The…
By The TimesLedger
The income tax surcharge will balance the budget on the backs of the rich (If you believe people making $100,000 a year are rich).
The hike in sales tax and parking tickets will balance the budget on the backs of the poor and middle class.
The introduction of video gambling machines at Aqueduct Race Track will balance the budget on the backs of the gamblers, including those for whom gambling has become an addiction. The track will introduce 4,500 terminals and will greatly expand the hours that it is open. Even when the horses aren't running, suckers will be welcome to throw their money at these glorified slot machines.
It's one thing for the state to make millions from lotteries and scratch-off tickets. Although some people may be inclined to bet over their heads in the lotteries, they are far less dangerous than video gambling. Just last week it was reported that moral crusader William Bennett has admitted that he lost millions playing slot machines.
We are concerned that some of the suckers who will be drawn by the video gambling will be betting rent and mortgage money and money that their families need to buy food.
The city and state should think if this is really the direction in which we should be heading. We accomplish little if we solve a large crisis by creating a thousands small disasters.
