Oneida’s Halbritter Talks Economic Partnerships

I’ve always enjoyed listening to your shows, and appreciate your intellect.  I am a little surprised after listening Wednesday night (and after writing to several American Economics Professionals recently).  I do not hear any talk about the fact that (multi-)millions of dollars are being spent in casinos, menial low-wage jobs are being used as justification, nothing productive is happening, and the same people spending MUCH more money in casinos are not acting as consumers in a world where goods and services would normally be purchased.   Yet, economists are still “surprised that consumer spending is down” (dah).  We could be a self-sustaining region, and ALL peoples (race, color, and creed) could be included.  We produce nothing and purchase nothing by gambling – but the take is enormous.  I have been to the casinos and am not a problem gambler, I just know it’s annoyed me enough not to want to do it, and I noticed that there are people there who needjackets, teeth, toiletries, and nutritious food who are not buying these things.  These people may need their car fixed.  They are spending ALOT of money that would be spent otherwise in our local economy.  The stuffing in their jackets may be hanging out if you just go there and look.  Please talk to economists about this “one of the biggest employers of the region” claim, too.  Look at other company payrolls for Engineers making Radars, Medical Equipment, etc.  Look at some local successful farms.  Check out the schools, hospitals, grocery stores, and other restaurants.  Compare workers in these places to those dumping ashtrays (indoors or outdoors), pushing in chairs, or fetching drinks. Ask the workers.  The casino is not one our HUGE employers – they are the taker of the consumer which would otherwise provide a need for jobs.  How much of what is lost from our own consumers is returned to our local economy by any casino?  Help to remove the fear ofundoing the damage that’s been done with casinos and talk about the courage needed to rebuild.