[Jeff White]

This isn't gun related, but it is one of the scariest stories concerning freedom that I've heard in a long time. I was awakened by the local radio news reporting this story this morning.

The idea that a Governor could consider nationalizing (stateizing???) a successful business to make up the budget deficit is so abhorrant and unAmerican that it literally makes me feel ill. :barf:

From time to time we've discussed freedom issues that weren't gun related here and at TFL so I ask everyone's indulgence.

Jeff


Blagojevich floats idea for state to take over Illinois' nine casinos
By MAURA KELLY The Associated Press
updated: 04/25/2003 07:14 AM



CHICAGO - Gov. Rod Blagojevich said Thursday that he is considering a state takeover of Illinois' nine casinos and hiring a management company to operate the riverboats for the state's profit.

As an alternative, he said he also is considering auctioning off the nine licenses now in use to raise money to fill the state's $5 billion budget deficit.

Such moves would require approval by the state Legislature.

The casino industry immediately called the proposals "preposterous."

The governor said his legal, budget and policy teams are "aggressively" exploring the idea of taking back the casino licenses. He pointed to a casino in Ontario, Canada, that is state-owned but run by a separate management firm.

"It's conceivable, for example, that the state can own the boat and hire Harrah's or MGM to do the management and pay them a management fee," Blagojevich said. "But instead of the profits going to the casino industry, they would go to the state, and the difference would be the cost of the management fee that they would get for their services."

Two of the nine casinos - the Casino Queen and the Alton Belle - are in the St. Louis area.

A spokeswoman for Argosy Gaming Co., which owns the Belle and the Empress Casino in Joliet, said the company opposes Blagojevich's idea.

She said Argosy was urging Illinois legislators to look closely at their alternatives, especially a casino industry proposal known as "A Better Deal for Illinois."

Officials from the Casino Queen in East St. Louis could not be reached.

Other casino industry representatives dismissed the idea.

"For the past 12 years, Illinois casinos have invested billions of dollars into their businesses. Having the state literally confiscate these businesses and destroy this investment is preposterous," said Tom Swoik, executive director of the Illinois Casino Gaming Association.

Swoik said Blagojevich's idea shows that the state "is bent on scaring away business investment and threatening an already anemic business climate." He said it would be a conflict of interest for the state to both run and regulate casinos.

Blagojevich angered the casino industry earlier this month when he proposed raising an additional $200 million by increasing taxes at the state's nine riverboat casinos. His budget also is banking on the state's inactive 10th casino license to be sold next year, generating another $350 million.

Blagojevich said the state's budget crisis - the deficit is about $5 billion - is forcing him to keep an open mind about gambling expansion, which the Democrat opposed while campaigning for governor last year.

"Sometimes you have to say, 'Can you get more money for schools by taking an approach that maybe you wouldn't do at other times,'" Blagojevich said.

Taking over the casinos was the most dramatic, but not the only, idea the governor raised Thursday.

Blagojevich also said that allowing video poker and increasing the number of slot machines at casinos or adding them to horse tracks would not necessarily be an expansion of gambling.

"You can debate the semantics of whether that's expansion or whether that is just providing more positions for existing places where gambling occurs," he said.

He also said the state is considering having casino licenses rebid, but he did not know how often it would be done or whether it was legally possible.

Gambling opponents criticized the governor for suggesting that adding slot machines to casinos and horse tracks isn't expansion.

"There's no other thing that it could be than expansion," said Anita Bedell, executive director of the Illinois Church Action on Alcohol and Addiction.

"There's already so much gambling in Illinois, and expanding it further is just going to add more problems for the people: addiction, bankruptcy, crime, suicide," Bedell said. "The governor needs to be realistic and look at the problems that gambling causes. This is not free money."

