THE PUBLIC MIND: READER QUESTIONS RIVERBOAT GAMBLING

To the Editor,

The people of Cape Girardeau need to brace themselves for a media blitz in the coming months financed by those who themselves have much to gain from riverboat gambling. The promoters of riverboat gambling will promise that it will be an "economic miracle" for this community. It is essential to thoroughly examine such claims and not be seduced by the glitz and glamour of a well-financed advertising campaign.

Will those who come to gamble experience an "economic miracle"? Clearly not! Gambling odds are designed so those who gamble will lose. Many of the losers can ill afford to do so. Buzzers and bells and empty promised entice gamblers to spend more and more on a meager chance. Addiction to gambling will increase, ruining the finances of countless families.

Will the neighborhood experience an "economic miracle"? Witness Alton, Ill., and other gambling towns. Surrounding the gambling boat are acres of paring lots. Surrounding the parking lots are aging neighborhoods, displaying no miracles. The two neighborhood institutions most likely to flourish are prostitution and drug dealing.

Will employees of the gambling business experience an "economic miracle"? Consider this scenario: New jobs will consist of a large number of minimum pay jobs. As an economic strategy, higher paying jobs will be part-time and thus without benefits. A significant number of workers will be brought in form outside the community and transplanted here.

Who will then experience this "economic miracle"? The only economic miracle will be experienced by the owners and operators, those very people who will be financing the slick campaign we are about to endure. A high percentage of the profits will serve to increase the wealth of outside interests who care nothing about the welfare of Cape Girardeau.

As we hear Merv Griffin entice us to gamble, do you really believe he has any concern about the economy of Metropolis, Ill.? The only economy Merv Griffin is hoping to benefit is the economy of Merv Griffin. I don't believe the Merv Griffins of the world need any more economic miracles at our expense.

Those who would trick us have much to gain. We need to be wise in the upcoming election by voting "no" to riverboat gambling. What is good for the cat is not good for the mice.

The Rev. Craig L. Nessan

Cape Girardeau