Did you know that only Hawaii and Utah of all the fifty states have no legalized gambling in any form. That may soon change. It seems that Hawaii, like all the other states, has a financial deficit, this one to the tune of 1.8 billion dollars. So Gov. Linda Lingle, long time opponent of the gaming industry, has decided to consider legalizing gambling to make up the deficit. She said there were two choices. The money could come from the transit authority, meaning I presume that the money raised for the rail system could be used, or gambling could be legalized. I voted for the rail system to be built, but I'd rather see that money save the state than that they bring gambling here.
Gambling and lotteries are touted as a means to relieve the financial burdens of the state, but in reality they do just the opposite by preying on the poor and the elderly especially. The inducement of a chance to win big causes people to waste their limited resources with little real chance of receiving any value.
Since forty eight states now practice some form of gaming you would think that if it worked those states would be in financially stable situations. They are not as can plainly be seen by their current economic distress. I believe if gambling comes to Hawaii it will be detrimental to the moral fabric of Paradise.
2 comments:
Good points. It sure didn't help California or any of the other 47 states for that matter. I think there is a clear message noone is reading. It would seem the governer of Hawaii would be in the good position to see this. How sad.
Too true. California has more gaming then most states except Nevada and still it can't balance its budget. The gaming industry claims it will help schools especially, but the schools are being forced to make huge cuts here just like everything else. When you are in debt you simply have to cut out expenses to balance the budget. Hopefully government leaders as well as ordinary citizens are realizing that now and doing it.
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