01-16-2009, 03:39 AM
Darren (of "Island Notes") Submitted this eloquent piece to Tiff's blog:
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Consideration of the promotion of gambling in Hawaii seems to pit stakeholders in so-called free-market capitalism - against those believing that elected government has an obligation to regulate in terms of societal and environmental health. Put another way: Which benefits our Hawaiian community more - money generated from casinos? - or the public and environmental good stemming from their absence on these islands? Which engenders a population sustained by healthy community empowerment?
One viewpoint is motivated by money primarily - money games that manipulate gullible people to seek unearned profits. The other viewpoint considers environmental and societal degradation through state sanctioned addiction profits. (And no, good live entertainment, food, and such does not require gambling. However, those things ARE worthy of further discussion and development.)
Healthy sustainable development of these sacred islands, and education of our keiki begins with awareness of our right to declare that we do not do anything for money. That is for Las Vegas. Aloha ‘aina? Casinos don’t give a rip for such things. Leave them in the desert. Hawaii has riches and potential that legalized racketeering hasn’t the slightest concern for, or appreciation of.
In Hawaii, we have more righteous work to do than to turn more of us into stupefied consumers. And while it might pay some bills, turning our young adults into whores and pimps isn’t in our best interest either.
Thanks for providing this forum for sharing opinions concerning these issues.
_____________________________________________________________________
Consideration of the promotion of gambling in Hawaii seems to pit stakeholders in so-called free-market capitalism - against those believing that elected government has an obligation to regulate in terms of societal and environmental health. Put another way: Which benefits our Hawaiian community more - money generated from casinos? - or the public and environmental good stemming from their absence on these islands? Which engenders a population sustained by healthy community empowerment?
One viewpoint is motivated by money primarily - money games that manipulate gullible people to seek unearned profits. The other viewpoint considers environmental and societal degradation through state sanctioned addiction profits. (And no, good live entertainment, food, and such does not require gambling. However, those things ARE worthy of further discussion and development.)
Healthy sustainable development of these sacred islands, and education of our keiki begins with awareness of our right to declare that we do not do anything for money. That is for Las Vegas. Aloha ‘aina? Casinos don’t give a rip for such things. Leave them in the desert. Hawaii has riches and potential that legalized racketeering hasn’t the slightest concern for, or appreciation of.
In Hawaii, we have more righteous work to do than to turn more of us into stupefied consumers. And while it might pay some bills, turning our young adults into whores and pimps isn’t in our best interest either.
Thanks for providing this forum for sharing opinions concerning these issues.