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Friday, Feb. 13, 2009 | 2:01 a.m.
Unlike Oscar Goodman (all the time) and the Nevada congressional delegation (this week), most people are not immune to embarrassment.
But as Las Vegas and Nevada have struggled for decades to overcome a tawdry image while cultivating that tawdry image, Goodman has (again) reinforced to the world that we live in a backwater, one that elevates the town drunk to the mayoralty and the village idiot to the governorship. And as someone who has lived here for nearly a quarter-century and often defends my home against condescension and sneering from elsewhere, I am red-faced that Mayor Solipsistic has once again, in his obsessive pursuit of attention, made us into a laughingstock by amplifying a perfectly reasonable statement by President Barack Obama about abuse of bailout money.
“You can’t take a trip to Las Vegas or down to the Super Bowl on the taxpayers’ dime,” the president said this week, sending Goodman into a froth as he ludicrously demanded an apology and (successfully) pursued national media attention while catalyzing members of the congressional delegation to spend valuable time writing remarks and rushing to the floor to defend the city’s honor.
So as the country suffers from an economic disaster and as state and local governments wither from the reverberations, our “leaders” are behaving as if they represent the Strip and not broader interests and are engaging in a collective whine that is not only unjustified but humiliating.
These folks are behaving like petulant children — the president was mean to us, it’s just not fair. Is there a place in America — the world? — more known for junkets than Las Vegas?
This is all part of the city’s schizophrenia coming home to roost. We want to be known as the place where anything goes, where you can lose yourself in your revels, where what happens here stays here. But we also want to be known as a city with world-class hotels with first-rate convention facilities and fine dining establishments, a place where visionary community leaders want to erect gleaming performing arts centers and medical facilities, a real city where real people live.
But since the first tourist asked me nearly 25 years ago which hotel I live in, I have realized and accepted that the city has an image that cannot be remade and instead should be celebrated and exploited to get business. That’s why Obama unconsciously used Las Vegas as an example: because the city is the symbol of sinful excess (and, probably, because of a couple of high-profile cancellations by companies that took bailout money).
So be it. Get over it.
To whom were Reps. Shelley Berkley and Dina Titus speaking when they went on the floor to prattle on about how wonderful Las Vegas is and how the president should know that? Their constituents in neighborhoods or in Strip boardrooms?
Goodman acknowledged Thursday that he made his comments after two casino executives complained about Obama’s remarks. His chain was pulled, so he barked.
I have sympathy for the gamers, who are languishing as never before and surely winced when they heard Obama’s statement. But my sympathy has limits.
Instead of urging Goodman and the delegation to protect their businesses, perhaps they should take responsibility, as the state’s most powerful special interest, for creating the situation. The gamers are partly responsible for the elevation of Goodman to the city’s most high-profile position and primarily culpable for ensuring Gibbons won the state’s most influential job.
Their anointment of those they believe will help them most — i.e., tax them least — has contributed to a state where the mayor is trying to enact a much-criticized financing scheme to build a City Hall monument to himself and the governor is blithely destroying the state’s higher education system and cementing Nevada’s Third World status.
If these “leaders” really care about the city beyond Las Vegas Boulevard South, why are they not publicly lambasting Gibbons for his budget and what he has done to the state? Why are they so upset about Obama’s comments but not by Gibbons’ actions? They are responsible for both.
Sin City will prosper again no matter what Goodman disgorges, perhaps because of it. But it’s the other city I worry about.
That’s Backwater USA with its clogged roads, underfunded K-16 education system and porous social safety net — all getting worse because of the values of the man the Strip installed as governor. The gamers are mewling, Goodman is sputtering and Gibbons is dithering. And we are worried about Obama’s remarks?
This is not the time to be ashamed of what we are and have been; it’s a time to be embarrassed for what we are not and will not be.
