lists 16 entries for the word character. Notable definitions include: the aggregate of features and traits that form the individual nature of some person or thing; and an account of the qualities or peculiarities of a person or thing.
Today in the hallowed halls of the statehouse of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, on Beacon Hill, the cradle of liberty, a hearing was held by pro-casino state representative David Flynn - D Bridgewater, featuring Governor Patrick and several casino investors including mega-billionaire and casino mogul Sheldon Adelson. "The Donald" did not attend despite an invitation to the hearing. Matt Viser of the Globe reported,
Governor Patrick's testimony centered on the historic roots of gambling in MassachusettsThe six-hour hearing has created a circus-like atmosphere at the State House. Union activists in matching red T-shirts and business leaders in pinstriped power suits and derby hats packed Gardner Auditorium, where it was standing-room-only.
I would also like to address the concern that bringing resort casinos to Massachusetts might alter the character of our state. For a very long time now, gaming has been in practice in Massachusetts and gaming revenues have been used to support public projects. In 1762 John Hancock raised lottery money to rebuild Faneuil Hall after a fire.
The Governor elaborated on his rationale to propose expanded gambling in Massachusetts emphasizing and repeating his claim of developing 20,000 permanent jobs. The absence of the claim of 20,000 "new" jobs was interesting. The claim that the character of Massachusetts will not change if class III casinos were to become legal is really the sticking point.
How could the character as defined above of the Commonwealth not change? The developers owning land in Palmer have stated that a casino would bring large changes. Any observer of the Connecticut casino experience would say that the casinos created profound changes in the character of the communities, region and the state. To claim that the character of the Commonwealth or the town of Monson where we live (abutting two potential casino host communities) would not change is simply ludicrious. The differential is whether citizens support the changes inherent to class III casinos to the communities and regions that they impact as net positive or net negative.
The aggregate of features and traits of the Commonwealth cannot not be affected. Let's just talk straight and tell the truth.
5 comments:
The Governor's speech was so flawed and dishonest, I'm disappointed. Some of us who supported him believed he wouldn't be 'just another dishonest politicians.' We thought he cared. Thanks for your comments.
Sometimes, you know in your heart that something is wrong. You don't need factual arguments or 'mitigation' numbers.
You just KNOW.
You don't need to know the spokesman was a liar and rapist. You don't need to know about the seedy pasts of the casino investors or the ties to Abramoff.
You just KNOW!
Character and commitment to the Commonwealth matter more than this sham. Thanks for the reminder.
I too was disappointed by the Govenor's speech. I can't understand how he could stand there and seriously compare lottery ticket sales at the local convenience store to mega resort casinos...no one is arguing that there is gambling in MA, we are arguing that these so called resorts will negatively impact and affect our State and most importantly, our quality of life.
Governor Patrick needs a wake up call from the thousands of residents who don't want this madness. I am writin g my letter today and I hope those of you who can write ASAP to let him know we will not go quietly
To Mr. Patrick,
Buying a lottery ticket is analogous to climbing an ant hill.... hosting a 5 star mega-resort casino is like climbing Mount Everest. Is the difference apparent or does it need to be further explained????
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