Logic is against casinos

A casino for Cape Girardeau has again come to the forefront of the news.

I have heard many comments on this subject, past and present. I have seen studies on gambling, pro and con.

One thing is for sure: Other states aren't going to beat a path to our door as is done in Nevada. Our draw here would be mainly from Poplar Bluff to Carbondale and Perryville to Sikeston.

Be that as it may, though a casino might add to the coffers of Cape Girardeau and Missouri, overall I see the state as a big loser. Without question, it would do much harm to lots of people, especially college students who dream of paying off student loans or starting a business.

The thing that we need to keep in mind is that casino owners and operators are not gamblers. They are business people who are there to take your money. And take it they would, by the hundreds of millions of dollars.

As this wealth leaves our state, it stands to reason that fewer homes would be bought, fewer automobiles would be purchased and in general the standard of living would decrease by that amount. Has there ever been a study made on the lost revenue versus the casino rake-off? I've never seen one.

Casinos don't make or produce anything. Nor do they provide a service. The jobs necessary to keep the business going must be paid for with money taken from patrons.

Casinos cannot create wealth. They can only suck it up. Logic would dictate that there would be fewer jobs elsewhere.

It seems to me that all those who want a casino here want it for selfish reasons, whether personal entertainment at others' expense or political considerations.

I realize this is just one man's opinion, and there may be points I don't understand. But until someone can convince me that I am wrong, it will remain my opinion.

Hubert D. Murphy is a Jackson resident.