MASSterList: The rich: Tax me, please | Baker defends fix-it image | State fantasizes about fantasy sports action

 
Friday, September 18, 2015

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By George Donnelly (@geodonnelly) with Keith Regan

The action today: Baker to PA, Rosenberg to Quebec, Walsh to DC Gov. Baker gives the keynote speech at the Republican Party of Pennsylvania's Fall Dinner in Harrisburg, Penn. tonight... Senate President Stanley Rosenberg departs Logan International Airport bound for Quebec City to attend the Massachusetts-Quebec Cooperation Conference... Boston Mayor Marty Walsh participates in the panel "My Brother's Keeper: Igniting a Movement & Investing in What Works" at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's 2015 Annual Legislative Conference, Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington, D.C... Baker also gives the keynote address at the Boston Bar Association annual luncheon, where House Speaker Robert DeLeo will be honored with a presidential citation and House Judiciary Chair Rep. John Fernandes with a distinguished legislator award, Seaport World Trade Center, 200 Seaport Blvd., Boston, 11:30am.   The Democrat-fest in Springfield The Democrats convene Saturday as some 3,000 delegates gather at the Mass Mutual Center in Springfield. Among the headliners: Sen. Elizabeth Warren, AG Maura Healey, Speaker Bob DeLeo, and former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean. The convention begins at 7:30am.   The Baker agenda: Ideological conflicts will surface, eventually Can Charlie Baker remain a likeable, wonky Mr. Fix-it bipartisan for the long-term? That's the question the Globe's David Scharfenberg raises in today's well-written think piece on Baker and the vision thing. It almost goes without saying that delivering first-rate government services from a state of dysfunction and disrepair is in itself a worthy vision. But in the end, ideological confrontation is inevitable, and not just with the unions. Through the quote of state Sen. Brian Dowling, the story alludes to a major one that's just beginning gain steam locally: economic inequality. It is the mantra of the Democrats and it will surface here most noticeably in the ballot referendum to tax millionaires at a higher level. Baker may very well be defending the millionaires, not an easy position. Another wedge issue will be energy and environmentalism -- most blatantly played out in the Kinder Morgan pipeline. In some areas there simply won't be any middle ground, and Baker will continue to try to accumulate as much political capital in the meantime. Here's Scharfenberg's story: http://bit.ly/1Fk7wNR   Speaking of income inequality, some rich folks are perfectly fine with the millionaire tax, Globe columnist Shirley Leung writes in today's column. "These deep pockets believe they should carry a heavier burden so government can do more." Among the wealthy advocates, Arnold Hiatt, former CEO and chairman of Stride Rite. http://bit.ly/1QLfuRz Mass. Transit: The future of transportation on Oct. 13 -- a MASSterList/State House News Service event Join us for a panel discussion featuring Transportation Secretary Stephanie Pollack, Charlie Chieppo, principal of Chieppo Strategies, and Rick Dimino, CEO of A Better City, on the vision for transportation in Massachusetts. It will be held Oct. 13, 7:30-9:30am at the Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education center, 10 Winter Place, Boston. More details and registration here: http://bit.ly/1FiAKNa Will state elbow in on the fantasy sports action? Following New Jersey Congressmen's call to review the legality of fantasy sports sites, whose ads are all over NFL telecasts, AG Maura Healey also wants to weigh in on the action. All this isn't exactly great news for DraftKings, the downtown Boston startup that's now valued at close to $3 billion. This summer, Fox Sports invested $300 million for an 11 percent stake. The Kraft Group is an investor. So are National Hockey League, Major League Soccer, Madison Square Garden and Major League Baseball. The irony here is as one state official explores the legality of fantasy sports, another is trying to figure how the state can capitalize on it by launching its own online site. "The future of gaming is before us, and it's changing very, very quickly," said state Sen. Michael Rush. "It's important that we as the commonwealth grasp it, enhance the technology, and