Discussion: 65 comments so far…
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Rather then chide Obama on killing the travel and hospitality industry jobs locally and nationally Jon and Harry Reid have decided to just take the Bailout Stimulus II
Jon Ralston and Harry Reid are LOL at Goodman.
Jon says "President Barack Obama had the first sleepless night of his young administration Wednesday. He tossed and turned in a guilt-tinged stupor" because of Goodman.
But this is about travel and hospitality industry jobs in Las Vegas and across the nation.
Barack Obama and Harry Reid are Out of Touch with Nevada.
While Barack Obama and Harry Reid are supporting "tiny" porky amendments to the Borrow and Spend Stimulus II
Harry Reid will not stand up against Obama who has told business people not to go to Las Vegas.
Harry Reid said this did not reflect Obama's thoughts about a particular city. But it does reflect Obama's thoughts about the travel and hospitality industry.
Harry Reid this is about travel and hospitality industry jobs in Las Vegas and across the nation.
There are legitimate reasons for business meetings and incentive rewards to workers.
The travel and hospitality industry needs business to support it. Stopping spending in the travel and hospitality industry will just further reduce our national GDP
While not a fan of Mayor Goodman, Oscar got it right -- President Obama and Senator Harry Reid got it wrong.
So, Future2012,
Let me get this straight. You are in favor of allowing banks and other institutions that take federal bailout dollars to use that tax money to treat their top level employees to lavish holidays.
There may be a business reason for these junkets under normal circumstances, but these circumstances aren't normal. These companies are taking our tax dollars because they are failing, and now you suggest it is fitting and proper that they should take those tax dollars and use them to reward the very people who brought about the failure in the first place. Where's the logic in that?
Great column, Mr. Ralston.
Right on Jon and great comment JohnF.
Why did Obama have to use the words "Las Vegas" to make his point?
A smart politican knows not to use in a negative context a name of city that is full of voters.
Is Obama dumb or does he hate Las Vegas? It has to be one or the other.
It is no big deal.
Nobody listens to Obama anyway.
There's a lot more to Nevada than gaming -- a lot more to Nevada than Las Vegas even. The interest of the rest of us (in the outback) often conflict with those of LV, which from my perspective often appears to be a great gluttonous gobbling thing that saps the rest of the state dry, quite literally. And yes, I know its income has paid my taxes, but it has also created the preponderance of demand for tax dollars (roads, prisons, social services, etc.).
Great editorial!
"Nobody listens to Obama anyway."
I do. And that makes you wrong. I bet lots of other people listen to him to.
Anyone care to comment on nance's suggestion that nobody listens to Obama?
I am all about saving the travel and hospitality industry jobs locally and nationally.
If Obama want to shut down a major sector of the economy it will be a long recovery.
TARP bailout winners are just the first pigs in the trough.
Next the funds from the borrow and spend $ 789 billion Stimulus II package will be spewed out to state governments, local governments, teachers unions, construction companies, ACORN, nurses, auto workers, etc.
Non of these people will be able to attend meetings in Las Vegas.
Where does this end.
With the annual budget, TARP, and Stimulus II the Federal government will be controlling 40% of the economy.
That mean 40% of the economy is locked out of the Las Vegas market.
johne, just ignore him; he plays the same song on subjects ranging from DC to Na$car...sad, sad, sad.
Wow....lots of people listen to Obama!!!!
OMG!!!!!! There are millions of people now think poorly of Las Vegas because the Messiah put coming to Las Vegas in a negative context.
What will we do???????????
"Messiah"
Is it lonely up there in your tower Jim?
I imagine it was easier for you to mock me that admit how utterly wrong you are. As usual.
Jon...
