Riverboat Gambling on Taney

[TexomaOkie]

I’ll try not to preach a sermon, but sometimes things can become very personal. In my opinion, the most important factor to consider in regards to gambling is the moral dilemma it creates. I would like to relate a personal experience with gambling that has reinforced my feelings.

I have a close personal friend who has been swallowed up by an addiction to gambling. He had never gambled until the Indian casinos became prevalent here in Oklahoma. However, he is now at the bottom of the barrel. His addiction has contributed to his loss of a job as a public educator. It has caused his financial ruin and forced his family into bankruptcy. It seems likely the deceit and mistrust the addiction has caused between he and his wife will result in a divorce that will destroy his family. At this point, my primary concern for him is that he won’t decide life is not worth living. Through the years, He and I have been able to lean on each other for support in tough times. As much as I’d like to help him in this situation, the guilt and shame he feels won’t allow him to face me. It’s heartbreaking to have a friend in such dire circumstances!

And never say it can’t happen to us. He’s just like many of us. He has always been active in our church and an outstanding professional in our community. He’s been a hard working, tax-paying American all of his life.

I understand it could be easy to believe that his problem is not our problem. However, in this case, if there had not been enough support to build the casinos in Oklahoma, my friend wouldn’t be in this situation.

Whether we gamble or not, is it morally responsible to support the expansion of an industry that, in order to be financially successful, must create more losers than winners? Is just one wasted, ruined life worth the benefit gained by many others? We must all make our own decisions about what is right or wrong, understanding that, ultimately, we will all be held accountable for those decisions. As for me, in good conscience, I can’t say its “okay”. On Judgment Day, what if God were to ask me, “Why did you support an industry that caused the demise of others”? If I’ve supported an industry that contributed to the demise of even one soul, I believe it would be impossible for me to defend that position before the Master.

Since I’ve posted here, I won’t post on the Prayer Request board. But, if you’re a believer, please be praying for my friend.

[SilverMallard]

SilverMallard, I just want to make sure your idea is clear to everyone. Your message seems to convey the idea that Rockaway Beach has a high crime rate already, so there would be no harm in a floating casino.

One point I would like to address from your message: If the current law enforcement system is already overwhelmed, what would be the effect of a casino on this already stressed infrastructure?

Well, the logical answer to your question has already been given by two other people. So I won't belabor the obvious. But NO...I did NOT say Rockaway Beach has a high crime rate. I said BRANSON and all of Taney County has a rapidly increasing crime rate that is resulting from a rapidly increasing population. In point of fact, the county sheriff's patrol units spend way more time in Branson/Hollister than they do in Rockaway Beach...and I mean on calls, not patrols. Rockaway is low income. So they have a drug problem, a domestic violence problem, and a child abuse problem. 99% of that takes place in the shacks and mobile homes. The cops rarely get called. Not much violent crime in Rockaway. There's been more in recent years in Branson and Hollister than there has been up there. And I would be more careful of leaving my keys in my car or a window down in Branson than I would in Rockaway Beach.

[damselfly]

An interesting thread.......Silver Mallard,,,,i am hoping (and assuming) your comment that domestic violence and child abuse is not violent crime was 'toungue in cheek'(or maybe I misread your reply) ......SW MO has some of the WORST domestic violence stats in the country...sad to say.

As far as the casino goes,,,,,I'm against any more development on Taney....I was concerned when the Landing went in and am still concerned about how it and other development on Taney is going to affect water quality, etc.

I too am concerned and agree with Phil....once the precent it set, that is all it's going to take and I don't want to see casino's all over the place.

[troutchaser]

I suppose it boils down to whether Rockaway Beach's economic welfare is worth the risk of opening up our waterways to development by those whose main concern is the almighty dollar. People who think water quality is a choice between Dasani and Avaya. People who think fish come from the freezer aisle at Sav-A-Lot.

I'm sure there are on-the-water casino owners who are highly concerned about the environmental impact of their business. But I'm also sure that there are more who aren't concerned at all. I'm not willing to risk ruining a local treasure for all the money in the world.

I vote no. Don't allow gambling to come into the area.

[Phil Lilley]

Is that what it's come down to... to save a community, any community in Missouri, you need casinos? RB talks as if that's the only thing that can save them. I honestly don't understand the logic.

