Governor Heinamen - writes letter to halt carter lake casino

Erik · Post by **Erik** » Wed May 21, 2008 1:49 pm

Our moral order of a governor is concerned about what the citizens of Iowa are doing, which in reality isn't the business of us Nebraskan's..
The state decided not to have casino's and the state of Iowa has every right to take advantage of the situation, you know we would!

Thank you Dave, you have given me another reason to be embarrassed by another one of your many political stances..

http://journalstar.com/articles/2008/05 ... 190474.txt

Omababe · Post by **Omababe** » Wed May 21, 2008 1:58 pm

Erik wrote:Thank you Dave, you have given me another reason to be embarrassed by another one of your many political stances..

This high-horse anti-casino attitude makes me want to regurgitate!

Particularly since here in Nebraska, they think that Keno (which is a lousy game for the player) is clean, wholesome, and Helps Build Strong Bodies 12 Ways!

But table games and slots are vile and evil, and will warp your mind, molest your children, and keep the country from winning the war.

The bottom line is the bottom line, however. Another casino in Iowa means more revenue for Iowa and less for Nebraska, right?

Erik · Post by **Erik** » Wed May 21, 2008 2:05 pm

Omababe wrote:
Erik wrote:Thank you Dave, you have given me another reason to be embarrassed by another one of your many political stances..
This high-horse anti-casino attitude makes me want to regurgitate!

Particularly since here in Nebraska, they think that Keno (which is a lousy game for the player) is clean, wholesome, and Helps Build Strong Bodies 12 Ways!

But table games and slots are vile and evil, and will warp your mind, molest your children, and keep the country from winning the war.

The bottom line is the bottom line, however. Another casino in Iowa means more revenue for Iowa and less for Nebraska, right?

Not entirely Omababe, as you know these casinos are a regional draw that adds revenue to Omaha from outside sources, the problem with Iowa only casinos is that overall the metro economy is a bit stronger with them, but Council Bluffs and Iowa making 90% of the revenues and Omaha and Nebraska take the same hits as Iowa and Council Bluffs...

The problem is that casinos are going to be here until the dawn of man, so we should do something instead of writing a letter of concern to Carter Lake people wanting to make an opportunity for their community to thrive, that's why I am angry!

That and Heinamens revolutionary political changes he has made to the department of HHS and other things...

Big E · Post by **Big E** » Wed May 21, 2008 2:07 pm

Follow the money trail. The largest opponents (read: biggest anti-funders) of casinos in Nebraska are - shock of shocks - Big Red Keno and any casino with an interest in Iowa. They actually do a brilliant job of getting Tom & Susie Homemaker riled up about casinos and lobbying the week-kneed state legislators, so I give them credit for that.

-big E

TechnicalDisaster · Post by **TechnicalDisaster** » Wed May 21, 2008 2:26 pm

Omababe wrote:
Erik wrote:Thank you Dave, you have given me another reason to be embarrassed by another one of your many political stances..
This high-horse anti-casino attitude makes me want to regurgitate!

Particularly since here in Nebraska, they think that Keno (which is a lousy game for the player) is clean, wholesome, and Helps Build Strong Bodies 12 Ways!

But table games and slots are vile and evil, and will warp your mind, molest your children, and keep the country from winning the war.

The bottom line is the bottom line, however. Another casino in Iowa means more revenue for Iowa and less for Nebraska, right?

Anyone have any facts on this? How does crime and bankruptcy with Keno compare to Slots and Table games?

Erik · Post by **Erik** » Wed May 21, 2008 2:29 pm

bradley414 wrote:
Omababe wrote:
Erik wrote:Thank you Dave, you have given me another reason to be embarrassed by another one of your many political stances..
This high-horse anti-casino attitude makes me want to regurgitate!

Particularly since here in Nebraska, they think that Keno (which is a lousy game for the player) is clean, wholesome, and Helps Build Strong Bodies 12 Ways!

But table games and slots are vile and evil, and will warp your mind, molest your children, and keep the country from winning the war.

The bottom line is the bottom line, however. Another casino in Iowa means more revenue for Iowa and less for Nebraska, right?
Anyone have any facts on this? How does crime and bankruptcy with Keno compare to Slots and Table games?

Good point bradley,

we need to get the bankruptcy rate data for the entire Omaha metropolitan area 'before and after' the IOWA casinos opened up, while your at it, let's get the Iowa tax revenue generated from the casino's, and the NEBRASKA tax revenue generated from the IOWA casino's... That way we can make a fair comparison.

Omababe · Post by **Omababe** » Wed May 21, 2008 2:41 pm

Very good points here ...

Erik wrote:we need to get the bankruptcy rate data for the entire Omaha metropolitan area 'before and after' the IOWA casinos opened up,

I think we can assume that if there could be any inference of bankruptcy, hardship, crime, etc., resulting from the Iowa casinos, that the anti-casino folks would have been rubbing it into our collective faces for some time now!

while your at it, let's get the Iowa tax revenue generated from the casino's, and the NEBRASKA tax revenue generated from the IOWA casino's... That way we can make a fair comparison.

