The survey claimed that 198 out of 200 responded that their lives are affected and/or ruined by the poker machines and, we continue to ignore it as if it is nothing! The question now: Is anyone going to do something about it?
I had the opportunity to discuss this issue with a good buddy that was elected to the Legislature and he defended the poker industry claiming that it is funding the scholarship program and pet projects.
While I can respect his opinion, I still say that something that needs to be seriously looked into. The thing is, is it really worth sending our children to further their education at the expense of a ruined family? Is sending a child to a higher institution really outweigh the destruction of families? Does anyone know how many are in jail or awaiting trial for stealing because of their weakness over the machines? Does anyone care to know if those machines are actually operating in a fairly manner?
Actually, I want to challenge Sen. Luis Crisostimo, since he is probably the biggest operator, to take the lead to end the misery of those that are and will be affected by these unregulated machines. I feel that these machines are being controlled at the mercy of the operators, and the senator knows what I am talking about since he lost $1,000 on a bet. Besides, I think the senator made enough money to call it quits for the sake of his constituents.
But if this industry is to continue because of the scholarship and pet projects, then perhaps our newly elected leaders should consider having a casino instead of machines that were probably designed to cheat. The bottom line is, we cannot continue to ignore the damage the machines continue to do to our community. And, there’s got to be a better way to fund the scholarship program.
On another matter equally important, lately Article 12 has been a hot topic and I want to share my three cents about it. I feel that Article 12 is the biggest obstacle in improving our economy and we must change it for the better.
People should understand that they have every right not to sell their belongings whether it is land, jewelry or what have you.
If those against Article 12 are afraid that an outsider will offer them tons of money and are forced to sale, then I don’t know what to say.
Perhaps the Legislature should come up with a nonsense law for those that don’t want to sell. For example, those that don’t want to sell should register at an office to prevent them selling just in case a billion dollar offer comes their way. But we must allow those that want to sell should that opportunity comes knocking.
I agree that Article 12 did us good, but not anymore! What difference does it really make after I lose my land to a local rich or an outsider? I still lose my land, didn’t I? If those people that are so concerned about protecting the indigenous from losing their land, then Article 12 should be changed to prevent anyone from selling their land at all.
NICK SABLAN
Garapan, Saipan
