Slots coming to Maryland is the Goliath that can’t be beaten
At least that’s what “they” want you to think. Who’s “they?” - the politically powerful, the well-financed, the mainstream media. They want the public to think, “what’s the use in opposing slots? It’s coming whether we want it or not. ”
O’Malley’s flip flop change of heart on the matter of using slots to fund education has signaled to all who a part of his machine that it’s time for them to get in line as well. Mayor Sheila Dixon has done her part. She sent out an e-blast last week letting everyone know that she supports slots “under certain conditions.” The money, “they” say will help close the state budget deficit, save the horse-racing industry, and fund education. Word is Baltimore Ravens Middle Linebacker, Ray Lewis, is in on the deal. Apparently, he’ll be part owner of the casino that they’re talking about bringing to Baltimore just south of downtown.  (He must be getting ready for his post-football career because they got their butts whupped last night for the world to see on Monday Night Football against the Pittsburgh Steelers.)
Any student of history knows that this present day argument for slots is very similar to the argument made to introduce the lottery to Baltimore City. Let the lottery in and the money will fund education “they” said. Fast forward many years and look at our public schools now. We don’t graduate half of our students, don’t have adequate resources, and our children are still protesting around the city for what they deserve - a quality education!
I am so tired of compromised leadership in Baltimore. The “going along to get along” game only works for the individual - not the masses of us! Black People in elected office in Baltimore - YOU HAVE TO TAKE A STAND! How long must we suffer your weak leadership. How many generations of Black youth will you sell down the river for your own political gain!?Â
Preachers! We have to do more than make glorious pronouncements and deliver fiery sermons. We need to mobilize our congregations on this and many other issues or history will not be very kind to us. Find out who your elected officials are in Maryland and call each of them!Â
I’ll be honest, it’s hard keeping the faith in the good fight during times like these. It almost feels like we can’t make a difference. The collusive alliance between mainstream media and government creates this deadly fascist mix where the rights of individuals are rolled back and the masses are led to believe that they can’t make a difference. I mean come on - today is election day and the media and no one else is saying much about people going out to vote! I heard an elected official say one time that Baltimore is a political cesspool. I didn’t understand that then, but I sure do now.Â
Don’t worry though. I won’t give up the good fight. Pastor Vernon Dobson, former pastor of Union Baptist Church, is known to say, “If you see a good fight - get in it.” And this is a good fight. The odds are stacked against me and all others who dare stand for justice and righteousness. It seems that Goliath surely has won the day. But the spirit of young David will always rise and if enough of us are bold enough to gather our stones then we can turn this thing around.Â
These days its imperative that I walk by Faith and not by Sight because things don’t look good at all.Â
November 6th, 2007 at 11:42 pm
I’m with you on this one bro! I cannot believe how many people rolled over on this one so fast! I’ve never seen people change their convictions so fast..
This thing needs to be stopped.
November 7th, 2007 at 2:54 am
Brother,
I was amazed at how much media coverage went out regarding Major Dixon’s pro plan for slots in Baltimore. I was amazed of the answer I received from a friend who I asked what he thought about the whole slot situation… and his answer was, “Well, at least it will bringin money… we are a gambling state anyway-with the lottery.” I was frustrated that there was no faith in his statement, and it was given with such a lacksadaisical demeanor.
We need to get on board; all of us! to fight the good fight of faith! Slots is NOT the answer, and we should be ashamed to have a silent voice. I encourage everyone to write to their elected officials, and
November 7th, 2007 at 2:56 am
QUICKLY! Many times, we think our letters and words do not make a difference. How wrong we are to think that way. Phone calls, letters, and emails make a profound difference in chaning what the media and society present as the status quo.
Thanks for hearing my two cents!
November 7th, 2007 at 6:27 pm
I concur Pastor, Letters and phone calls can and do matter “somewhat”. Though when Corporations want to perform a power move they have their lobby guns on full blast. These folk are professionals. I went down to Annapolis last week just to get a birds eye view of the how everything is going to go down. Some of these black leaders will do anything to be in favor of their masters.
November 7th, 2007 at 9:05 pm
Brother Heber,
In addition to Ray Lewis, I am sure our beloved Pastors are in to get a cut of the slots proceeds as well. That’s why we have not heard any major opposition from Walter Scott Thomas, Jamal Bryant, Frank Reid and others. Our Pastors are pawns that are being used by the powers that be to deliver a quiet, docile people to go along with any and everything that is proposed and done in our communities.
November 7th, 2007 at 9:31 pm
Khori - to me, the quick turnaround by some elected officials reveal that their positions were politically motivated and had nothing to do with their morals and/or values. It exposes much about their true character.
Pastor D - thank you for your conviction and strong admonishment. We do need to find out who our elected officials are (if we don’t know who they are visit: http://www.mdelect.net) and call Annapolis (410) 841-3000. Thank you for being a courageous pastor of conviction.
Bro. Haki - I know exactly what you are referencing when you speak of the “lobby guns.” The slots/casino industry is extremely well financed and puts aggressive lobbyists in place to move their agenda. That is something that our community needs to get on board with. We need to utilize the gifts in people like Kevin Slayton (www.slaytongroup.com) and others to inject ourselves in the political process with greater sophistication.
Kool-Aid Man - It pains me to recognize the sad reality of your sentiments. Unfortunately, I’ve seen far too many members of the clergy become compromised by the dollar. It’s difficult to be prophetic when you’re feasting on the dainty meats at the king’s table. (Proverbs 23:1-8)
November 12th, 2007 at 4:22 am
How did the Baltimore city Delegation vote on the Tax bill
November 12th, 2007 at 8:38 am
Not sure how the City Delegation voted on the Tax bill. Does anybody know? I’ll look into it.
Also - here’s another log tossed onto the “Slots can’t be beaten” inferno: (Baltimore Sun)
“The Greater Baltimore Committee commissioned a poll showing strong support in Baltimore for slot machine gambling. The poll, conducted by Gonzales Research & Marketing Strategies, found 57.2 percent of city residents support slots and 36.9 percent oppose them. When asked whether they would support slots to improve public schools or to reduce property taxes, the approval got stronger, 64.5 percent for schools and 63.8 percent for tax reduction. In general, African-American voters were more pro-slots than the overall population.” (http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/news/politics/assembly/2007/11/poll_says_city_residents_want.html)
What’s the message in this piece?
“IF YOU ARE BLACK AND LIVE IN THE CITY, THEN THE NEW BELIEF FOR YOU ALL IS THAT YOU WANT SLOTS IN BALTIMORE. “OUR” POLL PROVES THAT YOU DO. GOVERN YOURSELF ACCORDINGLY.”