While Iowa gets the direct casino tax revenue, I'm sure that Omaha and Nebraska sees some spill-over. I know that the presence of gaming makes (the) Omaha (area) more of a "destination" for vacationers, conventions, etc.

Big E · Post by **Big E** » Wed May 21, 2008 2:45 pm

Then let's figure out how $3.69 gas plays into that, and then figure out how many of those bankruptcies would have happened eventually anyway when subprime mortgages ballooned, and while we're at it, see what stats we have on the same people that were already raging alcoholics and or drug addicts that would have upset their money away one way or another.

I don't believe for a second that casinos cause bankruptcies. Assuredly, they can expedite them in a legal environment, but come on... those people are going to ruin their lives one way or another without the help of $3 blackjack.

-Big E

ricko · Post by **ricko** » Wed May 21, 2008 2:58 pm

Gee, is this an election year?

TechnicalDisaster · Post by **TechnicalDisaster** » Wed May 21, 2008 3:23 pm

Big E wrote:Then let's figure out how $3.69 gas plays into that, and then figure out how many of those bankruptcies would have happened eventually anyway when subprime mortgages ballooned, and while we're at it, see what stats we have on the same people that were already raging alcoholics and or drug addicts that would have upset their money away one way or another.

I don't believe for a second that casinos cause bankruptcies. Assuredly, they can expedite them in a legal environment, but come on... those people are going to ruin their lives one way or another without the help of $3 blackjack.

-Big E

I can say the same thing about paycheck advance companies. If poor people are too stupid to avoid them, why should we interfere on their behalf? If Casinos didn't cause any problems, why are they always legalized in extremely controlled situations, with an enormous amount of oversight? Seriously, if they weren't such a huge burden, why can't any Tom, Dick, and Harry open one up? Would you advocate allowing them to spring up in gas stations, laundry mats, every single bar, etc? If not, then why?

DTO Luv · Post by **DTO Luv** » Wed May 21, 2008 3:29 pm

I really don't get what NE lawmakers think they have any legal grounds to regulate another state.

Why tell Nevada to illegalize prostitiution because someone may drive through NE to get there. That's just to much immorality than I-80 can bear.

Erik · Post by **Erik** » Wed May 21, 2008 3:32 pm

DTO Luv wrote:I really don't get what NE lawmakers think they have any legal grounds to regulate another state.

Why tell Nevada to illegalize prostitiution because someone may drive through NE to get there. That's just to much immorality than I-80 can bear.

Not only that, but people say "Why let the Nevada casinos take all of this money?"

Well, why let walmart build a superstore every square mile and take the money to bentonville, arkansas?

TechnicalDisaster · Post by **TechnicalDisaster** » Wed May 21, 2008 3:32 pm

DTO Luv wrote:I really don't get what NE lawmakers think they have any legal grounds to regulate another state.

Why tell Nevada to illegalize prostitiution because someone may drive through NE to get there. That's just to much immorality than I-80 can bear.

On Casino's, no -absolutely not. What about rivers and irrigation?

\man, why am I thread-jacking so much today?

TechnicalDisaster · Post by **TechnicalDisaster** » Wed May 21, 2008 3:33 pm

Erik wrote:
DTO Luv wrote:I really don't get what NE lawmakers think they have any legal grounds to regulate another state.

Why tell Nevada to illegalize prostitiution because someone may drive through NE to get there. That's just to much immorality than I-80 can bear.

Not only that, but people say "Why let the Nevada casinos take all of this money?"

Well, why let walmart build a superstore every square mile and take the money to bentonville, arkansas?

Exactly. I've never used that lame argument when talking about Casino's. I've heard it plenty of times though.

Big E · Post by **Big E** » Wed May 21, 2008 4:02 pm

bradley414 wrote:I can say the same thing about paycheck advance companies. If poor people are too stupid to avoid them, why should we interfere on their behalf?

Agreed 100%. The same goes for the bull |expletive| housing bail out going through Congress in - surprise - a Presidential election year to bail out the middle class that can't figure out a balloon loan. Like we haven't seen this coming for 3 years.

Actually, I'd prefer to see economically shaky lending practices curtailed at both ends of the spectrum, not just bail out rich people after they wreck the economy.

bradley414 wrote:If Casinos didn't cause any problems, why are they always legalized in extremely controlled situations, with an enormous amount of oversight? Seriously, if they weren't such a huge burden, why can't any Tom, Dick, and Harry open one up? Would you advocate allowing them to spring up in gas stations, laundry mats, every single bar, etc? If not, then why?

I'm not sure if you're agreeing or disagreeing with me on this one.

I've always bitched about the hypocrisy of allowing Keno, horse racing, pull tabs (Pickle cards here), and Powerball but not blackjack, slots and craps.

I do think any Tom, Dick and Harry should be able to open a casino (assuming you apply the same basic minimal controls you would to a liquor license). Let the free market sort it out.

There is one reason - and one reason ONLY - this doesn't happen: THE CASINO LOBBY.

