I just want slots, roulette and cards at established Horse tracks, like Keeneland and Churchill and Ellis Park. I don't think we need to turn Bowling Green into Vegas or something. Just expand gaming in areas we already have it anyway.

I just want slots, roulette and cards at established Horse tracks, like Keeneland and Churchill and Ellis Park. I don't think we need to turn Bowling Green into Vegas or something. Just expand gaming in areas we already have it anyway.

 

Your going to put Ellis on there and snub Turfway!? :irked: :lol: :lol:

Your going to put Ellis on there and snub Turfway!? :irked: :lol: :lol:

Sorry never been there, but hey throw them a bone if they want it.:thumb:

I'm not running his ad campaign, or this wouldn't be a problem. :lol:

 

I’m hardly what I would consider a Fletcher shill, but you may need to read something besides the C-J or H-L to know about any good he has done. It might also help if he didn’t have to contend with a truculent Democrat House (61D-39R) to get bills passed.

 

Today, the Energy Bill was passed by the House 87-10 opening the way for a $3 billion coal gasification plant in Western Kentucky, with incentives that open the door for at least four other known similar investments.

 

In spite of all the negative press from his detractors, he has presided over the streamlining of state government from 14 cabinets to 9 and turned the $302 million budget shortfall of fiscal year 2004 into a $279 million surplus without raising taxes. He’s trimmed the cost of worker’s comp and reformed Medicaid which will save the state over $1 billion over the next seven years.

 

As one who prefers smaller, less intrusive government, I see this as significant progress.

 

I can attest firsthand that his reformation of the Transportation Cabinet, and elevating the role of aviation within that cabinet has lifted Kentucky from the embarrassment of being in the basement of the nation, to one of the top five aviation states. Anyone who truly understands the value of aviation to businesses and communities realizes that any meaningful economic development is futile without business class air access.

 

Tourism is up 16%, which benefits hotels, restaurants, and retailers across the state.

 

I know he’s a Republican, and some of you would be against him for that alone, regardless of any good he’s done, but to suggest that he has compiled no meaningful track record (all while contending with an uncooperative House) is not in line with the facts.

 

I can accept what you're saying, and will ponder it.

 

Now, as to the bolded, I don't feel Fletcher's administration is as responsible as other factors, which I will maybe get to later. THIS one I happen to know more than most about. :lol:

I would agree with a statewide vote, as long as the whole truth, (good and bad) is told about casinos, gambling and their effects upon our economy.

It has been presented by Beshear as an almost magical boon to the state's revenues, and I simply don't believe the facts bear this out.

 

When has that ever happened with a political issue or someone running for office? :lol:

 

There is always going to be a spin by both sides that is going to try and convince you they are correct.

Now, as to the bolded, I don't feel Fletcher's administration is as responsible as other factors, which I will maybe get to later. THIS one I happen to know more than most about. :lol:

Why do you think I made sure to toss that one in there? :lol: :lol: :lol:

 

Whether Fletcher had anything to do with the increase or not, I can assure you it would have been his fault if tourism was down -16%... :lol:

 

While I respect your POV, in this arena, I suspect that you may not be fully in touch with the lower 99% of travelers... :lol:

Why do you think I made sure to toss that one in there? :lol: :lol: :lol:

 

Whether Fletcher had anything to do with the increase or not, I can assure you it would have been his fault if tourism was down -16%... :lol:

 

While I respect your POV, in this arena, I suspect that you may not be fully in touch with the lower 99% of travelers... :lol:

 

Interesting...you've catagorized the breadth of my knowledge based on a very limited amount of information. Hmmm....Why am I not surprised?

Interesting...you've catagorized the breadth of my knowledge based on a very limited amount of information. Hmmm....Why am I not surprised?

:lol: :lol: :lol:

 

I can't say anymore in public without risking a Rule 5 infraction...

 

I know a lot more than you give me credit for... as well as the fact that you generally have a great sense of humor which I was counting on in my previous post. Apparently my attempt was too subtle, or this topic is too serious.

 

No need to be offended.

 

Now, as to your lack of surprise that you perceive me to be a narrowminded dimwit eager to leap to hasty conclusions... I have to say I've given you more credit than that.

I'd like to point out that the legalized gambling issue is supported by many republican voters. It's not a "democrat" vs. "republican" issue, as many would like to allude.

I concur, which is why I am really surprised at Fletcher's stance.

So if a majority of us don't want casinos in our state, we aren't going to keep you from enjoying the games of chance you already play and enjoy. Therefore, if there is no genuine compelling reason financially for Kentucky to cave in to gambling interests, we're not harming you or those like you who already enjoy gaming online or in other states.

 

I'm not being a smart aleck here. I'm entirely sincere. This is very good to know.

 

I don't have to feel like a Grinch for depriving you of your enjoyment if I think that gambling is a pitiful answer as a solution for our economy.

 

The problem is, for gambling to happen, money has to be earned/generated somewhere else first.

 

Proponents of gambling make it sound as if it would produce mountains of found money… but the truth in study after study affirms that two-thirds to three-quarters of casino spending is redirected from other businesses within a state, or from reduced wealth: (income that is not saved or invested but gambled away at the casino.) For a casino to earn one dollar, someone else has to lose it. Nothing has been produced or created.

 

So, simply put, for casinos to win, someone else has to lose…

 

…and casinos don’t lose.

 

I’m not ready for the bread and circuses era that brought down ancient Rome in my state.

 

Casino gambling is to statewide economic impact as Hostess Twinkies are to sound nutrition. They're both enjoyable in limited amounts, but are hardly beneficial to one's health.

 

Go to Vegas or Atlantic City. Gamble online or Churchill Downs or in your weekly poker game with your buddies. Enjoy yourself. I mean that. I just don't think we really need casinos in Kentucky.

 

However, the money is CURRENTLY going to Indiana, and that won't be stopping soon, let's get it back.

However, the money is CURRENTLY going to Indiana, and that won't be stopping soon, let's get it back.

Going to Indiana and leaving a skid mark on its way to Vegas, the Grand Caymans, etc. :lol:

What I can't figure out is why Fletcher was indifferent before as to whether it got on a ballot referendum, but is deadset against it now?

What I can't figure out is why Fletcher was indifferent before as to whether it got on a ballot referendum, but is deadset against it now?

Political move. Much of his base is against it.

What I can't figure out is why Fletcher was indifferent before as to whether it got on a ballot referendum, but is deadset against it now?

My guess is he had more important priorities at the time, but since Beshear was kind enough to tee the casino gambling issue up so conveniently, ol' Ernie is obliged to go ahead and kick it through the uprights.

 

 

 

 

 

From a purely political standpoint, this is the kind of happening every politician prays for... Beshear delivered an early Christmas gift to Ernie by making this such a prominent piece of his platform.

My guess is he had more important priorities at the time, but since Beshear was kind enough to tee the casino gambling issue up so conveniently, ol' Ernie is obliged to go ahead and kick it through the uprights.

 

 

 

 

 

From a purely political standpoint, this is the kind of happening every politician prays for... Beshear delivered an early Christmas gift to Ernie by making this such a prominent piece of his platform.

With any luck Ernie can spend his Christmas retirement contemplating his present.