move with it." Andy Metzger of the State House News Service broke this story and has more: http://bit.ly/1KUKiAu   Meanwhile, the Boston Business Journal's Sara Castellanos reports that DraftKings is in the process of hiring "hundreds" of new employees with its recent cash infusion. The company has four full-time recruiters.http://bit.ly/1MguF3A   Globe weighs in on Kennedy Library controversy Pointing to the "polarizing" style of Heather Campion, the CEO of  the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation, a Boston Globe editorial calls for addressing the dual leadership structure at the institution. Thomas Putnam, the highly regarded library director, announced his resignation Tuesday, following about one-third of the staff that either has resigned or been fired since Campion, a politically connected former bank executive, took over in 2014. http://bit.ly/1KqgLbi   The Globe's Joan Vennochi takes aim at the Kennedy myth-making that pervades at the Kennedy library, writing: "For visitors of a certain age, the rose-colored glasses you put on when you enter will have you misty-eyed and nostalgic for a past you now know is much more complicated than presented. And that's what really needs to change at the Kennedy Library if it wants to remain relevant to Americans too young to remember where they were when JFK was shot." http://bit.ly/1LC29q9   Bank of America CEO faces key vote Wellesley's own Brian Moynihan, who rose from the ranks at the former Fleet Bank to eventually take over at the Bank of America, faces a test on whether he will retain his role as both chairman and CEO. He was made chairman without a shareholder vote last year, and the faces a shareholder vote Tuesday on the matter. "Is this a referendum on him? Absolutely," BU's Cornelius Hurley told Globe reporter Deirdre Fernandes. http://bit.ly/1imauHg   Pilgrim owners mull shutting down The owners of the Pilgrim Station nuclear power plant say it may consider shutting the plant down instead of spending millions needed to address safety issues flagged by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the Globe reports. Pilgrim -- which the paper notes provides an average of 12.5 percent of the state' electric power -- is ranked in the lowest in the country on safety after a recent downgrade by the NRC.   http://bit.ly/1OCegcb Gloucester police call out drug company CEOs  Police in Gloucester, who have received national attention for their innovative approaches to handling opiate-related crime, have published contact information for top pharmaceutical company CEOs, asking residents to pressure them into doing more to fight the epidemic, according to the Herald. The social media posting notes that 80 percent of opioid addicts say they were first hooked by prescription narcotics.  http://bit.ly/1imjpZe    Judge suspends Rivera recall  Lawrence Mayor Daniel Rivera won a round in court against the group seeking to recall him from office, with a judge putting the signature-gathering effort on hold, the Eagle-Tribune reports. A superior court judge halted the process until she can rule on whether registrars in the city erred by failing to give Rivera a chance to challenge voter affidavits filed to launch the recall.  http://bit.ly/1P7bARO Gambling foes plan slot machine takeover  Leaders of the group that tried to stop casino gaming through a ballot initiative are organizing a protest at Plainridge Park Casino that involves occupying slot machines and not playing them, the Sun-Chronicle reports. The protest is planned for Sept. 27 as part of a national effort to highlight the risks of casino gaming.  http://bit.ly/1imfmMr    Rep: Mass should divest from Israel foes  Rep. Steven Howitt of Seekonk has filed a bill that would order Massachusetts pension funds to divest from companies that boycott Israel, MassLive's Shira Schoenberg reports. The move, Howitt said, would send a strong message of support to Israel. http://bit.ly/1KVfuPW  Baker says T is (more) winter-ready  On his monthly appearance on WGBH, Gov. Charlie Baker said he has no immediate plans to endorse a Republican candidate for president and derided the CNN Presidential debate format, according to the Globe. Baker also acknowledged he was wary of reports of a harsh upcoming winter despite an $85 million upgrade program meant to keep the T running through snow and cold. "I do believe we will be far better prepared this winter than we were last winter." http://bit.ly/1Kqg41G    Sunday public affairs shows:   This Week in Business, NECN, 12:30pm, 8:00pm: Jim Lowell weighs in on the impact of the Fed's interest rate decision; and Uber Northeast General Manager Meghan Joyce on this week's hearings.   