LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: DON'T LOSE CITY TO GAMBLING

To the Editor:

I had the wonderful opportunity to help with the flood relief through Tennessee Disaster Relief of the Southern Baptist Convention in July 1993.

I saw first hand the powerful strength of water and its devastating effect on the land and its people. However one cannot keep good people down and if there is one thing I am sure of the people of Southeast Missouri and Southern Illinois will not be defeated.

Upon arrival I immediately could see the quaint small-town charm, beautiful buildings, and friendly hard-working people that stood tall and proud as the fields of corn. Cape Girardeau, you have so much going for you! Don't lose it by voting for riverboat gambling. Your children's children future is at stake. Allow them to inherit the kind of place that I experienced. Focus on the undesirable attributes that gambling would bring to your doorstep: high crime, drug abuse, prostitution, and X-rated shops. Please do not forget this one important fact. Gambling tears families apart!

David E. Williams

Bartlett, Tenn.