"To me this issue is not about, is gaming good or bad for Kentucky. As the Governor noted in his comments, there are good arguments on both sides of this issue."- Sen. Damon Thayer
Thursday 23rd of February 2012
The above scene is something I like to see. Republicans and Democrats putting partisanship aside to work for a goal. Too bad that goal is to enrich an industry and to give gambling to 5 corporations. I've said many times that the GOP and Democrats are two wings of the same bird. This time they are bought by the same group, the horse industry. The gambling bill isn't about gambling. We have it already. State Lottery, HORSE TRACKS (as if allowing people who can't get people to the tracks already need more leverage for entertainment dollars) and even those roadside push quarter machines at truck stops. The issue is about awarding a constitutional amendment to 5 corporations in one industry.
Sadly, even the conservative Agriculture Commissioner Jamie Comer is drinking more of that Franklin county water. Lobbying for this awful piece of legislation. One sane (on this issue) Senator asked him, "well why didn't we put casinos in tobacco patches when that industry took a dive?" This is a bailout, a constitutional bailout to some of the richest people in Kentucky.
The equine industry is a 700 million per year industry and 4th behind #1 poultry in Kentucky. One year not so long ago, horses held the number one spot in Kentucky. Why did it fail? Was it because they were hit by some horrible disease that killed all the horses? Or maybe it was a bad business model at the tracks and a sport that grew old and refused to morph with the changing society.
If we give them special deals we can do it again--at the expense of others. If gambling doesn't work out, what will the governor push for next: prostitution?
To save the horses? I've got an idea, try the McConnell building because many of the GOP are laying down on a cheap bed to turn a trick for one industry to have control, a monopoly.
Sadly, I SUPPORT GAMBLING! I WON'T VOTE YES! Why? Because this is corporatism and cronyism at it's finest. I'm sure none of those voting yes will expect a campaign donation. Also, Governor Steve Beshear and Senator Thayer keep calling it our "signature industry." Which has to piss King Coal off.
I love Keeneland. Could care less for Churchill. I'm a gambler. Love table games. I am the target audience to support the gambling bill. This isn't about morals, this is about principles. If you are a GOPer and you support this bill, please..... don't talk to me about "Government infringing on the small business owner." At least not after you voted to help a major corporation crush the small business owner.
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