Discussion of California Ballot Initiatives

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Originally Posted by innerSpaceman

Ever since I drove out to Palm Springs and past the Morongo Resort (is that the one?) with GIANT ROOFTOP DISPLAYS BEGGING FOR PASSAGE OF THOSE INITIATIVES, I've been suspicous of them.

I don't know why it'd make you "suspicious", it's pretty obvious that it would benefit the casino. "Hmm, they want me to pass this for some reason, what could it be??"

Each of those would bump a specific Indian Band's number of slot machines allowed from 2,000 to 5,000 for two of them, and from 2,000 to 7,500 for two others.

Payments to the gov't would increase - by a lot. In the instance of prop 94, Pechanga currently pays $29 million to the state, but if this passes, they'll pay at least $42.5 mil, and there are additions to this minimum.

The props include environmental impact requirements, required audits, operating guidelines, etc.

I'm having trouble finding a reason to oppose them - especially because I don't live with one of these tribes in my backyard. I'm sure I'd feel differently if I lived there. But if I did, I'd probably move. I'm not a fan of gambling and the environment it engenders, but people love it, and I prefer letting people be free, as long as I have the option of being away from it. And yes, the gov't should get their chunk.