Casinos profit from others' weakness

Several years ago, ads promoting support for tribal casinos talked about Native Americans living in dignity. At that time, I failed to understand what dignity there was in living off the weaknesses of compulsive gamblers.

The ads talk about how gambling casinos provide selfsufficiency for Native Americans. I cannot equate living on the gambling losses of others as being selfsufficient. How many tribe members wager their own money in the casinos?

For the coming election, the ads also tell us that a "yes" vote on Propositions 94, 95, 96, and 97 will put additional revenues into the state treasury amounting to $9 billion. But that is $9 billion spread over two decades. It is actually $450 million per year.

For a state budget that is over $145 billion, the propositions will add 0.3 percent, less than onethird of 1 percent. This is less than one-quarter of what California schools spend just for their water, electricity and heat.

I am uncomfortable when people profit from the emotional weaknesses of others, from those who are addicted to gambling. And I am definitely opposed to doing it with so little benefit to the population as a whole.

I am voting "no" on Propositions 94, 95, 96 and 97. David E. Ross Oak Park