CEO Corner, NECN,  8:30pm: Lovesac CEO Shawn Nelson talks about his Connecticut based company that's bringing "sac-tionals" to furniture lovers in 27 states.   DC Dialogue, NECN, 10:00am: New England Council CEO Jim Brett and Purple Strategies Managing Partners Jim Demers and Pat Griffin talk Presidential Politics; plus Bunker Hill Community College President Dr. Pam Eddinger on the institution and President Obama's efforts to provide free community college education.   On The Record, WCVB Channel 5, 11:00am: Moderated by NewsCenter 5 Anchor Ed Harding and features State House Reporter Janet Wu, this week's guest:  Marty Meehan, President of the University of Massachusetts. State House News Service's latest headlines: Trash And Recycling Haulers Say Don't Disrupt Our "Ballet" Baker Listens To Woman With DCF Complaint On Happy Hour, Baker Okay With Being A "Fuddy-Duddy" AG's Ring Up Seniors To Alert Them To "Impostor Scams" Styrofoam At Restaurants Targeted By Some Lawmakers Energy Chief Reflects On 'Walden' And Its Message For His Agenda Man Convicted In 1978 Murder Case Will Bid For New Trial Cape Attorney Nominated For Land Court Judgeship Senate Passes Title-Clearing Bill DeLeo: House Caucus In Works On Transgender Bill Baker Assumes He'll Back GOP Prez Nominee Guv Expects "Complete Answer" On GLX By Thanksgiving Baker: Privatized MBTA Bus Routes Not A Done Deal Senate Plans Vote On Repealing License Suspensions For Drug Offenders Epipen Bill Aims To Move Devices Into Arenas, Restaurants Attorney General "Reviewing" Draft Kings Fantasy Sports Site Baker Will Consider Addiction Awareness On Med Appts August Unemployment Rate Holds Steady At 4.7 Pct Healey Wants To Expand Scope Of Wiretap Law Polling Drove Activists To Draw Line On Tax Plan At $1 Million House Chair: Ride Service Bill Could Also Reshape Taxi Laws How to reach me and MASSterList Nothing makes me happier than comments, tips, suggestions. Also, opinion articles also will be considered. Please don't hesitate to weigh in on what we're missing and where we should look. Reach me at gdonnelly@massterlist.com or on Twitter @geodonnelly. TODAY'S TOP STORIES National headlines  U.S. Rep. James McGovern says House's legislative process 'has become a joke' Carly Fiorina's solid debate performance raises her profile at a crucial moment - The Boston Globe Barney Frank: Joe Biden 'doesn't look presidential' Pilgrim nuclear plant officials mull whether to spend millions on safety upgrades - The Boston Globe What next for Governor Fix-It? - The Boston Globe Success of daily fantasy sports has Mass. AG 'reviewing' industry - The Boston Globe State headlines  Baker pans CNN debate format - The Boston Globe State representative pushes for divestment from anti-Israel companies Anti-gambling protest planned at Plainridge Park Casino - The Sun Chronicle : Local News Local Civil Rights Groups Release Proposed Policy On Police Body Cameras As Summer Fades, The MBTA Prepares For Winter Two Big Hires For WGBH The lowdown on Sullivan Square - CommonWealth Magazine Flurry of federal blizzard funds coming to Mass. - News - southcoasttoday.com - New Bedford, MA Baker happy with state's happy hour ban - News - southcoasttoday.com - New Bedford, MA Linehan, Baker press case for tax hike on alcohol in Boston | Dorchester Reporter Fans: AG is a royal pain about DraftKings issue Local headlines  Zoning bill inspired by SSU garage - Salem News: Local News City joins fight against marine monument plan - Gloucester Daily Times: Local News Stoughton seeking compensation from proposed Brockton casino - News - The Patriot Ledger, Quincy, MA - Quincy, MA Hedlund, Kay coast in Weymouth mayoral preliminary election Judge denies John George's request to delay prison term Library workers quietly move to unionize - News - capecodtimes.com - Hyannis, MA Downtown Framingham zoning changes considered Hopkinton solar farms gets OK Suspended Belchertown Police Chief Francis Fox meets with selectmen behind closed doors about controversial traffic stop Police post pharmaceutical CEOs' personal data | Boston Herald Barney Frank changes tune on reform Some Mass. colleges defend performance on federal scorecard - The Boston Globe