For the most part, I agree with your piece. But I do have to offer a comment regarding the embarrassment caused by Oscar. I think to a small degree you're projecting a certain amount of the embarrassment YOU feel on the larger population. Being in northern Virginia as a write this, I can safely say that the general sentiment regarding Mr. Goodman isn't really what you think it is. The story made the Times in D.C. (although I haven't seen anything in the Post about it, nor do I expect to). Pretty much everyone I've heard comment on it and everyone I've talked to about it feels the same way; the mayor of Las Vegas is sticking up for his town that got some bad publicity from Obama. Nothing more, nothing less. It's a mayors job to stick up for his city when it's diss'd, and that's all he did. It's always higher profile when it's a major city... and Vegas is different because it's a one-industry town. I realize it's a bigger news story in LV than anywhere else, but I'm here to tell you as far as the east coast is concerned, Oscar's ok.
I agree with what you say about the elected officials, and how they got to where they got to almost despite themselves. But Vegas isn't unique in those criticisms. I be pretty shocked if the mayors, governors, and senators from other major metropolitan areas aren't being called into question too. It's human nature. When times are good, it's pretty much "Oh look at the mayor. He's kinda tipsy and goofy again. How funny." When times are tough, it's "That lousy drunk can't keep his mouth shut." Like I said, human nature.
jfnance...
Bad news, bunky. People DO listen to Obama. I don't think he's very dumb, and I don't think he hates Vegas. I think he just hates you. But, you get to try again in 3 1/2 years. Better luck next time.
Future2012...
Before I jump on you... I have to ask one simple question. Do you REALLY think Obama wants to shut the travel industry and the hospitality industry down? I'll give you the benefit of the doubt and assume you don't.
As I posted in another comment around here to a similar story, Obama's response was to a very specific question. When asked about Wells Fargo's "Employee Recognition Conference" in Las Vegas, Obama said what he said, which Mr. Ralston quoted in his piece. I think if you apply the tiniest bit of common sense, you would realize that this was regarding that particular case, and not business in general. He's already somewhat clarified what he meant by that, but that hasn't gotten nearly as much publicity. That sounbite isn't nearly as sexy as the one where he flames Las Vegas. But to latch on to that and run with it in the direction you're heading just comes across as conservative-right venom.
Of course, if that's what you're really mean, then we'll have a go at it, and my response to nance applies to you too.
I can see now that you would forgive Obama, he being the Messiah and all, even if he called your mom a bad name.
Obama goofed. He spoke without thinking. Perhaps Biden is rubbing off on him.
The new cycle always truncates what you said before and what you said after.
Obama knows that when you say
".............You can't take a trip to Las Vegas....................."
That the new cycle is "You can't take a trip to Las Vegas"
@johnevegas,
Amen. Nance who?
"he being the Messiah"
More stupid mocking nance? Amazing how far you will go to avoid admitting you are wrong. About anything. Ever.
I don't think he's the messiah anyway. He hasn't smitten you yet.
Good column, Jon. Obama's comments made me wince, too, but they clearly were about corporate fat cats going to a desirable destination - notice the pairing with the Super Bowl, fer chrissakes - on the TAXPAYERS' dime. You'd think that even the wingnuts would resent that expenditure of their money.
What's next - will we demand federally subsidized trips to Pahrump cathouses? Now, that's a stimulus package to believe in!
It is you guys that will not admit that your highly messiah goofed in his Las Vegas remark.
That is a tiny mistake.
The "stimulus" plan is the mega-mistake.
Las Vegas is one of A kind, the most traveled to destination in the WORLD. I think the Boardroom big shots will do more damage(short term hopefully) then any perception of outsider comments including the Presidents. Right now in are major resorts changes in staffing levels are being done almost hourly, to reduce operating costs, the only other thing this will do successfully is reduce the ability to TAKE CARE of the people who do come to Las Vegas. Most people who travel, know when they are getting sandbagged. That is whats happening. The best I can hope for is the boardroom monopoly game to end, and the Resorts can gain some identity and offer A unique destination experience again. The good news is the Resorts will always be Resorts it does not matter if A few ownership changes(hopefully) take place. The city can then get back to hospitality the virtue, rather then the science(which comes with significant costs). It seems so simple, loosen up the slots, give away some rooms and buffets, and get rid of anyone who is not willing or able to take care of the customers, and start with the boardroom.
nance: "highly messiah"
You would have to be filled with hatred to keep saying that. And impotent for being unable to admit you are wrong.
