The Lulac Edition #3627, October 29th, 2017

THE REPUBLICAN STATE LEGISLATURE HAS MADE PENNSYLVANIA POTTERVILLE

Mr. Potter, aka the REPUBLICAN State Legislature. (Photo: Movienet) 

My friend Rob Neyhard used to regale his radio audience for years with his annual family Christmas tradition. Every year when Rob put up his tree, in the background would be the movie “ A Wonderful Life”. We all know the plot, the hated Mr. Potter tries to screw our hero Jimmy Stewart, aka George Bailey, out of his little Savings and Loan Association.
When George is facing death by his own hand, his angel Clarence shows him what his town would be like without him. You see a town a tad different, meaner, coarser than the one he and his neighbors were trying to build. Even the name of the town was changed to Potterville.
It seems that the overpaid State Legislature has done the same thing. The REPUBLICANS are presenting a budget that will increase the amount of casino gambling in the state. Here’s what we will see if this passes. Pennsylvania, already the nation's No. 2 commercial casino state, could see casino-style gambling in truck stops, airports, online portals and 10 brand new casino locations around the state, each with hundreds of slot machines and possibly table games. WHAT? No restroom or bowling alleys?
It also would make Pennsylvania the first state to allow both casino and lottery games online, in a quest for money from new and younger players. Bars would be frozen out of the package, despite the House's long insistence that a gambling expansion should favor those businesses, rather than casino operators.
So those sainted REPUBLICANS who tell you how much they love small businesses and entrepreneurs screw them and plant a big fat smooch on the asses of the major casinos.
All of these things are not life improving. Think about this: the state is number two in the country in terms of organized sanctioned gambling.
I have no issues with gambling per se. Hey I’m pretty Libertarian when people want to make decisions good or bad about their lives. I’ve never gambled but if others want to..go for it.
But what galls me is what we DIDN’T get in return.
1. NOTHING ON PENSION REFORM.
2. NOTHING ON MARCELLUS SHALE TAXES.
3. NOTHING ON IN HOUSE OR INBRED SPENDING ON LEGISLATIVE PERKS.
4. NO PROPERTY TAX REFORM.
This REPUBLICAN Legislature under Speaker Turzai has kicked the can down the road for the future of Pennsylvania.
In a few years because of this increased gambling, Pennsylvania’s quality of life will decrease. We’ll still be stuck with the same money sucking problems too.
I might not be around to see it but to me, it’s a safe bet that one day the Commonwealth will go the way of many unsuccessful casinos.
We’ll go BANKRUPT!
And if history wants to hold the time frame responsible, it’ll be this Legislative session of 2017-2018.
Tom Wolf might have to sign this but on the campaign trail next year, I’d scream bloody murder if I were him.
The REPUBLICAN party who are in FULL CONTROL proved that they are once again COWARDS!