Eric Hartley: Don't fall for latest slots propaganda

By ERIC HARTLEY staff writer

Published 09/16/08

Under peppy piano music, photos of the carefully selected multiracial cast slide by as we learn why slot machines will help all of them: teachers, students, firefighters, nurses, senior citizens, blue-collar laborers and businessmen.

"But we could slide backwards - see increases in class sizes, teacher layoffs and even more cuts in local services - if we don't pass this referendum," says Brandon Cuffee, a young African-American elementary school teacher in Prince George's County, as he sits in a classroom looking at the camera.

Welcome to the politics of fear, where bad news for Maryland's finances is...

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Then What? - 2008-09-19 15:40:49

Ok, no new taxes, no slots, no more funding for anything to include essential services. Need a new span across the bay? Too bad. School needs supplies? Too bad. People out of work/no new jobs in the state? Too bad. Want to live in Maryland? Nope.

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J. Jovkovich - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Neutral

Surprised? - 2008-09-17 08:38:50

I am really shocked that anyone is surprised by this initiative. Its funny, the very person elected my fellow Marylanders used the anti slot banter as one of his platforms. Is anyone surprised that the same person, who systemically ruined the Baltimore City Education system would do an about face and is once again displaying the same fiscal irresponsibility with the Maryland School system.

I would much rather cut current projects or raise taxes than have slots in MD (not like our taxes aren't high enough). Yes its disappointing to see the lost revenue generated from slots go across state lines, but really, would you want to live close to a place that housed slots?

I never hear of people aspiring to live in Atlantic City, or Charlestown or Deleware. Let them have slots.

We don't

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Johnathan Locke - Edgewater, MD - Karma: Good

DE or WV anyone? - 2008-09-16 21:59:00

I?ve searched everywhere and can?t find where it?s written in stone anywhere that following statement is true;

?But if we have slots, it will be disproportionately coming from people who can't afford it.?

Talk about scare tactics? Mr. Hartley seems to be implying that Maryland?s less than wealthy citizens are so dim-witted they can only survive if the state government makes all decisions for them and provides all necessary services for survival. It?s just crazy to think someone in this state could actually think and act for themselves right?

Let?s look at the other scare tactic?crime associated with legalized gambling. Anyone know the crime rate for Dover? Charlestown? Annapolis? Those should be some interesting comparisons.

As for the proceeds going to education, figure the odds. There?s about as much chance of that lasting as gasoline and road taxes paying for road improvements and maintenance. Wasn?t the Maryland Lottery supposed to fund our educational system? The politicians in Annapolis will misdirect any tax money to anywhere or any goofy cause they chose.

Oh BTW, can you believe how much cheaper gas, cigarettes and alcohol are in Delaware and West Virginia?

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Dave D. - Pasadena, MD - Karma: Neutral

Gutless Politicians - 2008-09-16 18:14:09

I generally try to harbor some respect for our elected officials because they do important work. But when it comes to slots I think they're basically gutless. They don't have the courage to come to the public and say, "we have two choices: A. Cut programs. B: Increase taxes. Slots - and the lottery before it - are simply an easy answer for politicians who don't want to face tough problems. Since it won't be long before all the dominoes have fallen and every state has slots I wonder how soon we'll see politicians tapping into the money that they can skim from legalized prostitution.

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G. L. - Arnold, MD - Karma: Bad