the Mass. Lottery that clearly encourages people to participate. I can't wait to see the ads for the new casinos.
Frank thinks casino gambling would be a plus for Massachusetts as it would, he reasons, bring a supply of good jobs. In fact, he would like to see a casino located in the Fourth Congressional District, which he represents. And while he bristles at those that might look down there noses at casino-related work, it is important to question whether these are the types of jobs that our government should be promoting. Are these the types of jobs that involve the development of a skill base through education and experience that will help the worker thrive in an increasingly competitive work place? With few exceptions, casinos employ mostly unskilled workers in jobs with little advancement opportunity.
The Democrats, led by Governor Patrick, are proposing a watershed change to the cultural fabric of our state, rationalized by the endless quest for more tax revenue. What we need is careful and thoughtful analysis, not specious comments posing as leadership.
Frank thinks casino gambling would be a plus for Massachusetts as it would, he reasons, bring a supply of good jobs. In fact, he would like to see a casino located in the Fourth Congressional District, which he represents. And while he bristles at those that might look down there noses at casino-related work, it is important to question whether these are the types of jobs that our government should be promoting. Are these the types of jobs that involve the development of a skill base through education and experience that will help the worker thrive in an increasingly competitive work place? With few exceptions, casinos employ mostly unskilled workers in jobs with little advancement opportunity.
The Democrats, led by Governor Patrick, are proposing a watershed change to the cultural fabric of our state, rationalized by the endless quest for more tax revenue. What we need is careful and thoughtful analysis, not specious comments posing as leadership.
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