Voting anyone?
I admit it. I have not voted in the past. So thanks to George Bush, I have much incentive to go to the poll this November. However, voting in 11/2 means much more than just for the president. Living in Michigan there are also two state-wide proposals on the ballet. proposal 1 deals with gambling, and 2 deals with gay union. Well the latter is a no brainer. The attempt to ban gay union/marriage is futile, and even if they succeed this year, giving time (like in 10 years) I'm sure the next generation of Americans will be much more open-minded. Seriously, "defenders" of marriage and family should be trying to make divorce, rather than gay marriage, more difficult.Proposal 1 is much more complex. If approved, it would require vote-approval for the introduction of any new gambling in the state. While its supporters mainly aimed at slot machines and new casinos at the race tracks, it will also affect the ability for the state lottery to introduce new games (thereby increase revenue for schools), but it exempts the three Detroit casinos and Indian casinos. So we get two unholy alliances. Supporter of 1: Las Vegas-owned detroit casinos and anti-gambling groups. Opponent: state Democrats and Republicans and the race-tracks. Pick your poison.
I'm torn. I personally find it contradictory the practice nation-wide of funding our education system with gambling incomes. So you want to give the next generation the best the school can offer and keep them from the unsavory elements of the society, yet you depend on one of the most unsavory elements, and one the darkest human addictions, gambling, for the financial means to do that? However, be that as it may, we are at the place and time that our schools are in such predicament, so I will take the Governor's word that Proposal 1 will hurt the state lottery. On its face, I agree that gambling should be approved by the citizens, but it's curious that it is worded in such way with potential to hamper the lottery. The fact both sides are funded essentially by gambling money bothers me. And don't get me started on Indian casinos. (Some of which pay minimum state tax, ~2%.)
So at this point, I'm still undecided as to whether I will vote yes or no on Proposal 1. This is getting way too stressful.
posted by hedgehog @ 10:59 PM
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