LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: IGNORE EUPHORIA! VOTE `NO'

To the Editor:

In a recent letter to the editor Bill Zellmer made this statement, "The casino boat debate is about economics and entertainment, and very little else". That may be all that Bill is listening to but there is, in fact, much more to it. People, our friends and neighbors, will be hurt by gambling. This is not speculation. Studies indicate that as much as 40% of white-collar crime in this country may be related to compulsive gambling. Some may say, "I don't believe it" but their disbelief doesn't settle the issue. In New Jersey alone it is estimated that compulsive gamblers accumulate over $500 million in yearly debt. Again some say, "I don't believe it" but where are the facts to refute scientific studies? The National Institute of Mental Health sponsored a study showing that in Massachusetts alone as many as 278,000 may already have some sort of gambling problem. Refute it! All they say it, "I don't think it will happen here".

The proponents of the gambling issue both in Cape and all across this country seem to be suffering from the same nearsightedness that got this country into deep debt. It's the "Quick buck! Eat drink and be merry" philosophy of life. Maybe Alton, Metropolis, and Tunica are enjoying a boom today. The immediate economic impact should not be the major concern . Why not interview a former business owner in Atlantic City whose business is now closed? He was probably in favor of gambling. Why not interview someone from Massachusetts who lost is house due to gambling debts? Why not interview someone in South Dakota who is in jail because he tried to embezzle money from his company to pay his gambling debts? Why not interview the family of a man who succumbed to the pressure and committed suicide due to his losses and addiction?

The "Yes" folks speculate that 800 jobs will be created, that one million people will come yearly and that millions of dollars will be left in this community for school and street projects. They speculate that other millions will be spent in our community at our stores, restaurants, and motels. Be honest enough to admit that it's speculation and that the basis for such speculation is weakened every time another boat hits the river.

Ignore the euphoria! Get the real facts. Vote "no" on Nov. 2, a vote that says you care for Cape's future.

Randy Short

Cape Girardeau