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[kristen]

Is anyone discussing the impact of Proposition A and how it could impact Branson if gambling is brought into town?  We have avoided this before but they have cleverly disguised it with simply "more money from casinos for schools".  I would hate to see Branson have casinos!

[shavethewhales]

I always feel so conflicted about these measures. On one hand, I think businesses should be allowed to do mostly whatever people will pay them for, and that people should be free to spend their money how they want, but on the other hand, we all know that parts of Branson would not be nearly so enjoyable if gambling had been allowed in with the building boom.

Gambling will come to Branson eventually, I can only hope they find some sense before then and keep better watch over developments rather than let the casinos roll over everything.

When they do come, it won't have anything like the impact everyone touts. Believe me, I live in Oklahoma and I've seen the lies play out. It's a huge drain all around. There's positives in that it increases tourism some and thus spouts some development and a few extra jobs, but at what costs? It's an industry that sucks income away in a much less desirable manner than other ventures.

[Swoosh]

VOTE NO.
None of the teachers' associations will support this admendment.  It is not a SCHOOL issue, it is a GAMBLING issue and what they are wanting to do is to do away with the limit on how much one can lose when gambling.  Saying that it will go to schools is just a way to "piggyback" and get it passed.

MSTA (MO State Teachers Assoc.) does not support this at all.

[KBCraig]

I don't know anything about this proposition, but it's probably a bad deal. Not for the reasons that many people will oppose it, though -- I think gambling (and all vices) should be completely legal. The problem is that the bills that pass create highly regulated gambling, where the casinos bribelobby the legislature and gaming commission to restrict their competition.

It's a very unhealthy collusion between government and private interests.

[History Buff]

The correct vote is a no vote.  As a teacher, and officer in MSTA, I can assure you that any money that goes to schools will allow un-earmarked money to be taken out of schools.  In an area that is known for high poverty levels already - partially fueled by people being sucked dry in the KS and OK casinos - we are really seeing the effects on kids - even deeper poverty, domestic violence, gambling and sex additions, higher drug trade.  Prostitution will be on the rise.