Robert Goodrich of the Post-Dispatch contributed to this report.
Reporter Robert Goodrich:
E-mail: rgoodrich@post-dispatch.com
Phone: 618-235-8919

[El Tejon]

So, the looter philosophy of the Daley Administration goes statewide??? Run, Forrest, run!:eek:

[Kingcreek]

Its that inevitable magnetic attraction between politicians and money- any and all money.
The casino biz jacked alot of $$$ into the state races- it will be interesting to see how fast this idea gets dropped.

[Justin]

Is it just me, or as time goes by does 'Atlas Shrugged' seem less and less like a work of fiction?
:uhoh:

[Russ]

Did Blago move here from Serbia or was he actully born here? Maybe he's just importing some ideas from the old country.

[Soap]

This is so contrary to my beliefs that I really don't have anything to say.

[David Roberson]

I didn't know that socialism had ever been IN the closet in Illinois. But this is unusually scary.

[cordex]

Unbreakable Union of freeborn Republics,
Great Russia has welded forever to stand.
Created in struggle by will of the people,
United and mighty, our Soviet land!

Sing to the Motherland, home of the free,
Bulwark of peoples in brotherhood strong.
O Party of Lenin, the strength of the people,
To Communism's triumph lead us on!

Through tempests the sunrays of freedom have cheered us,
Along the new path where great Lenin did lead.
To a righteous cause he raised up the peoples,
Inspired them to labor and valorous deed.

Sing to the Motherland, home of the free,
Bulwark of peoples in brotherhood strong.
O Party of Lenin, the strength of the people,
To Communism's triumph lead us on!

In the vict'ry of Communism's deathless ideal,
We see the future of our dear land.
And to her fluttering scarlet banner,
Selflessly true we always shall stand!

[RON in PA]

I doubt that the Illinois gov't could legally seize the boats without paying for them(unconstitutional), but it holds the gambling companies by the proverbials because of the licensing requirement. My prediction: a higher take for the government in taxes or licensing fees.

[Jeff White]

Ron,
Since when did it have to be legal for the government to take property? Has it ever stopped them before?

The very idea that he could publically talk about seizing the boats and operating them for the State's profit is sick.

What's sicker is that I haven't heard any expressions of outrage in the local media.

I suppose he could revoke their licences, and pass new legislation making gambling state run. But he'd have to come up with his own infrastructure. Personally, if it came to it, I'd float the boats into the river and burn them before I'd turn them over to the state.

Gambling first, then what? What other industry could be run at a profit for the state? Boeing just moved their corporate headquaters from Seattle to Chicago a couple years ago. Are they making a profit? Maybe he could statize them and pay the management a fee to oversee building the aircraft. This is so much simpler then taxing people, the stae will just control the means of production....:cuss: :banghead:

Jeff

[mercedesrules]

"Sometimes you have to say, 'Can you get more money for schools by taking an approach that maybe you wouldn't do at other times,'" Blagojevich said.
Public schooling is a form of welfare. Letting him nationalize gambling would set a precedent not only for nationalizing any other industry, but for using the money for any other purpose.

Also, one shouldn't need a license to earn a living.

No clearer definition of "us" and "them"; people that send checks to the government - people who receive checks from the government.

MR

[Azrael256]

You want my boat? Fine, you can drag the charred debris off the bottom of the river! I'd torch it before I'd let the government steal it.

[emc]

Is it just me, or as time goes by does 'Atlas Shrugged' seem less and less like a work of fiction? - Justin


I made the same observation quite some time back. :scrutiny: She was much more prescient than anyone gives her credit for, unfortunately.


FWIW,

emc

[bedlamite]

If I ran a riverboat, I'd be inquiring about bringing it to another state about now.

[Standing Wolf]

My prediction: a higher take for the government in taxes or licensing fees.

Yup. Sounds like socialist so-called "negotiation" to me, otherwise known as "armed robbery."

[Waitone]

Happens all the time usually on a smaller scale.

Ny prsonal favorite is the abuse of eminent domain (?spelling) whereby local government will condemn property, take it from the lawful owner, then resell it to a favored private concern, . . . .oh, say a new WalMart.