I listen to him nance. That makes you completely wrong. Even if you cannot face it, you are wrong with a capitol "F".
It's okay, I'll back-off now. I know you can't do it and that pushing you to admit your mistakes is just setting myself up for more abusive and condescending remarks.
Obama made a boo-boo and you guys can't not face up to.
I know you will never face up to to his titantic mistake of the "stimulus".
And...you wonder why I poke fun at you all's worship of Obama.
You can not even fuss up to a little mistake by him much less the more important ones.
Messiah Obama rules your worlds.
"And...you wonder why I poke fun at you all's worship of Obama."
Not at all Jim. You poke "fun" at anyone who dares challenge your dominion over truth. It's either agree with you, or be labeled a koolaid-drinking head-in-the-sand messiah-worshiping liberal. That's why nobody listens to you Jim. :)
Oh, just for the record Mr Finger pointer, I called Obama on the statement the day he made it. So, sorry, your feedback don't apply.
Gotta go by a VD present for the wife. Have a good evening. Banter with you later.
A VD present? Is that an ointment or something?
Johnvegas is off to buy some love potion #9.
Nance is probably home kicking his dog and pacing around the room, ranting to himself.
Nance just kicks himself because it feels really, really good when he stops.
Nance only listens to Gipper Gibbions Great Gate of a Growling Gallbladder.
Jon:
You either love Obama or hate Goodman. I'd bet it's the latter! I read the letter Goodman sent to Obama. Good letter. Goodman in my humble opinion, had to speak up. Obama's knee jerk comment calling out "Las Vegas" was a mistake. You don't throw the baby out with the bath water--unless you are careless.Obama was.
Your disgust for Gibbons is no secret either--you make sure of that! Forget Gibbons for a minute--what the hell do you do in these circumstances. He went to Carson City with a platform. He beat that screaching loud mouthed Titus. He is not going to raise taxes--somethings got to give. It is expenditures.
Like it or not--learn to live with it!
Maybe the 1100 page pig that Obama will sign on Monday that nobody has read will get teachers back some of their pay in Nevada.
I guess he used the word Las Vegas because that's where the company was reportedly headed for. Are the heads of these failing companies so stupid that they can't figure out it would be the same sentiment no matter WHERE they were headed? If so, then it's no wonder these companies are in such a financial mess. Didn't know they needed to have everything spelled out in black/white - figured they could put 2 and 2 together or connect the dots but apparently not.
Times have changed Las Vegas and now you have a major image problem. I would get rid of the "What happens in Vegas" marketing ASAP if I were you.
I heard Pres. Obama speak concerning govt. decision makers convening in Las Vegas. I'm sure that your convention centers are nice.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think that you named yourselves sin city through your advertisements.
Whenever "The Nevada Gaming Commission" is mentioned on TV, it's always made to sound like some kind of "holy alliance". "The Nevada Gaming Commission" is simply the legal head that regulates "gambling greed" and "gambling tyranny" in Nevada.
The Las Vegas infomercials advertise your pride in what you do. A Casino gambler who counts cards is considered a crook and thrown out, and that's in accordance with your own laws. What was he supposed to be thinking about (prostitutes? & free breakfasts?) while he gambled?
I quote:
But as Las Vegas and Nevada have struggled for decades to overcome a tawdry image while cultivating that tawdry image, Goodman has (again).............................
Is my use of the word "prostitute" false, defamatory, inaccurate, abusive, vulgar, hateful, harassing, obscene, profane, sexually oriented, threatening, invasive of a person's privacy, or otherwise..........?? Or is my use of the word "prostitute" acceptable in accordance with the rules of "The Nevada State Ethics Commission"??
