LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: GIVE US SOME REAL FACTS

To the Editor:

This letter is in reference to the so-called "Facts" being circulated on the campus of Southeast by the Citizens Against Riverboat Gambling. These "Facts" have appeared in the Capaha Arrow newspaper, as well as letters sent to students, and information distributed at the "We Love Cape" hot dog rally on campus. Unfortunately, the "Facts" are nothing but a collection of half-truths and distortions. Simply being against riverboat gaming is one thing, but the use of hyperbole and disinformation is quite another. The following are examples of this irresponsible propaganda:

"If the measure passes, your life as a student will change drastically. First, apartment rent will go up as your landlord must deal with increased property taxes as a result of an increase in the cost of city services ..."

In the first place, a drastic raise in property taxes as a result of the riverboat is highly unlikely, particularly due to an increase in city services. Missouri's Excursion Riverboat Gambling statute specifically states that the cities share of gross receipts ($900,000 annually) is to be used to offset any increase in the cost of public safety and services.

" ... the riverboat will bring an increase in crime, that means your chances of being the victim increase ..."

Of all of the riverboats in operation in the Midwest, none have experienced a significant increase in serious crime. In fact, some cities, such as Joliet, Ill. have actually seen a drop in recent crime figures.

"Jobs available will be menial minimum wage jobs." "Dealers will be brought in from out of town leaving students to clean up tables and take out the trash."

Again, Missouri's Excursion Riverboat Gambling statute specifically mandates that "Employees on such excursion gambling boats shall be paid at least 25 percent higher than the federal minimum wage level." To guarantee local residents will receive these jobs the law requires, " ... a substantial number of the staff and entertainers employed (should be) Missouri residents."

"Your standard of living and that of many other residents is going to get worse."

By any stretch of the imagination, an increase in job opportunities, tax revenues, investment and tourism will provide an increase, not a decrease, in the standard of living for Southeast students and the surrounding community.

If the Citizens Against Riverboat Gambling handed their publications in for a grade, they would surely get a big red "F" on the top of their paper. Even a basic English class teaches one to research assumptions before committing them to text. To the Citizens Against Riverboat Gambling, if these "Facts" (as you call them) were mere oversights then you should print retractions correcting your errors. If you are going to call them "Facts", then you owe it to us, as responsible civic leaders, to make sure they are "Facts." If, on the other hand, they are intentional distortions, then shame on you.

These citizens should take the time to examine Missouri's Excursion Riverboat Gambling statutes before jumping to such rash conclusions. Such governmental regulations are in place to guarantee that a riverboat gaming complex will serve to better the community.

Please, don't feed us anymore of your hotdogs or bologna. We are college students, and responsible adults, let the real facts stand so that we may make the intelligent decision.

Jessica Halter

Treasurer Students for Progress