Too much left to chance

Will the added revenue to the city's coffers that result from a Potawatomi casino move into downtown Milwaukee pay for the rehabilitation of added numbers of people who might become addicted to gambling downtown workers, for example? Will they be treated compassionately or like criminals if they lose their jobs because they didn't have the capacity to handle the less than benign influences of the casino just down the street? ("Barrett antes up for casino move," June 9)

According to the Arizona Council on Compulsive Gambling, 2% to 4% of gamblers become addicted. But even a small percentage of misery shouldn't be tolerated. On the scale of being, every individual is necessary and important.

Additionally, what happens to the families who suffer from lost income because one of their members decides hanging out at a casino is worthwhile activity? Will the city pick up the tab?

Anyway, relying on gambling payouts for revenue precludes the hard thinking that's necessary so financial problems can be worked out. Cities need stable sources of income, not that which is based on chance.

Finally, why should we care if the Menominee tribe moves a casino into Kenosha and the Potawatomi lose money? Tough luck.

Maggie Peters

Wales

Would it be a wise choice?

Those of the Christian faith know the story only too well: When given a choice between Jesus and a known criminal, Barabbas, the people shouted, "Give us Barabbas!"

Our mayor went off to Washington, D.C., in hopes of finding a way to make room for the Potawatomi Bingo Casino to move downtown. It saddens this lifelong Milwaukee resident to think that this is what our leaders feel is necessary to revive our city. The Mitchell Park Domes are falling apart, our parks are a mess and our lakefront beaches stink, but we think giving people more opportunities to throw away their cash at the gaming tables is the way to go.

Why not just give the Potawatomi our financially troubled museum? Think of how the American Indian artifacts could be displayed among the "one-armed bandits" and buffet tables.

The people will shout, "Give us bingo!"

Andrew Oren

Milwaukee

A real challenge for our city

According to a University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee study, almost half of Milwaukee's African-American men have been unemployed or out of the workforce the past 30 years. That's equivalent to 30,000 people. Suburbanites have enjoyed a much better economy in the same time period.

Don't we think it's about time we create a Milwaukee economy that allows every citizen a chance at economic freedom; the kind of freedom that fosters meaningful lifestyles; the kind of freedom that promotes reverence for education, marriage and family? Milwaukee needs to create meaningful jobs.

Here's the challenge. Milwaukee needs to create industry that requires at least 30,000 new and meaningful job opportunities. This needs to be done while there is still land available for industry that is easily accessed by Milwaukee residents. What are the industries that would support the creation of 30,000 new jobs? What are the industries in which we can compete globally? What are the industries with which we can build upon our state's existing resources, such as water, manufacturing and agriculture, without impairing our environment or our Milwaukee culture?

Hint: The answer is not gaming.

John Drehfal

Greenfield

Downtown showing promise

For shame, Mayor Tom Barrett.

I cannot believe he would support a move of the Potawatomi Bingo Casino to a downtown location. After years of stagnant development downtown, there are now signs of hope. There are new offices, shops, residences and an opportunity for downtown Milwaukee to make something of itself.

Why would Barrett want to put a cultural and societal void smack dab in the middle of this promising growth? If Barrett wants to solve the city's financial woes, let the people of our great city keep their money so they can spend it on something of worth, instead of encouraging them to plunk away nickels for a fleeting chance at small fortunes.

David Karnes

Wind Lake

Copyright 2005, Journal Sentinel Inc. All rights reserved. (Note: This notice does not apply to those news items already copyrighted and received through wire services or other media.)

Copyright 2005 Journal Sentinel Inc. Note: This notice does not apply to those news items already copyrighted and received through wire services or other media
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