Then watch this video.
It was played today in front of the PA Gaming Commission as part of a two-day hearing on the proposed casino. Gettysburg Borough Council and NoCasinoGettysburg organizer Susan Paddock asked me to testify, but because of a doctor's appointment today, and hand surgery tomorrow, I was unable. I feel horrible I was unable to attend, but I couldn't change the appointments. I was hoping to put together a panel consisting of fellow historians/authors such as Eric Wittenberg, Ed Longacre, Andrea Custer and others, but we all had scheduling conflicts. This just turned out to be a bad week to try to get folks together. I asked several folks, but they understandably had conflicts, and all felt bad about being unable to attend.
That video likely has more impact, though, than any of us could have mustered. Just listening to David McCollough talk about the sacredness of America's hallowed grounds should make everyone stop and think about what this stupid idea of collossal, galactic proportions would do to the area. As he says, it's simply trying to bank on Gettysburg - why not put a casino next to the Washington Monument, the Liberty Bell - hell, how about the White House? Either a place matters or it doesn't. If Gettysburg or any other such place can be cheapened by such a move, then let's get out the bulldozers and just plow the whole goddamn place under and bury the monuments. There's no "fence" - either you care or you don't. Make your voice heard.
"There's no "fence" - either you care or you don't."
ReplyDeleteWell said, well said.
JD,
ReplyDeleteIt was a great film. AND I agree with uo that there is no fence .. either you care or u dont. Was down in gettysburg, but didnt attend. I did write to the gaming board about my opposition to the casino, if it can still be done, I would encourage all to voice your opinion by writing to the gaming board. Hope to run in to you at the burg in the near future
Jim Coyle
I have read arguments on both sides regarding the increase in crime around casinos. My gut tells me that a gathering place for gambling addicts will breed petty theft (or worse) in the borough. Are you going to feel safe walking to the monuments on Bushman's hill knowing that just down the road some guy who couldn't care less about the battle needs a way to feed his addiction?
ReplyDeleteThe Gettysburg Battlefield Preservation Association has decided to SUPPORT the casino project, a position that seems at odds with the values it purports to stand for. Very odd...
ReplyDeleteYes, and wait until you hear exactly WHY the GBPA supports it... you haven't heard the full story yet, but you will soon. And it'll blow your socks off, and make many folks madder than hell.
ReplyDeleteYou need to post it - Don't forget they just tore down the tower a few years ago and now they want to build another monstrosity in Gettysburg as the country song goes "what were they thinking" about this time?
ReplyDeleteI'm guessing the GBPA got their 30 pieces of silver for their kiss. Money talks and unfortunately dead men tell no tales.
ReplyDeleteFrom what I understand, the GBPA gets a sizable donation from David Levan every year... somewhere around the $8000 mark. I'm thinking that they had better make good use of that money because, at this point, I doubt they will receive much more than that from now on! What traitors!
ReplyDeleteNext to the casino they could sell burial plots and bring in Bill Clinton to hawk them like he did in Arlington. Or better yet, the Commission could gain support by promising state proceeds strictly be used for preservation purposes, then steal the money for elsewhere after the casino is built. Anytime you mix money and politicians . . .
ReplyDelete