I've been following the plight of proponents of slot machines in Maryland as they are blocked at every turn by people who oppose slots on religious grounds.

The photo above was taken in 2004 and this was what accompanied it:

"At a rally in Annapolis, Del. Anthony G. Brown (center) addresses opponents of legalizing slot machines in Maryland. 'This movement will not stop until this obsession with slot machines comes to an end,' says Del. Peter Franchot, who also attended the rally." (Sun photo by Monica Lopossay / February 4, 2004)

Four and a half years later Maryland still does not have slot machines the revenue from which is desperately needed.

Basically the slot machines would be installed in existing horse racing tracks, as they have in many other States, resulting in "Racinos."

The overall effect is that the income generated by the slot machines would be shared by the slot operators, the State of Maryland, and the racetrack.

The State of Maryland would gain needed revenue, the slot machines would create jobs, and the racetracks would be saved, along with many jobs as this letter to the editor about the necessity of slot machines explains.

I think it's a shame that we have such an outdated, Puritanical mind-set in many parts of the United States. These self appointed moralists who are always trying to save people from themselves are doing far more harm than good.

If people want to gamble, they are going to find a way to gamble, even if it means crossing state borders, or engaging in illegal gambling.

My wife and I like playing state lotteries; and the idiot legislators in Nevada will not allow a lottery. Is that ridiculous or what, in a state where you can bet on everything under the Sun, probably including, the date the Sun will burn out.

The reason here is protectionism, the corporate casino owners are afraid they'll lose a dollar or two to lottery sales. So everyone drives to California and Arizona to play their lotteries, including me, which wastes gas and takes money out of the State. But what do I know about politics and big business?

If someone is opposed to gambling, fine, don't gamble, but don't ruin other people's fun, and livelihoods.

Source:www.baltimoresun.com