Stop mob rule

I am against all forms of state-sanctioned gambling because of the proven and disproportionate negative effects they have on poor and minority communities. It is simply bad public policy to use gambling proceeds to circumvent normal channels for raising money for public goods like adequate education, health care, economic growth or civic centers.

Were only our stomachs strong enough to elect public servants who would deal with these common needs using the powers and offices to which we elect them. Instead, Mainers agree with a wink and nod to live in a more cynical world: We have decided to let those who are bad at math fund our schools or new civic centers. Then we compound the hypocrisy by agreeing to let an out-of-state corporation build and operate a casino in Bangor while consistently forbidding the Maine tribes to do the same.

The voting record on citizen initiatives on gambling issues – allowing it in some instances, but denying it to the tribes – indicates just how much hypocrisy and racism may still exist in the Maine electorate. I voted against the measure as I do against all gambling initiatives, but did so being very angry that we had put ourselves in a position to make these complex decisions at the ballot box. This is essentially a form of mob rule. Rather, we need a consistent position based on sound legislation.

We need a legislative process that weighs the pros and cons of all forms of gambling in this state and, if allowed, regularizes the process of new gaming initiatives and eliminates all forms of prejudice. Using citizen initiatives to decide moral issues is just a bad form of government. It is time to stop signing petitions for citizen initiatives, however well-intentioned, and insist that our Legislature do its work. It is also time to re-examine our Maine Constitution that allows such initiatives and reject mob rule.

Cliff Guthrie, Ph.D.

Husson College

Bangor