By pure coincidence it is not uncommon to find out the favored private concern has made generous donations to relevant politicians.

Don't make it right. Just makes it reality.

[DonP]

Will all casino owners please assume the position, the mayor has entered the building with his lap dog Blago.

The over riding issue for all of these guys is finding new sources of revenue for their socialist style programs.

They learned the hard way that they can't just keep raising property taxes with out a backlash by voters so they have to make it look like they aren't raising our taxes. Hence we get increased "user fees" like doubling the license plate charges amd other state related fees.

And hey, the tobbaco lawsuits were financially successful so let's keep repeating it to take money from the evil capitalists. Start with gun manufacturers and casinos because everyone already knows they are evil and move on to SUV's,. fast food and other "sin" related issues.

On one hand Blago is crying poor with what he claims is a $5 Billion deficit but he has an easy $3.5 Billion in new social programs and construction that he wants passed to help his buddy Richie.

I just got an invoice from the City of Chicago for two parking tickets they claim I didn't pay from 1982 that, with fees and additional fines, now totals over $350!! They are really getting desparate around here. That may wiond up being a good thing if the state Republicans can get their head out of their other orifice and stop behiving like Democratioc Lite.

Nowhere in these discussions has anyone dared to suggest that maybe we don't really need another Chicago park or stadium or more flowers or planters and cast iron fences from William Daley's Famous House 'o Fences.

Just my opinion.

Don P.

[Sergeant Bob]

Gov. Rod Blagojevich said Thursday that he is considering a state takeover of Illinois' nine casinos and hiring a management company to operate the riverboats for the state's profit.

Trial balloon?
Whether he can or cannot do it, the fact that he could even utter those words is scary!

Happens all the time usually on a smaller scale.
Ny prsonal favorite is the abuse of eminent domain (?spelling) whereby local government will condemn property, take it from the lawful owner, then resell it to a favored private concern, . . . .oh, say a new WalMart.

Yeah, that's how they got the land for the E. St. Louis boat.

[Mute]

Maybe if Ill. is lucky, the casinos are Family owned and they decide to sell old Blohargevic a nice pair of concrete swim boots.

[Zander]

Just a minor quibble given the import, Jeff...but it seems a lot more like fascism than socialism. Can we settle on sociofascism?

I suppose we should be surprised, but personally I'm not; in fact, such despicable actions are entirely predictable from that crowd of govt. thugs in the city-state of Chicago and, unfortunately now, much of the state.

[MeekandMild]

Jeff, not to quibble but the concept discussed here is not pure socialism but is Fascism. Mussolini did the same thing in Italy in the 30's.

[Jeff White]

What's most upsetting to me, is that I haven't heard anyone speak out against this. there is no public outcry. Blagojevich said this yesterday...it made the local news today..and no one has said a word.

It's like the sheeple (including the ones in the Illinois Republican Party) either accept this as the way things should be or don't care....

The governor of a large state (population wise) suggests seizing private businesses and operating them to benefit the state, and no one cares...:banghead:

Meek and Mild, Zander, you guys are right, it's closer to fascism then socialism...

Jeff

[Don Gwinn]

I would say he's at least floating the idea for real--probably betting that he can sell it as revenge against the corrupt, politically-connected SOBs who get those licenses. Not a one of them got their licenses by any fair or decent means--those licenses are for sale to friends of The Machine. In George Ryan's day, anything went. Of course, if we let him steal their businesses this week he could steal ours the next, but there will be people who agree with him. The question is, how many?

He got a few votes for Butthead of the Week on the local talk radio station today. I firmly believe this is at least a trial balloon. Really, without hyperbole or exaggeration, I can honestly say that every single time I have said "Oh, man, they wouldn't actually dare do that" the governments of Illinois and Chicago have proven me wrong. Often they drop the idea I dismissed and do something worse.

We should have seen this coming, but it's hard to take it seriously. It's so outrageous that most people just dismiss it out of hand. Even on this thread, you see a little of it.