The ones that are open don't want any others to open, and as long as they can keep the Moralists well funded and showing up at the polls, it will continue to be that way. Period.

-Big E

TechnicalDisaster · Post by **TechnicalDisaster** » Wed May 21, 2008 4:26 pm

I do think any Tom, Dick and Harry should be able to open a casino (assuming you apply the same basic minimal controls you would to a liquor license). Let the free market sort it out.

A city where every other business advertises "Casino Here!' signs? Bleh. Talk about the wrong direction.

Erik · Post by **Erik** » Wed May 21, 2008 4:38 pm

bradley414 wrote:
I do think any Tom, Dick and Harry should be able to open a casino (assuming you apply the same basic minimal controls you would to a liquor license). Let the free market sort it out.
A city where every other business advertises "Casino Here!' signs? Bleh. Talk about the wrong direction.

Yeah, I've lived in Vegas and I really don't want to see OMaha head in that direction, just build a couple of good ones to replenish the lost tax base..

Big E · Post by **Big E** » Wed May 21, 2008 4:39 pm

bradley414 wrote:
I do think any Tom, Dick and Harry should be able to open a casino (assuming you apply the same basic minimal controls you would to a liquor license). Let the free market sort it out.
A city where every other business advertises "Casino Here!' signs? Bleh. Talk about the wrong direction.

Nothing stopping a signage ordinance.

the1wags · Post by **the1wags** » Wed May 21, 2008 5:57 pm

Fact is, anyone in Omaha that wants to gamble away their money is already doing so, so any negative effects (bankruptcy, crime, etc) I would assume are already here.

That's my big thing with people that push the moral defense in voting down casinos. Guess what, we already have the problems, AND we don't get any money for it.

Don't think that Iowa isn't taking casino money and throwing it at prospective employers. Not to fire up a us vs. Des Moines, but seriously look at the number of jobs they've added in DM in the last say, 5 years. I'm talking insurance companies, etc. Iowa is chucking MILLIONS at these companies to bring their 1000, 1500, etc jobs to DM. We could be doing the same.

nativeomahan · Post by **nativeomahan** » Wed May 21, 2008 10:26 pm

The way I see the casino corporations and the anti-gambling moralists: A pox on both of their houses. Both feed off the other. Talk about irony...the vocal anti-gambling crowd is funded by the casinos. And the casino interests that brag up the jobs and entertainment they create ignore the fact that a large percentage of their profits come from problem gamblers. Not a large % of their customer base, but a large % of their profit base. People with gambling addictions ruin not only their own lives, but they negatively affect the lives of their children, parents, other family and friends. Why do you think the casinos are fighting so hard to preserve smoking in the casinos? It's because casinos attract people with addiction problems. Most hard core gamblers have addictions to tobacco and/or alcohol. In a casino they can have it all. The rush of the slot machine or craps table, together with a drink in their hand and a cigarette hanging fro their mouth. It's like legal crack for some.

Oh, and don't get me going on the holier than thou politicians, who wail against "gambling" while allowing a dozen versions of the same thing in their own jurisdictions. At least casinos offer entertainment. How much fun can a pickle ticket or keno card offer the average Joe?

Thank goodness I never got bit by the gambling bug. I am one of the majority of people who can go to a casino for an hour or two of gambling once every 6 months, then enjoy dinner. I do love the concerts at Stir, too!

StreetsOfOmaha · Post by **StreetsOfOmaha** » Thu May 22, 2008 8:58 am

Yeah. Heineman is out of his element.

thenewguy · Post by **thenewguy** » Thu May 22, 2008 9:29 am

...he needs to realize that life doesn't start and stop at his convenience...no matter how much that rug tied his room together.

almighty_tuna · Post by **almighty_tuna** » Thu May 22, 2008 1:29 pm

Erik · Post by **Erik** » Fri May 23, 2008 10:38 am

So... did the letter work? :D

DTO Luv · Post by **DTO Luv** » Tue May 27, 2008 10:01 pm

I don't know if Carter Lake, unlike the Dude, will abide.

joeglow · Post by **joeglow** » Wed May 28, 2008 12:01 am

If I remember correctly, when Carter Lake was having problems with the lake, they asked Omaha and Nebraska to help and got a big f you. What goes around......

Stargazer · Post by **Stargazer** » Wed Sep 03, 2008 12:01 pm

Pottawattamie County won't join lawsuit

http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=2 ... d=10422931

I can't wait to see how Pat Loontjer is going to stop this one.

Bugeater · Post by **Bugeater** » Thu Sep 04, 2008 12:00 pm

Erik wrote:
DTO Luv wrote:I really don't get what NE lawmakers think they have any legal grounds to regulate another state.

Why tell Nevada to illegalize prostitiution because someone may drive through NE to get there. That's just to much immorality than I-80 can bear.

Not only that, but people say "Why let the Nevada casinos take all of this money?"

Well, why let walmart build a superstore every square mile and take the money to bentonville, arkansas?

Who has ever pimped Walmart as a means for tax relief?

Omaha Forums