…that’s us casino patrons! At least in the mind of one Portland citizen. Short exposition to set up this discussion. Grande Rhonde tribe (Spirit Mtn. casino) offered to pay for a MLB stadium in exchange for a Portland area casino. Local politicos looking at so much money dangled at arms length were stunned, delirious, and confabulated! They are seeking to get the Montreal Expos in PDX because it’s more fun than actually running the city, county, etc. A Portland casino however would be dependent on the okay of the newly elected fellow Dem governor. “Sleepy” Ted poked his head out from under the covers and said “No…umm, not good public policy to link casinos and baseball.” Isn’t that the baseball commissioner’s call? Then, it was “Not good public policy to link casinos and public works.” Three days later his aides are explaining what he really means, again, really. http://www.oregonlive.com/news/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/news/1047733429200900.xml

Anyway I was listening to the debate on talk radio and it was pretty interesting. Once I shook my myopia on the subject, it occurred to me that Portland community standards may not support Portland casinos (Yes, more than one casino here in town was envisioned). A sizable number of folks don’t have the foggiest what occurs in casinos as evidenced by the drunk, angry yadda-yadda comment by one young fellow. Most anti-casino people couldn’t articulate why they thought casinos were wrong but love living in a casino-free Portland. Those that could put their feeling into words just didn’t feel casinos were an honorable way for the city and state to generate money.

Whatta you think? Could a casino be built in your community? How much of the population do you think is either ambivalent, ignorant or resistant of gamblers and casinos? How about major metro areas like Detroit and Montreal, are casinos a real sore point there?

As for the guber’s veto, we’ve got state video poker, state lottery and state sportsbetting and an NBA team. Don't want to share? Sure they waste all the money but it is intended for public works. I don’t care if casinos come to town (or baseball either) but I am loving the whole situation of Indian gambling perking here in this state. Money hungry officials, the Machiavellian machinations of the different tribes (some really subtle, sophisticated stuff here!) and now news that the Cowlitz may beat them all to the punch with a joint 16 miles north in the state of Washington at LaCenter!