Corruption

The Board Chairman of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, Stephen Crosby, is modeling the new hubris of the executive class in America. Crosby has been shown to have compromising ties to people involved in trying to develop casinos here in the state. He gruffly denies that his position is untenable. He will not resign. He says he has not violated any of the standards of his position, as set up by the legislature. This follows last year's defense of his chosen interim executive director who had been alleged to have sexually abused a 15-year-old in Florida prior to his selection for the office. This candidate for that position wisely withdrew.

The legislature and the governor are notably silent on Crosby's performance. The whole business of legislated gambling has been shown to be a corrupt business. There will be little or no benefit for the constituents and big salaries and pay-offs for those who hold the gates open to organized crime, a known element in the history of gambling in the U.S.. 

Luring people to gamble in the name of improving the purse of government may look innocent enough as presented by vested interests. I suggest that constituents in Massachusetts read Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery" and George Orwell's "Animal Farm".