For what purpose does Nevada NEED a "State Ethics Commission"?? Most states don't have an "Ethics Commission" AND most states have ETHICS that are at least MENTIONABLE.
If you don't publish this, then it must be because of my ETHICS, because Las Vegas doesn't seem to have any.
honestly,
S. Daniels
WV
Oscar Goodman is a good guy, from the old school. Is he a promoter? Yes. As such, is he a good Mayor for a Travel Mecca such as Las Vegas? Yes.
Mayor Goodman has chosen to reside and toil here most of his professional life. It's his chosen home. He is one Southern Nevada leader, elected, who grew up in Blue Collar Philly and cares about working people, the majority of whom did not make and save enough to survive today's extended hard times without hardship and loss.
Did he overreach in calling out the President personally for an apology? Yes. Was he nudged by gaming executives to do so, those who supported Senator John McCain's candidacy? Probably.
If John McCain had become President, the former head of Merrill Lynch John T. would likely be Secretary of the Treasury today. Thankfully, America did not vote for that decision making, which would have been a disaster.
President Obama is coming to visit Las Vegas this Spring concerned about the mortgage situation here. It will likely be Oscar Goodman there to meet him with a smile and a handshake.
Oscar Goodman has never cared what anyone thinks about what he says, and that's kind of a good thing because his judgement is pretty good on a majority of things. President Obama likely understands where Mayor Goodman is coming from in his remarks, as such public statements are genuinely directed towards the needs of working people relying on tourism to pay their bills.
You don't see Mayor Goodman up for ethics complaints, sexual harrasment complaints, or criminal investigations such as those successfully directed at County Commissioners a few short years ago. He's not perfect, but he's "The Original".
I'm hoping that Pres. Obama understands Mayor Goodman. I'm also hoping he is concerned for the many hardworking individuals in the casinos, the theme parks, other attractions, and all the legitimate businesses in Nevada (including the whorehouses).
Also I'm sure that he understands that our "government decision makers" and our tax dollars should not be "under the influence" of Las Vegas.
honestly,
S. Daniels
WV
Jon, your opinion is clearly based in liberal politics, so you are biased in favor of Obama and cannot see that it was improper for him to call out Vegas by name. Does it bother no one that the conferences cancelled from Las Vegas have been relocated to more pricey cities, costing the taxpayer more? Is perception really more important than reality?
I (reluctantly) voted for Mr. Obama because of the two candidates presented, he seemed to have the best combination of smarts and leadership to get the job done. This incident suggests he doesn't. Oh, well.
S. Daniels of West Virginia is clearly one of the old school Vegas-haters from back in the day when the east coast - particularly the holier-than-thou DC bureaucrats - engaged in a decades-long tirade against Las Vegas.
The only difference between the morals of Las Vegas and those of the rest of these United God-Fearing States is that Las Vegas doesn't subscribe to the conventional hypocrisy. In other words, it is an honest city.
Well now I know where to find some honest crooks.
I didn't know I hated Vegas either, but I do think Vegas has more legal crime than most places.
S. Daniels
WV
Obama did a disservice to LV with his casual remark. If he wants to ban junkets by companies receiving bailout money - ok. But one of those companies moved their meeting to San Francisco, which is many times more expensive than Las Vegas and neither the president nor anyone else is complaining. It's all about appearances.
Hey I look forward to more "tax payer bailed out" companies not coming to Las Vegas. I am going to enjoy watching all the banquet servers, dealers, cocktail severs, cage personnel, housekeeper, PAD, security, and cooks have hours cut because a lack of businesses booking their annual conferences here. (Oh but I forget those DAMN EVIL CASINOS have to keep paying people the same even though business is done, right?)
