A few years ago a fiendishly clever TV ad killed a proposed casino in Sanford. It portrayed a river of cash flowing out of Maine. In the world of political advertising, where verity and clarity are sacrificed, it was well worth whatever the professionals who designed it were paid.
That money flow, however, was unadulterated speculation – if not fat exaggeration. A casino adjacent to our thrifty neighbor New Hampshire and within easy commute from our rich neighbor Boston would have brought a sizeable stream of cash into Maine – a generous percentage of which would have, by law, splashed into state and local coffers. And – not to forget – there would have been new money for food, lodging and real estate activity spread around for miles. (Who knows, there might have been enough money for Biddeford to move its trash plant to Kennebunkport – downwind from Walker’s Point, of course).
The political playing ground, on which this year’s contest for a racino in Washington County will be decided, is a bit more level. This time, the proposal was composed by astute political practitioners. The loot is to be spread widely, giving Casinos No!, with its Karl Rove TV cajolery, a tough sell. Any “rivers of cash slithering out of Maine” will have to breach an Aswan Dam of donees who look to receive a few of the Ben Franklins themselves. Everybody but Barack Obama will get a piece of the pie. The fire laddies, the community college system (even the university is included, sotto voice), Washington County development activities, the Indians, other state race tracks, children’s health, horse farms, open space, apple pie, God and motherhood. If all the beneficiaries vote yes, the issue will be only two votes from passing.
Aside from the more level playing field engineered by the Indian dream catchers, common sense should prevail where dollars are concerned. Any argument about the economic benefits of casinos has been answered once and for all by what is happening in Mississippi since Katrina. Where there are casinos, there is abundant – surging – life and construction. Where there are no casinos, swampland and ruined houses overrun by swamp rats and alligators are still awaiting rescue from Washington.
So what other weapons of debate are wielded by Casinos No!?
While they group states their paternalistic arguments subliminally, opponents hint that new wealth resulting from a racino would corrupt native leaders unaccustomed to such largess. That idea is not only bigoted, it is also without a shred of proof. Any number of gambling establishments on Indian land – ranging from Florida to Arizona – have been managed with confidence and dignity. We need not fear either war dances or attacks on wagon trains
The Comstockian morality of Casinos No! alleges that a distant Down East racino would set a bad example for the citizenry here in the banana belt. Like the camel’s nose under the tent, they argue, slot machines in Calais would inspire marijuana in Monmouth, bankruptcies in Brunswick, poverty in Portland, sin in Scarborough and sexual grappling in Gorham,
That argument doesn’t deserve answer.
Turning to the advocates… With the ax of TV somewhat blunted by political ballot skills, racino supporters offer several justifications: A racino will make citizens happy with the thought of winning money – and happiness is unlikely before Jan. 21, 2009 – if then. Why not have some therapy of warm daydreams?
There is little doubt that any time spent at the racino means less time watching Fox News.
There is the fascination of our agrarian yesteryear. Funds for harness racing mean a shot in the arm for county fairs and 4-H kids. The underprivileged youth of Cape Elizabeth and Cumberland Foreside will get to see ox-pulling and fat hogs, eat homemade fudge and discover where milk comes from. Who doesn’t love Black Beauty? How many remember a bareback ride on gentle old Dobbins? Money for our equine friends also means manna for organic farms.
The question seems to be: “Is Maine to become another paved-over New Jersey, ravished by NASCAR, or are we going to secure our pastoral heritage with a standard-bred horse in every barn?”
Rodney Quinn, who lives in Gorham, is a freelance writer and former Maine secretary of state.
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