Letter: Gaming industry shoves its product down others’ throats

Wednesday, Oct. 8, 1997 | 4:42 a.m.

Although Brian Greenspun did an excellent job portraying Tom Grey, I take exception to his notion that those of us fighting the expansion of gambling do so without knowledge. The fact is that we are tired of "the industry" shoving their "product" down our throats and spending mega bucks influencing our legislators.

Casinos will not work in my area because we will draw a vast majority of our customers from the local population. Is that an irrational, moralistic view? No! It's an economic fact. But that hasn't stopped Bally's, Horseshoe, Casino America, Harvey's and a host of others from invading us. We shut the door in their faces, yet they continue to bombard us. They don't care who the money comes from, but it will be my tax dollars that go to clean up their mess.

During our last 90-day legislative session, the gambling industry spent just shy of $1 million, and with an election year coming up, we've already seen the gambling industry influence.

I lived in the Las Vegas area for nearly 10 years -- so I know first-hand what casinos are all about. So, Mr. Greenspun, I'll thank you to put a leash on your dog, and keep him out of my yard.

Kim Roman, Glen Burnie, Md.