People keep saying our tax money shouldn't be used to fund WILD HEDONISTIC BUSINESS TRIPS TO SIN CITY! Fine, in six months *our* tax money won't be... Many of us won't be paying as much in taxes because we will be out of a job. Way to go President Obama. YOU ROCK! Damn, more of us should have voted for you so we could feel good about sucking at the government welfare teat when we lose our jobs because you have specifically targeted Las Vegas.
Hrumph on this very page one of the "most read" stories is "Limo drivers' suit seeks safety net: Minimum wage pay" Hmmm could one of the reasons why they are seeking that safety net is that fewer people will be coming to Vegas in the future due to the President's comments?
Is it starting to sound like "tax dollars" and "Govt' junkets" to Vegas have been keeping Vegas afloat for some time? I don't want my tax dollars going to support Las Vegas. If it costs more to avoid Vegas so be it, and this is nothing against the workers or the legitimate businesses. (Trouble is, it's kinda hard to think of something that's not legit. as long as some Casino ends up with the money.)
"Joe the plumber" could walk into a Casino, with a Megabuck, have his pocket "officially" picked, be accused of winning too much, then tossed in jail and it would all be "legal". A plea bargain would probably set him free, but his pockets would definitely be empty.
honestly,
S. Daniels
WV
I could understand outrage if president Obama made
this comment, and it was not true that this corporation did not have a plan trip to Las Vegas,
and the President was using Las Vegas as an example of corporate excess. The fact that this was a planned trip on the tax payers dime, is an insult to most Americans. I think the fact that Mayor Oscar Goodman was leading the charge to legalize prostitution,should be more of a concern,for the image of our city when it comes to future corporate events, and conventions,some companies book events to Las Vegas for want Las Vegas is about, and some companies stay as far away from sin city as possible because of how that may be viewed. You can't have your cake and eat it to, Peace.
I am reading an article and comments about Las Vegas being embarrassed and not a mention of Harry Reid? The man is a disgrace, where is your shame?
I must go and count my pension checks, thank God for the kiss in the mail.
Oscar is the one that needs to apologize.It is indefensible for him to support a museum that celebrates murders and thieves.The mayor and the rest of the city fathers have driven this city off a cliff and now ,instead of being men and taking the blame, all the cowards know how to do is blame people who had absolutely nothing to do with it.Way to go. Good luck Vegas with leaders like these you'll need it.
Las Vegas is "cracking down" on prostitution.
Isn't that just like Las Vegas, when they're not "cracking down", they're "cracking up"?
S. Daniels
WV
Goodman is a moron.
sdaniels,
listen phoney, Vegas is legit.
Vegas has no whorehouses (legal), but then again it has the same amount as your state AND probably has the same amount of streetwalkers.
Next, name one person who has legally won and had his money stripped from him. If you can't, quit spreading libelous claims.
Next, it's the casinoes business if they want to ban card counting. It's really no different than insider trading. In any case the only game that really affects is Blackjack. My guess is that this weekend you saw "21" or that history channel program "Breaking Vegas". In any case, get that bee out of your bonnet.
Next, you have no business criticizing Nevada if you can't name 5 cities other than Las Vegas, Primm, Carson City, Reno, or Lake Tahoe. FYI, you get a bonus for naming our capital.
Next, so what if the state has legal whorehouses, that's our perogative.
Finally, if you don't like us, DON'T COME HERE. We don't want you.
Remember, West Virginia is a deeply connected state. West Virginians keep it all in the family.
Las Vegas is at least as legit. as "The Nevada State Ethics Commission". Have you seen the "rules"? What rules? None of this would be so ridiculous if you didn't even have an "Ethics Commission". Have you ever wondered why you have an "Ethics Commission"? Having an "Ethics Commission" is dummer than naming 5 cities.
Las Vegas puts those ridiculous infomercials on TV.
S. Daniels
WV
I don't know. It proves my point daniels that you've never been to our state. Also it proves that you really are ignorant saying something is "dummer".
