LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: YOU CAN'T CHEAT AN HONEST MAN

Dear Editor:

I am glad that we as a state and as a city are going to vote again on gambling. Since gambling was first discussed a couple of years ago, I have seen nothing but corruption, bribery and the spoils system at work. The Boyd Corporation and Lady Luck came to town and started spreading money around to all who expressed an interest.

The Post Dispatch has recently documented legislators' ties to gambling companies. Governor Carnahan had to discharge the entire election commission in St. Louis because of the members' financial interests in gambling companies and riverside real estate.

Why do you think they are so eager to come to Cape Girardeau of all places and spread their money around? Before this gambling bubble bursts, they hope to suck huge profits out of Southeast Missouri.

It seems that government exists for one purpose only, that is to preside over the distribution of spoils. The most insulting thing about the whole ugly scene is being told by these gamblers that they are just doing it for our benefit (i.e., tax revenues, jobs). Have you ever heard the old expression "you can't cheat any honest man"?

JEFFREY S. MAGUIRE

Cape Girardeau