Dear Editor:

I am opposed to the Governor’s casino bill. Gambling appeals to an essential character weakened in me which goes deeper than threatening the family structure. It goes to the very core of a moral society, whether you see it in terms of Christian values, or the destruction of the culture to which men pretend.

I spent four years with the FBI, as a Special Agent, the last thirteen months in Las Vegas, which my wife and I called tinsel town, because the entire town, mob ruled insofar as the gambling industry was concerned, was based on money, the love of which according to scripture is the root of all evil. Them men who owned the casinos drained millions of dollars from those foolish enough to come there, to gamble and be entertained. They’ve even made it a family town now, of a sort. But there are nuances to the scheme which aren’t mentioned by the wealthy proponents o casinos who want to become even richer. I touch upon these in the enclosed poem.

I haven’t read much in the newspaper coverage of the casino supporters’ plans, but to mention a few, the casinos will want to keep their guests close to the tables, so lodging is a natural concomitant of licensing these places, fine rooms, restaurants, and alcohol. The more one bets the more likely these accommodations will be complimented. The shows, of course, will display near naked women. Cab drivers and bell men, if they follow the Vegas pattern, will virtually all be pimps for the prostitutes who will come like flies to honey. Also, a lower class of people will be drawn to the scene, like birds of prey, so local police authority will have to grow. Will the cost of this inure to the communities from gambling revenues or will the taxpayers assume this burden? The same for roads and highways to service these places?

These are just a few of the things the General Assembly should consider in deciding what to do with the casino bill. With a little imagination the list will grow.

I hope this will be helpful to you.

Very truly yours,

William A. Watson

Middlesboro, Ky.

Support for Museum during holidays appreciated

To the Editor,

The Bell County Museum hosted an Open House and Reception on Dec.1 featuring antique and collectible toys. We want to thank the following people who helped make the event a success by loaning toys to the museum: Betty Cochran, Sally Smith, Pat DeRosett, Reba Lucas, Wilma and Sylvester Johnson, Tom Howerton, Kevin Smith and a special thanks to Dr. C.C. Moore for these wonderful train exhibit.

The Bell County Museum is located in the Carnegie Library building on N. 19th Street. It is open from 10am to 4pm Mon., Wed., Fri. and Sat. The Museum is operated by the Historical Society. There are exhibits showing the development of the county, Middlesboro and Pineville. There is an extensive collection of old photographs, family histories and materials for genealogy research. Membership in the Historical Society is open to the public. The mailing address is PO Box 1644 and the phone number is 242-0005.

Thanks again to all who helped make our Victorian Christmas a success.

Barbara Shattuck

Middlesboro, Ky.