Aimee Dolloff (BDN op-ed, Dec. 12) is the latest to be bedazzled by the potential casino lights. If only she took Economics 101 instead of some of the English and journalism courses.

In an economic system, gambling creates no wealth; it redistributes some of the wealth, generally taking from the have-nots and giving to the haves, and siphons the rest for its own operations. The casino is the only sure winner.

What creates wealth? Creativity, productivity, imagination, freedom, knowledge and a strong work ethic are some of the necessities, but not gambling.

But we’re talking about people. The general human psyche needs a little drinking, smoking, gambling and overdosing on Burger King’s Whoppers for entertainment. The government should recognize the “need” for these vices, but not encourage them, so there is an indistinct line to be carefully followed. The Romans knew this. They didn’t have television, so in the Coliseum their killing was real. We have progressed a little.

All this talk about casinos preserving the Allagash and sending our high school graduates to college is baloney. Maine, along with many other states, has fallen on hard times. Casinos are no panacea. We need to pursue, and our government should encourage the attributes noted to create real and lasting wealth.

Fred Gralenski

Pembroke