Tuesday, Nov. 03, 2009

It's time for S.C. to wake up

I read the article on the three-number-match lottery in North Carolina. The same concept exists here in our fair state. When I purchase gas, I see lines of people with probably most of their weekly earnings waiting to purchase that "lucky chance at financial security."

What is the difference between that and opening a casino in the defunct Fantasy Harbor, or the going-down-the-drain Freestyle Park?

I hail from Connecticut, which is home to two huge casinos that net the state hundreds of thousands of dollars each year from their massive proceeds. Wake up, South Carolina. Many say opening a casino will be a danger to people gambling away their savings or paychecks. What do you think is happening now with the lotteries?

When you cross the border into Connecticut, there is a huge sign telling you there is a $500 fine for driving while talking on your cell phone. Most people there know they mean it. No one here can make a decision - politically scary.

As for the casino, there was no committee to form a committee to decide whether or not to open one in Connecticut. Nor was there another committee formed to decide whether what the former committee decided was acceptable, all of which cost the taxpayers thousands of dollars (i.e., the airport issue here. Build it and they will come? Please.)

Check with other common-sense states, which plan things that benefit their taxpayers instead of forming committees. The casinos would be a huge draw to our area. What's the matter, South Carolina? Scared that we might actually produce a real draw to Myrtle Beach tourism?