Sometimes, it's only a sentence that matters

Most of us found ourselves immersed in the issues surrounding Predatory Gambling because it was in our backyards - NIMBY if you will!

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The more we learned about the financial costs, the more our opposition grew.

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The facts, articles, research, the flawed public policy are included here, a work in progress --

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United to Stop Slots in Massachusetts

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The information about the human costs and the economic costs is available, though frequently drowned out by Casino Cheerleaders and their sound bytes.

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Governor Patrick, to his credit listened, heard about the concerns of volunteers who have no financial interest, and supported an independent cost benefit analysis.

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When StandardbredCanada included the sentence below, it deserves comment --

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Who, pray tell, might be called upon to create such a beast? Apparently, the stop gambling group had a persuasive spokesman, but DeLeo was not impressed.

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The wide ranging coalition of groups that compose USS-Mass is growing as more people are educated about the flaws of exploiting one class of people to enrich the already wealthy gambling investors.

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To the author: The Governor is no fool. The potential composition of the group was discussed, suggestions offered. No persuasive spokesman/woman. Just the facts. I was there.

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Racetracks around the country and in other countries are closing, gambling revenues declining. Attendance is dwindling. The handwriting is clear. Indiana is a good example. Discretionary income is declining. Casinos, racinos, slot parlors around the country are defaulting, going bankrupt, restructuring. There is no Manna from Heaven.

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It's time to remove the blinders from public officials, as well as participants.

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Gambling as flawed public policy?

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