There is a major discussion going on in Pennsylvania right now. And it involves slot machines.
Yeah, gambling.
In 2004 the voters in Pennsylvania legalized casino gambling. That is, slot machine gambling. Table games have not been legalized at this point. The revenue from slots was to give property tax relief to state residents.
That hasn’t happened yet.
And now, Governor Rendell wants to allow all 14,000 bars and restaurants in Pa. to offer slot machines to their patrons. This is where the discussion begins.
Gambling preys on the weakest members of our society. If you disagree with that statement, look at the folks who flood the casinos in Pa. Our parents, and grandparents. Our retirees. And these members of our society are just like the rest of us. Some of them can gamble without concern, and some can’t. The biggest concern is the ones who can’t.
In 2006 Governor Rendell passed legislation that would allow the casinos to offer unlimited drinks to its patrons. More controversy. Visions of a crowed casino full of drunken slot machine players comes to mind.
Again, some folks can handle it, some can’t. We, as Americans, have a concern with being our brothers keepers. We want to believe that everyone is responsible for themselves, that we don’t have to help those of us who might need it.
But I think that we are wrong in that vein.
What about you?
