Pete Herschend stepped up to the plate today to discuss gambling. The co-owner of the Herschend empire had a couple other issues on his mind today that he wanted to discuss face to face. From what I gathered it's going to be a tough trip to Jefferson City tomorrow. Herschend just got back from Atlanta which he prefers to the state capital. Herschend said, "In Atlanta I have family and people don't sleep by my door." The issue of the week is the St. Louis School District who will have to yield power to a transition board due to the fact they've shown incompetence in MAP (Missouri Assessment Program) Testing. When asked about the "funding formula" suit Herschend shared the results will have little impact, certain to be heard in an appellate court.
Back to Gambling - Peter Herschend reiterated his position. "We address Casino gambling the same way a doctor addresses Cancer." Herschend's philosophy is to contain gambling in Missouri to the 13 venues gaming already has and has presented concessions to ensure those who have established equity will get on the same page as him. The elimination of loss limits was presented by the anti-gambling lobby whose allies Herschend didn't want to reveal. Herschend's concerns stem from a moral stance in addition to a corporate philosophy of good corporate citizenship. He believes Gambling would inevitably result in the destruction of Branson's economic roots saying "if a large casino were established the theater industry disappear."
Monday, April 02, 2007
Peter Herschend on Gambling
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6 comments:
Herschends opinion is no more than that of any other man, rich or poor. I could be much more vocal about it, but there is no need. The day is just around the corner that Petey will not have control over the "morals" and the economy of this area. There are enough "move-ins" that his money and his ideas will not rule the world.
While I do not necessarily share the post above's opinion, I daresay that a casino will actually improve Branson's theater and nightlife.
Then again, it is the late late late night life that gambling addicts dread. As I write in my blog about addictions, the proliferation of Indian Gaming is spreading this horrid addiction.
One thing that sets apart gambling addiction from other insidious habits, is that it requires no special game once it is kindled. In other words, once someone has "the itch," as they call it, they can bet on or with ANYTHING.
It is important, I feel, that a portion of taxes garnered from gaming go towards addiction treatment programs for compulsive gamblers. This is not legislating morality that I am suggesting, but good business sense.
Let the gamblers pay for their own treatment. I am not suggesting four-star accommodations with massage service, but good solid help lines, and basic communal treatment.
My Two Cents on Lucky Number 7.
G
I heard that some of the Herschends own an interest in a casino out west somewhere.
He Dose I'm an ex worker
now he brings people from other coutries to wok so the don't tell about their low paying jerk faces
"If a large casino were established the theater industry disappear." That´s a very poor explanation. If this happens that will because of the citizens decision.
Largely opposed to gambling in most any form, I'm similarly no fan of casinos in most any town across this vast country--though I'll happily say that it'll thoroughly 'make my day' when the Herschends no longer control Southwest Missouri and the Branson Lakes Area with their iron-like financial and philosophical grip. A longtime Republican voter and native Missourian now living elsewhere, I wince whenever reminded by political opponents that I'm tacitly empowering with my ballot this family and their seemingly perpetual bid to rule Southwest Missouri as might a totalitarian monarchy. Having known the Herschends for nearly 50 years, I today can't think of the family without first recalling the biblical caveat of the rich man and the eye of a needle.
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