Quality West Virginian education. Keep keeping it in the family daniels.
red, that's called quality control. If a girl isn't good enough for her family she sure isn't good enough for anyone else. Right, sdaniels?
I wanted to see if you wood ignore the word ethics and concentrate on the word dummer.
S. Daniels
WV
Keep it up! I "wood" if I could. Or do you mean would? Out in Las Vegas we are as ethical as we please to be. If you don't like it, don't come.
Butt, should we send our "Govt' decision makers" with tons of TARP money, to convene in Vegas?
S. Daniels
WV
"Also I'm sure that he understands that our "government decision makers" and our tax dollars should not be "under the influence" of Las Vegas."
Sorry dude. This is total hogwash that proves you do not know anything about this city.
This is the convention capitol of the world Popeye! No better nor cheaper anywhere! It's our forte.
Now, go back to your's. Growing tobacco. We smoke a lot of that here wiseguy.
Butt, should we send our "Govt' decision makers" with tons and tons of TARP money, to convene in Vegas?
S. Daniels
WV
What about sending bank leaders to convene in Vegas with tons of "bailout" money.
Vegas hasn't even had a bond hearing yet.
Sounds like "no limit holdum" to me.
honestly,
S. Daniels
WV
the fact that you can't even spell the conjunction but correctly is hilarious. Hillbilly.
You sure like to use a lot of words butt, what's a conjunction but?
S. Daniels
WV
PS. Is it still ok to send our leaders to Vegas with tons and tons of bailout money?
Well obviously PBS hasn't made its way back to West Virginia. Never heard of Conjunction Junction, what's your Function?
Well I taught English, so...
A conjunction, Backwoods, is a word that joins two phrases, ie. and, but, yet, or.
This is to differentiate the word but (a conjunction as in you type a lot, BUT you seem to know little to nothing) from the word butt (as in butt of a gun or butt like the large thing you probably sit on way too much).
Hope this grammar lesson has helped (you do have schools out there, right), and no it still isn't OK for companies with bailout money to come out here. If you looked at the boards, you would see that many Las Vegans feel the same way.
It was ok to bring all that bailout money to Vegas before I asked you about ethics and switched to bad grammer.
What happund?
(Don't forget about the TARP money.)
S. Daniels
WV
Nope it still wasn't, and I guess you have poor reading comprehension on top of not being able to write a whole sentence without spelling and grammar errors.
Look back, I know it's hard, but I didn't want them here on the government's dime. Most people here didn't either. So learn to read and write and then make a statement.
I can see that West Virginia taught you how not to write I guess.
I did look back. You talked like you didn't know the meaning of the word ethics, and now you act like you have some. I agree with you somewhat now. I don't want the bailout money going down the drain (in Vegas) either.
What about the TARP money?
S. Daniels
WV
What about the TARP money?
Do you want the TARP money going down the drain in Vegas?
Maybe I'll write it in smaller bits, Mr. Dropout,
Las Vegas doesn't want people/corporations taking public money coming here for pleasure.
Public money being the TARP, auto-bailout, or any other company that's on the dole spending government money on nonessentials here.
If you can't understand those sentences, you need some serious help. I would suggest Sesame Street as a good foundation.
And incidentally, the bank bailout, aka the bailout, is the TARP money you are speaking of.
I'm glad you've had a change of heart. I was worried about you guys, having an "Ethics Commission", and not knowing what it does. Then you talked about Vegas doing whatever it wants and not caring about anything or anybody.
What a relieff.
S. Daniels
WV
Please all ignore all comments by sdaniels. They must have recently purchased their first computer. They have not realized that they are a troll.
I didn't see it that way, thanks again for a very informed, well thought out opinion.
I didn't see anyone mention that State Farm pulled 11,000 rooms and went to San Francisco instead, which costs more and burns more fossil fuels, and is a direct result of Pres. Obama's comment. I do see it as a great marketing opportunity to bring more people here, but(is it "butt" now?) I love seeing the other side of it, too.