TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Readers Feel State Is The Big Loser In Court's Decision

ADVERTISEMENT

The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 12, 2008

A Good Deal Undone

Regarding "State Deal With Tribe To Gamble Goes Bust" (front page, July 4):

I offer my congratulations to state Representative Marco Rubio and State senator Ken Pruitt. Through their efforts, the Florida Supreme Court has negated the compact between Governor Crist and the Seminole Indian Tribe.

What a stellar accomplishment! Florida residents lose more than 4,000 new, well-paying jobs and Florida taxpayers can kiss $2.5 billion in state revenue goodbye.

There seems to be some confusion between the definitions of "self-servant" and "public servant".

DEBORA HARGIS

Lakeland

Reasons Keep Changing

What is wrong with the leaders of our Florida Legislature when it comes to allowing casino gambling? They originally used the excuse that it was immoral; now they claim it will hurt the parimutuels.

If they are so incensed with the idea of gambling in the state of Florida, why do we have a lottery? Doesn't the lottery constitute gambling? What are the odds of winning on any of the gimmicks they contrive to sell the tickets? Certainly not as good as the odds at a casino.

Do our representatives who wish to protect us from the evils of gambling have any idea how many people in this state want gambling? Have they ever visited Biloxi, Miss., and looked at how many of the cars have Florida license tags?

They have decided Floridians should not be allowed to participate in casino type gambling, even if it means the state will derive absolutely nothing in revenue. The casinos are going to continue to rake in the dollars with or without the state's blessing. The only difference is that the casinos will get richer and the state of Florida will get poorer.

RON DAKIN

Spring Hill

Let The People Decide

So far gaming has brought in $60 million with billions to come every year. How can Marco Rubio say this is not a good deal economically?

First, Rubio, who personally hates gambling, should not have a say or a vote. Leave it up to the people. With this type of revenue, we can upgrade services instead of having layoffs. We can take better care of our elderly and children.

FRANK PEPPACENO

Sun City Center

Nothing For The State

It is with great dismay that I read the article about those nearsighted representatives who brought suit to void Governor Crist's compact with the Seminoles.

First, positing that the state's share, as promised by the tribe, is insufficient. To that I say, "rubbish." Now the Department of the Interior can, and probably will, grant the Seminoles all the gaming they want with the net due our state at zero!

I say thanks to Rubio for screwing Florida out of possibly billions for our schools.

GEORGE M. STANSBURY

Brooksville

What's Court Thinking?

Was the state Supreme Court completely out of their minds when they outlawed Seminole Tribe money from going to the state treasury? This was a win-win situation, money from a source that did not need any tax dollars. Gov. Charlie Christ had a deadline and asking approval from the state Legislature would have taken months or longer to get the decision.

Governors, at times, must make executive decisions quickly. A lot of money was on the line and the state certainly needs it. The federal government gave the tribe its consent for making the money-making deal.

No one is making anyone gamble at a Florida casino. We collect "sin" taxes from smokers and drinkers, and that is their choice, too. Money from the Seminoles is "found" money - no strings attached.

LAWRENCE W. WOLLMAN

Tampa

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT