Addressing Opposition to Card Clubs, Casinos

At this time, there is one dominant issue in two South Bay cities, Hawthorne and Inglewood. It is a drive for legalized card clubs and casinos.

There is a degree of opposition, and the opponents have a right to express their stance. However, those fighting the possible ballot measures are, in the majority, doing so on religious grounds, or searing would-be proponents by forecasting very improbable results of legalized gambling.

In no way am I anti-religion, anti-church, but I am pro-the-best for taxpayers in our cities. Those founding their opposition on religious issues seem to forget that we are protected by separation of church and state. My statements concerning that are always attacked as though I were uninformed. True, they have their right to protest, but must not call us proponents nonbelievers or worse, and push religion down the throats of anyone who does not march in their parades. They say it is their place in life to give spiritual leadership. That should be given only when asked, and it is usually done in the churches.

Scare tactics of increased crime, prostitution, robbery, car theft, cannot be substantiated by fact. Neither Hollywood Park racetrack nor legalized clubs in Gardena have sparked crime over and above what any city suffers these days.

Hawthorne and Inglewood are suffering as are cities across our nation, from job loss, inadequate police protection, (and) lack sufficient educational funding. Reliable studies show that the legalized clubs and casinos can add millions to the cities’ coffers; the number of jobs created would be a boon to needy families, as one business/company after another leaves the state for greener pastures.

Please, citizens, taxpayers, ignore the snow jobs given by religious zealots and the few politicians opting for other measures that would line their pockets! Give the legalized clubs and casinos a chance--decrease the flow of dollars into Nevada. Think instead of the benefits offered you. Vote for a better life for all, not just for some in power. They won’t last forever, but your families will go on and on, in dire straits, or living a good fruitful life. It is your decision, and probably one of the important ones you will make to upgrade the lives of your families and those around you in your neighborhoods.

ESTHER M. KEITH, Hawthorne