Well, I think that the bridge idea to promote ease of casino gambling is fine, if all you're looking at is that ease.
OK, even a bit of revenue brought about by increase in jobs.
But, let's look at the down side of the scheme.
There's the number of business that are harmed when people spend their limited expendable income on gamlbing. That means, they are not going to restaurants, theatre, movies, and other amusements. All those business suffer. They lay off workers. Some will close.
There's the number of bankruptcies. One hideous aspect about gambling addiction is its invisability. No one knows until the house of cards falls down. (My ex almost lost my house twice before I divorced him.) Oh, and who PAYS for these bankruptcies? Tax payers and credit card holders; people who shop for a new mortgage. Yep, you and me; Jane and John Doe.
Don't forget business who suffer in other ways. Employees or owners who steal from the business to cover their losses. Oh, yea, these addicts DO plan to pay it back --when the next big win happens.
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Problem is, it's a rigged game. The house will ALWAYS win in the end!
Then, there's the social costs. How about families broken up? Children without a mom or dad? Schools paying for social workers to help these children through that rough time? Kids never reaching their potential because of the trauma they're forced to live through, due to no fault of their own.
(This actually reminds me of the anti abortion arguement. It says we can't abort, cuz it may be a child that could cure cancer, heart disease, AIDS or whatever. Well, lets take that further. This child is ALREADY HERE! But, when we allow gambling, we accept that some will go overboard. Those kids ALREADY HERE, are effected and will NEVER reach the potential as a direct result of these losses in thier young life. WOrk the arguement all the way. No cure for cancer, heart disease, AIDS or whatever here too! But, I digress...)
How about the increase in food stamps, welfare, and other social programs that come about as a result of these broken families?? Who pays for these?? Yep, Mr and Ms Taxpayer again.
And what type of jobs are these casino jobs? Well, since my sister works at JaiLai in Newport, I can attest to the fact that MOST of them are low wage, low status McJobs. Little protection. Almost nothing in the way of health care, sick days, vacation....and that's WITH a union! Oy!
Are these McJobs worth the economic and social costs associated with increase gambling?
I think not.
That's my two cents. The bridge will only make it easier for multiple people to harm themselves their loved ones and society in general, with little gain for anyone.
And that's the way *I* see it....
Shalom!