Opposition to gaming not based solely on morality

Opposition to gaming not based solely on morality

Rev. Michael Edds Contributing columnist

 

Reading the gambling owners’ response in the Laurinburg Exchange this morning, I was saddened by their gross misrepresentation of what the citizens of Laurinburg presented Tuesday evening to the city council. I did not see even one of these owners attending or speaking at the meeting. Yet, they assumed to know what was said. We never addressed the proliferation of gambling in our community as just a moral issue but from the perspective of the selling of a dangerous addiction, namely gambling and the negative effects it can have. They tried to marginalize us as a bunch of religious folks. No, I am not ashamed of being a Christian but when we attended the meeting, we came as tax-paying, concerned and involved citizens of Laurinburg. So, since these owners missed the meeting, I would like to present to them the facts.

 

Gambling is defined as “Taking a risk to obtain something and often means losing what one has and obtaining nothing.” Recently, internet gambling has proliferated all over Laurinburg. According to calculations by The Fayetteville Observer, this includes 21 locations and 451 machines, of which the city earns $88,800 in fees.

 

Some had said to me, “Hey preacher, it’s legal, provides jobs, it fills up empty buildings, so don’t get in the way of business regardless of what you and others think is moral or immoral.” However, the problem is much deeper than a moral discussion. Gambling is a deadly, brutal and highly destructive addiction. Five percent of America’s population is at risk of this addiction. That is 16 million people. It is more dangerous than drug addiction. This addiction is ravaging and destroying lives and families. It has the highest suicide rate of all addictions in the nation.

 

Dr. Howard J. Shaffer, director of the Harvard Medical School for Gambling Addiction states: “Today, there are more children experiencing adverse symptoms from gambling than from drugs and the problem is growing.” Dr. Rachel Volberg, an expert on compulsive gambling in America, states that 18 to 21 year olds are three times more likely to have problems with gambling addiction.

 

National statistics tell us that 5 percent of the US population is at risk of gambling addiction, which means 5 percent of Laurinburg and Scotland County are at grave risk to this addiction.

 

In Laurinburg that means 775 potential addicts and 1800 in the county.

 

Sixty percent of addicted gamblers will become involved in crime. In Laurinburg there will be 465 new criminals and Scotland County — 1080. These people will no longer be tax payers but tax liabilities.

 

Twenty percent of addicted gamblers will commit suicide — Laurinburg 155 people, Scotland County 360.

 

Twenty percent will file for bankruptcy — Laurinburg 155 people, Scotland County 360. Median family income is $26,802 for city and county. This addiction will affect family income in Laurinburg in the amount of $4,540,000 in a year. Scotland County will be $9,648,000. This is a tragic loss in purchasing power.

 

Fifty percent of gambling addicts will abuse their spouse and children. In Laurinburg 388 new abusers, in Scotland County, 900 new abusers.

 

Fifty percent of addicted gamblers will divorce; in Laurinburg, that means 388 families broken and in Scotland County, 900 families.

 

Research Institute on Addiction states that those living in a 10 mile radius of gambling shops can increase the chance of addiction by 90 percent.

 

Gambling addiction cost the US between $32 billion to $54 billion dollars. The cost for the city and county will be astronomical.

 

One addict adversely affects the lives of 8 to 10 other people. That is 6,200 people affected in Laurinburg, and 14,400 in Scotland County.

 

Business and Employment Costs: Lateness to work, missed work days, loss of productivity, theft and embezzlement.

 

(Statistic sources include: Harvard Medical School, Baylor University, National Council of Problem Gambling, Columbia University Medical Center, National Research Council, California Council on Problem Gambling and the Connecticut Department of Mental Health)

 

I serve on the city/county Crime and Drug Committee, which is commissioned to develop proactive ways to address the violence, crime and drugs that are rampant in our community. In the last decade, 30 young people have been murdered on our streets. The county is the fifth most violent county in the state. We have some of the highest rates on teen pregnancy, child poverty, and hunger and child abuse. We have the highest unemployment rate in the state. Gangs are thriving. Gun shots fill the night air. Drug and alcohol abuse is pervasive. Our committee’s task is daunting at best without opening the flood gate for a far worse, and far more destructive addiction — that of gambling.

 

These purveyors of gambling addiction are not opening up businesses for the community benefit or community good. They are making money off another’s calamity. They are no better than drug dealers. Those who rent buildings to these gambling shops are accomplices of this evil. Who in their right mind would rent to drug dealers so why rent to another seller of addiction? These people are selling Laurinburg’s and Scotland County’s future for a fast buck.

 

Lumberton City Council just passed an ordinance that enacts strict rules for gambling there. Our city council is the protector of our elderly, our children, our families and our quality of life. It is the first line of defense against those who would ravage our people for making money at any cost.

 

We call upon and implore the council to remove city ordinances in which these sellers of addiction can hide. We plead with our leaders to immediately take action to legislate ordinances to prohibit the most destructive of addictions.

 

There are families, men, women, teenagers, children and the elderly who will be damaged and destroyed if action is not taken. Laurinburg’s future lies in the council’s hands.

 

Failure to act will cost the city far more than the $88,800 in fees that it collects from the gambling shops. Deitrich Bonhoeffer, who bravely stood against the genocide, and hate of Hitler and Nazism in Germany made an incredible statement: “Silence in the face of evil is evil itself. God will not hold us guiltless. Not to speak is to speak. Not to act is to act.”

 

We as the citizens of Laurinburg call upon our city council to take swift action to rid our great community of the plague of gambling and the destruction that it will surely bring.



http://www.laurinburgexchange.com/news/opinion-opinion_columns/4763007/Opposition-to-gaming-not-based-solely-on-morality