I was going to start this missive with the word "arguable," but on reflection, that is not my view.

It used to be that we had a gas station on almost every corner, and now it is coming to pass, will have a casino instead. Actually "casino” is a sugar-coated term for a gambling den. Now our "esteemed" governor is to issue permits for more slot machines. Backed by firemen and police, the age-old ploy has been dusted off and put into action. Nine billion in new taxes will be generated they say. For what? For schools? For health care? For the needy?

You know as I do that governments – local, state and federal – can suck in and absorb taxes forever. What happened to the money created by the state lottery which was touted as a boon for schools, and why does my teacher daughter still buy supplies out of pocket? Ranked among the worst things to happen to this state, its main victims are those who can least afford it. Arguable, I don't think so.

And our governor, who stated prior to the election, "I have plenty of my own money," now stands as the all-time champion in collecting campaign "donations" to the tune of $125 million. Question ... how much gambling den money was included in that total?

As for the “gamblers,” ask yourself, "Who's paying for all this?” Sadly you are.

 

Johnny Carney lives in Kelseyville.

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