(The *winner* of Butthead of the Week this week was PETA. They've set up a display on the statehouse lawn in Springfield which states that the eating of meat is the same thing as the Holocaust and must be ended. You can take away guns here, you can even steal businesses, but you can't screw with the Horseshoes.)

[jmbg29]

The concrete galoshes idea has me weeping tears of joy!

[Zander]

I haven't heard anyone speak out against this.No surprise. Years ago, I started remarking on the phenomenon of voters in certain sociofascist-dominated areas reaching 'critical mass'...the point where those who expect and demand that government "entitlements" will adhere to their benefit in contravention of the rule of law will trump the inherent Rights of those who provide such benefits by their hard work.

Clearly, certain states and city-states have attained that critical mass...where 50% plus one of voters are convinced that the honest efforts of truly productive, tax-paying workers should be stolen to fund governmental handouts to those who are not only non-productive but willing bloodsuckers who prey upon the "rich" for their sustenance.

It's clear that the situation in Illinois these days has everything to do with critical mass having been reached...and for that, Illinois voters bear the ultimate responsiblilty for choosing sociofasciscts to "lead" their government(s).

You need a peaceful revolt...one which is modelled after ours last year which forced the entrenched Democrats in the state legislature to abandon instituting a state income tax in contravention of the Tennessee state constitution and the overwhelming disapproval of the good citizens of our state.

We know the process can work...but then, our voters haven't reached critical mass yet.

[HBK]

That's so wrong. I really believe that the Democratic party should change their name to the Socialist party and get it over with.

[Russ]

Actually, if they are going to try this, the Dems should call themselves by their real name, The Communist Party.

They should hang pictures of their hero Stalin in every office they occupy. This is so outrageous it makes my blood boil.

Blagojevich is anti American and should be run out of office and put in prison next to Slobodon Milosovich (sp?). Gray Davis of the PRK is a stinking socialist but even he never proposed anything so anti American.

You people from Illinois should impeach this SOB and quick. :fire:

[Hard Charger]

I couldn't help but find it funny. One of the most liberal and corrupt states in the nation comes up with this. It would be so funny for the casinos to refuse to manage it properly, make the casinos loose money, close them down and fire all of the employees, and let the profits go elsewhere.

I hope this serves as a warning and a wake up call for any business that operates in Illinois, or is considering it. They should move away from Illinois asap, or stay away if they are not already there.

If they can take profits from a casino, what is next?


I like seeing the self destruction of a liberal state. That is why I love the crisis Kalipornia is in, and I hope Davis doubles taxes to dig out.

[Don Gwinn]

The sad thing in Illinois is that within "The Two-Party System" (hallowed be its name) Blagojevich comes off well with voters. Compared to the last Republican Governor, George Ryan, he's actually done a better job, at least in the first hundred days. Of course, if any of his gun control measures had passed I might be singing a different tune.

It's hard to convince anyone to drop Blago when they don't see any alternative. They can have a brutally corrupt Republican or a brutally corrupt Democrat. They had 25 years of Republicans running the state, and it was run into the ground. Now, come Hell or high water, they're going to give the Democrats "their turn."

[dustind]

If anyone does not believe democrats are truely socialist, goto www.democratunderground.com (http://www.democratunderground.com)

they are debating on what type of socialism is best, that place makes me sick to my stomic.

[Zander]

Now, come Hell or high water, they're going to give the Democrats "their turn."Presumes, of course, that the RINOs who were closet-sociofascists have any distinction whatsoever from the public-sociofascists formerly and currently in control.

The infection emanating from the horribly-corrupt city-state of Chicago is quite resistant to the obvious "antibiotic" regimen that must be applied.

Fix your problem...the sooner the better. We out-of-state sympathizers would like to help but how can we with a real impact?

Your entire state is increasingly influenced by the sheer domination of Chicago's totalitarian "leaders".

What's the game plan? Time's a wastin'...