Sullivan church of Christ – Sullivan, MO
Date: October 19, 2008
MISSOURI’S PROPOSITION A
Ben Justice
Missourians will be given opportunity to vote on at least 3 propositions on November 4th. One in
particular and certainly the most important one is Proposition A. This proposition has to do with the
gambling industry right here in Missouri. In fact, one report stated that “casino spends $2.6 million on
Proposition A.” This is on top of the 1.7 million they have already spent on September 2nd. Add it up and
it comes to well over 4 million dollars. Here is something else the gambling industry did: THEY WROTE
AND SPONSORED THIS PROPOSITION. I don’t know about you, but I wouldn’t have anything to do with
a proposition written and promoted by the gambling industry. You know it has to stink! One is left to
wonder, “What’s really in it for them?” Here is the deal: Missouri’s gambling industry claims that if
Proposition A passes, then it will greatly help education. Of course, this is the old argument given in
support of casinos and the lottery. The Ameristar Casino tried to get similar legislation passed in a
legislative session just this year, but it failed. Thus, the casino went to work and took up the petition
process. They passed out petitions at the casinos as folks entered into the building. Those who passed
out the petitions informed the gamblers that it was about educating the children. Passing these
petitions out at the casinos to gamblers is like passing out a petition at a strip club for restrictions to be
lifted on pornography. Now here is the breakdown of this proposition:
1.) This proposition is also styled “The Schools First Elementary and Secondary Education Funding
Initiative.” The gambling establishment is trying to deceive Missourians into believing that it is all about
putting schools and education first. But, as someone pointed out, it should read, “Casinos first, schools
last.” Their television commercials emphasis education but hides the true facts about Proposition A. It
is a well established fact that the majority of those who visit casinos are depressed, gambling/alcohol
addicted, those on limited or fixed incomes, etcetera. People are enticed and lured into the gambling
environment that is rigged. So, do we really want our children’s education to be paid for at the expense of
these kinds of people? It is deplorable that we would even think of using such to educate our children!
Now, any right thinking person would have to wonder why the gambling industry would be pushing this so
hard if there is not anything in it for them. Well, the truth is, it’s all about them.
2.) Many Missourians are not aware that Missouri is the only state in the nation that puts a cap on the
amount of money a gambler can lose in a two-hour excursion at the casino. This cap is $500.00. This
amount is referred to as the “loss-limit.” Gamblers who lose $500.00 must wait until the next two hours
before they can gamble. Now, gambling in and of itself is morally reprehensible, and one penny spent on
gambling is sinful, but this “loss-limit” is certainly a good thing. We shouldn’t be surprised that the
gambling industry doesn’t like this limit. Oh no, they want people to spend every dime they have if they
can. Guess what Proposition A says will happen if passed? This “loss-limit” would be completely
removed. So, it’s about generating more money for the casinos. The owners and operators of the casinos
warn that if the measure doesn’t pass, then it could mean losing millions in tax dollars and people to
lose their jobs. Scott Charton, spokesman in favor of Proposition A, said, “If it fails, Missouri will
continue to be at a competitive disadvantage with our neighboring states.” He further said, “We will
continue to lose revenue to those states, and the loss will increase dramatically. Up to $200 million
annually will flow from Missouri to Kansas if nothing is changed in Missouri law.” I guess we need to cry
a river of tears! I don’t know about you, but I could care absolutely less about Missouri being at a
competitive disadvantage to other states when it comes to gambling. I could care less that millions of
dollars are lost. Missouri (or any other state for that matter) doesn’t need a dime collected from immoral
practices. Attorney General Jay Nixon said,
A key challenge in this fight against crime is keeping criminal elements out of the state. Casinos — and in particular, those
without loss limits — can provide an attractive and convenient means for drug dealers, organized crime, and even potential
terrorists to “launder” money derived from criminal activity, thus hiding the illegal origin of that money.
3.) Casinos don’t like the strict measures that are currently in place of checking identification cards.
These are known as “Players Cards,” and they are used to identify gamblers in casinos. Well, they wrote
something into this proposition that will take care of that also. They want to get rid of the ID cards that
they see as intrusive. What this boils down to is that it will be easier for the under-aged to get in. One
report combating this Proposition said,
The Missouri State Highway Patrol successfully assisted in solving 95.78% of the 1,611 casino related crimes in 2007. Removing
the Players Cards will drastically hinder their ability to investigate and solve crimes.
Finally, all this about casinos and lotteries contributing revenues and taxes to the community is has
been proven false time and again. Very little money is reinvested into the community.
FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT:
www.noona.com
WHAT MAKES A NATION GREAT?
Not serried ranks with flags unfurled,
Not armored ships that gird the world,
Not hoarded wealth nor busy mills,
Not cattle on a thousand hills,
Not sages wise, nor schools nor laws,
Not boasted deeds in freedoms cause —
All these may be, and yet the state
In the eyes of God be far from great.
That land is great which knows the Lord,
Whose songs are guided by His word;
Where justice rules twixt man and man,
Where love controls in art and plan;
Where, breathing in his native air,
Each soul finds joy in praise and prayer —
Thus may our country, good and great,
Be God’s delight — man’s best estate.
By: Alexander Blackburn (1844-1921)