Casino for City of Roses?

I do not like the excitement and wonder of a casino -- the noise of the slot machines, the spin of the roulette wheel and the fast action of the craps table.

I remember when the Bossier City, La., and Shreveport, La., gambling boats were started. On a weekly basis I attended the Ark-La-Tex auto auction. The staffs of auto dealers, old and new, were excited. Boat trips seemed to be planned after each auction. After about two years, the excitement was gone. Folks there would tell you it was the worst thing that had come to that area. They said it was like a plague.

Many businesses suffered, credit scores were falling, payments were late or not made, cars and homes were repossessed. There was additional excessive drinking and drug use.

With these misfortunes came families being torn apart and divorces. Gambling addictions came at a high price.

I can tell you there are men in federal prison who have made poor choices due to gambling addictions. These men are fathers, husbands, brothers, friends and even your church family.

In my eyes, criminal? No. But they broke the law and were out of touch with their fiscal responsibility. Most truly believed they would hit the big win and return the money to their clients' accounts.

In one case all money had been returned, so clients didn't lose. Even though no one lost money, this individual's prison sentence was eight years, and he was a first-time offender. His fine was $300,000. This man was glad it was over. He said he had lived a double life to hide his addiction. This is one of many stories.

Take a close look at Metropolis or Caruthersville. I know many people who travel to both places, including my friends. Just how many have lost their paychecks? Their retirement savings? Had to sell their car or home? How many have lost it all and have contemplated suicide? More than you will ever know.

Gambling can steal your soul.

Cape Girardeau has the reputation of being the City of Roses. Well, when those rose petals are gone, what will you have? Thorns.

Gambling corruption has sent community leaders, governors and trusted friends to federal prison.

These are my thought and my views.

Greg Sparkman is a former area car dealer currently serving a federal prison sentence in Yazoo City, Miss.