When I pull myself back to the state of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, I do not find myself optimistic as Governor Patrick encourages us[http://www.masslive.com/hampfrank/republican/index.ssf?/base/news-11/1189324108297520.xml&coll=1]to be, but rather disgusted with the realization that our children and all of the planet's children will carry the weight of the Bush Administration mistakes, the American people's apathy, arrogance and ignorance as well as the legacy of what has become chronic short-term thinking on long-term policy issues.
I would like to see us thinking, really thinking again in this nation. I would like to see reason and inspiration, celebrated and admired.
Back to the states. New York has its share of problems[http://www.upstate-c…]that are undoubtedly costing the taxpayers money and headaches all around, translate – critical programs get underfunded or not funded. California has its long running nightmares with casino gambling[http://www.signonsan…] and what a surprise,
California believed its tribal gaming agreements rested on a three-legged regulatory platform, with the responsibility shared by tribes, the state and the federal government, said Assemblyman Alberto Torrico, a Fremont Democrat and chairman of the Governmental Organization Committee, which will hold today's hearing.
“We've lost one of those legs,” Torrico said this week. “The federal government is now out of the game of regulating slot machines of any tribe in America.”
the Feds who created the nightmare have washed their hands.
So I wonder, what's it gonna be? Will capitalism drive another stake into the heart of real and sustainable social and economic progress and dump its load on Massachusetts? Or will character and history carry sufficient value to ward off the greed and promises of salvation that the casino profiteers would have us swallow?