[ColdWaterFshr]

Good point Lilley. I don't understand the logic either. If it was that easy, we could wipe out poverty - just build a casino! I think its a short-term solution at best. With he proliferation of casinos everywhere . . . at some point the interest is going to diminish and then you are left with the same product that everyone else is offering and what is the difference? Nothing creative and intersting about it. Rockaway oughta consider building a 600 foot tall ferris wheel like the one in London . . . now theres an idea.

From a cash flow standpoint, once the shine wears off, and the outside repeat customers start to dwindle, you're just going to have locals sitting at the tables . . . spending money at a casino (giving profit to a major corp), and that money that would otherwise be going to any number of other businesses. Net gain is zero.

[SilverMallard]

Perhaps I should have used the terms "street crime" vs. "domestic crime." Rockaway...being low income...has it's fair share of domestic problems to be sure. But the cops rarely get involved and it is not a "public" nuisance affecting the economic life of the community. That's what I meant. Branson and Hollister on the other hand, have had parking lot shootings, stabbings, muggings, and a TON of auto burglary/theft over the past few years...a geometric proliferation of "street crime" according to the law enforcement people I have spoken to.

No, Phil, I don't think it has come down to that. But as you know, the folks in Rockaway have spent a lot of years and a good chunk of what little of their personal fortunes they have researching econ revitalization of RB. And they are convinced it is their only VIABLE option that is actually on the table. NO ONE ELSE has presented them a real option and pledged to spend tens of millions of dollars and provide 1000 yearround jobs with benefits. Give us another competitive option and I'll be right there beside you voting NO on gambling at Rockaway.

Also, I wonder how many of you fellas ever fish down by Rockaway. I'll bet very few of you. And that waterfront we're talking about is ALREADY DEVELOPED. Just like Branson Landing, we're talking about RE-DEVELOPMENT of a blighted eyesore. So that whole argument doesn't wash.

[crappiefisherman]

I betting avery small percentage of rockaways population has spent money on this.The place hasnt had revitalization in the last 40 years.sometime you got to start from scratch.There are few thriving businesses in rockaway and liqour is the selling point in large percentage.The police force is how many???um 1 or 2? ITS KINDA LIKE THIS THE GUY YOU GO TO CHURCH WITH THAT HASNT HAD A DIME IN YEARS, NO VISIBLE MEANS OF SUPPORT, JUST ENDS UP WITH A COUPLE OF BRAND NEW CARS AND A NEW HOUSE.EVERYONE SHOULD BE HAPPY BUT EVERYONE IS LEARY OF HOW IT HAPPENED AND WHAT UNDERHANDED MEANS GOT IT THERE.its only human , but to condemn it is wrong, but come on now.whats goin on. does anyone remember what the herschend family said after the last election.The family said they wish they had invested the million or so dollars into the town for the folks instead of spending it to stomp their hopes for gamblin.Wonder if anyones gona ask for money from the herschands to help develope the town, Of course not, they arent interested in regular development just gaming.

[gonefishin]

I think a lot of people in Rockaway have been sold on the idea that if a riverboat casino goes in it is going to make life good for them. I dont think that is the case. I think it will only be good for whoever sells property to the casino. The mom and pop resturants arent going to make $$, the casino is going to put in their own restrurant and the people who dont eat at the casino will be going to go some place upscale to eat. The same thing goes for local motels. All of a sudden local business owners are going to find their business arent upscale enough and will find that the patrons will be going to Branson and Springfield to eat, sleep and buy gas anyway. I am not convinced that a casino is the answer to their problems.

[Wayne SW/MO]

I have to wonder how many making comments concerning the status of Rockaway beach, have been here anytime lately, or ever?

Its not just Rockaway, its Merriam Woods, and Forsyth, both larger, and Taneyville, Kissee Mills, Bradlyville, all full of people who want jobs that will last 12 months a year, with a decent wage and with some benefits. Waiting tables in Branson, or smiling at people at SDC doesn't supply this, no security, no year long employment, no benefits.

There are a lot of people who want no more than this and its Branson who sets the standard that tourism is the base, so the easiest way for this area to tap into that base is a casino, without taking that much away and to recover money going north and west.

In order to bring capital in you must have something lucrative, and a casino is that to outsiders, just as land has become lucrative in the Branson area to outsiders.

Ironically you probably won't see a lot of opposition from the Landing, because the convention center would benefit greatly from a casino.