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Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Correspondence 8/11
Why did Philadelphia Media Holdings decide to start publishing this column? Will this column include coverage on the devastation that convenience gambling does to people? Will it report on the addicted and problem gamblers who "borrow" from their spouse, from their retirement fund and from their children's education fund? Will it report on the bankruptcies, the foreclosures, the embezzlement and the insurance fraud? If this column is to exist, let's try our best to make it balanced.
 
NotADoneDeal
 
Yo NADD!
 
I appreciate and respect the passion you bring to your obvious anti-gambling philosophy, and I am grateful you took the time to read the blog and respond. I am also certainly aware that for a relatively small percentage of people, casino gambling has brought ruin and tragedy. But discussions of that topic are not meant for this blog.
 
Despite your vehemence, the simple fact is that the overwhelming majority of casino patrons enjoy them--and their amenities--with absolutely no negative results. It's obvious from your words and tone that if you had your way, you would close every casino in the nation, if not the world, in order to protect those poor souls whose illnesses demand they gamble compulsively.
 
A noble intention, but rather ludicrous, if you think about it. For instance, would you also outlaw all cars to keep the small percentage of those who drive drunk (and who are responsible for ruining--and ending-- far more lives than gamblers ) from getting behind the wheel?
 
I know of people who died after choking on food while dining out. Would you ban restaurant reviews because of that?
 
Besides, if you know anything about compulsive gamblers, you know they will find ways to wager, regardless if casinos are in their back yard or not (can you say "bookies?").
 
Further more, while I will indeed be addressing gambling subjects in both the blog and my Friday Daily News column, you seem to have jumped the gun. So far, the only gambling-specific writing I've done in my not-quite-three-weeks as the DN's casino columnist was the post about the July revenues. I hardly see that as an endorsement of gambling.
 
But mostly, I will be covering things like entertainment and restaurants--or do you object to me writing about Elvis Presley impersonators and buffets as well?
 
Regards,
 
chuck
 
 
Posted by Chuck Darrow @ 8:35 PM  Permalink | 2 comments
Comments   
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 12:06 AM, 08/16/2008
    Chuck, -keep writing, pros and cons. I'll enjoy reading. One this you will learn is that that anti-casino folk will ATTACK you if you write ANYTHING such might attribute to casinos anything positive. I've been reflecting on some of my write re:casinos. Is it a simple equation: Casino = Evil OR Casino = Salvation. The purported "Divide" on this issue, is not as deep as writers might imply. Casinos bring some benefits to a neighborhood, and some downsides. What is so ugly is the implication that the "other side" has evil motives, questionable resources and support, and the strength of their numbers. Keep writing about Philly in context. I'll enjoy reading.
    — FishTownForever
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 12:16 PM, 08/19/2008
    Amen, Chuck!
    — sweettalk


2 comments
About Chuck Darrow
Philly native Chuck Darrow has literally covered Atlantic City’s casino scene since Day One: He was there on assignment the night in November 1976 when voters approved legalized casinos.

Since then, Chuck has covered the town and its gaming industry for several area newspapers -- which is why, in some circles, he’s known as “Boardwalk Charlie.”

You can reach Chuck at darrowc@phillynews.com.

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