City of Cornwall should bet against a casino!

Gambling is a dangerous and addictive vice. In moderation it can be fun, however it also causes serious harm such as bankruptcy, divorce, and even suicide. Now that McGuinty has recklessly opened the door for casinos, the Municipal Government here in Cornwall will explore the issue.

PHOTO CREDIT - OurHometown.ca

Cornwall - April 11, 2012 - Gambling is a dangerous and addictive vice. In moderation it can be fun, however it also causes serious harm such as bankruptcy, divorce, and even suicide. Now that McGuinty has recklessly opened the door for casinos, the Municipal Government here in Cornwall will explore the issue. Glen Grant and David Murphy both seem to be in favour of a casino. So why are casinos a bad idea? Here is a quote from Rob Simpson, head of the Ontario Problem Gambling Research Centre, as published in the Globe and Mail: "The bottom line is that gambling is the only government initiative that knowingly harms the people it is elected to serve". The government of Ontario spends $36 million to address gambling addiction, but spends half a billion marketing gambling. In a City like Cornwall that has poverty and employment issues, a casino would be truly destructive. Some may argue that there is already a casino a car ride away from Cornwall, and that a casino here would generate revenue for the City. All valid points, however that does not trump the moral issue that casinos are addictive and harmful to many people. Our Municipal Government should at the very least consult residents before going ahead with this disastrous plan. I hope Cornwall's City Government has the vision and sense to stop the spread of government sanctioned gambling in this province. Doctors live by the oath "Primum non nocere" (Do no harm), and politicians should live by that same creed.