Ohio just passed a constitutional amendment giving the owners of 4 specific tracts of land the right to build and operate casinos on those tracts. IMHO, it was stupid to put this into the state constitution, but what is done is done. At least for now.

Today, there was another anti-casino editorial in the Columbus Dispatch. I found the opening paragraph very humorous:

The title of the editorial is "Gambling is harmful to a complete life"

The text begins:

" Life's stakes for living are already set; you're born and you die are the constants. Whether the life between those constants will be complete or incomplete depends on how well you play the hand you are dealt."

Anyone else see the humor in his choice of words?

 

An odd choice of phrases to be sure.

 

Someone has issues and thinks he is a poet.

 

More like irony. We've got those F'n casino's on every corner and widows in bread lines having spent their security. You people in Ohio are in for the same ride were on. Join the fight. Good luck!

 

Sorry, DirtyBird but I'm on the other side of this one.

It was stupid to put the authorization of casinos on 4 specific tracts of land into the state constitution, but the "downtowners" in Columbus who feel they shouldn't have to obey the state constitution have turned me against them.

Those people take, take, and then take some more. They never give anything back, they just take some more. There have been half-page letters to the editor opposing the casino from downtowners who don't pay any taxes to support the schools, libraries, programs for elders, etc. because they have a 10-year tax abatement on their condo. Taxes are for the little people, not them.

Well, maybe they'll get what they deserve out of this.

Now the casino will pay a tax to the state to be distributed among the 88 counties. We finally took something back from them.

 

I am sorry to see the issue pass. I think we could have done better!

 

Well, none of the fine people of Ohio deserve the ills that come with gaming. The negatives far outweigh any positives. Hide and watch. Again, good luck!

 

DirtyBird,

I understand and agree.

However, the "downtowners" aren't talking about repealing the gambling issue statewide; they just think that since they didn't vote for it they shouldn't have to obey state law.

Scooterboy,

It may not be as bad as some would paint the situation. From what I've been able to find online, Ohio's tax rate is around 10th of 24 states that allow casinos. Yes, there are a few of states with much higher rates, but there are also several with much lower rates.

Disclaimer: my gambling is currently limited to nickel-ante poker and an occasional lottery ticket. I'm not morally opposed, it just doesn't appeal to me. However, if the casino in downtown Columbus offers a cheap meal or some other attraction, I'll be there.