Democracy Gone Astray

Democracy, being a human construct, needs to be thought of as directionality rather than an object. As such, to understand it requires not so much a description of existing structures and/or other related phenomena but a declaration of intentionality.
This blog aims at creating labeled lists of published infringements of such intentionality, of points in time where democracy strays from its intended directionality. In addition to outright infringements, this blog also collects important contemporary information and/or discussions that impact our socio-political landscape.

All the posts here were published in the electronic media – main-stream as well as fringe, and maintain links to the original texts.

[NOTE: Due to changes I haven't caught on time in the blogging software, all of the 'Original Article' links were nullified between September 11, 2012 and December 11, 2012. My apologies.]

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Email from Mayor Rob Ford signals support for downtown casino

An email from Mayor Rob Ford’s office to his city council allies shows, for the first time, his explicit endorsement for a downtown casino.

Ford’s office sent the email, which includes talking points, to his allies Monday ahead of a report released by city manager Joe Pennachetti on the viability of a downtown casino.

The email suggests Toronto’s interests would be best served if the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation “simply” expanded Woodbine Racetrack and built a new casino downtown.

“Toronto will receive significant new revenues to fund the City’s programs, services and capital needs,” if the casino is built downtown, the email reads. If it’s built elsewhere, “Toronto will receive no new revenue.”

Pennachetti’s report predicts a downtown casino will generate millions in new revenue and thousands of new jobs. It also includes a warning from Dr. David McKeown, Toronto’s medical officer of health, that some Torontonians will become problem gamblers.

The email advises Ford’s allies to suggest “gambling addiction is a serious problem that affects a very small segment of society (fewer than would benefit from new employment.)”

It also suggests Toronto will still feel the negative social impacts, without the additional revenue, if the casino is located elsewhere.

The email concludes by drawing a distinction — the question for city council is whether to allow a casino in Toronto, not gaming.

“There is already a very significant gaming sector in Toronto,” including Woodbine, the Exhibition Place each summer, and “a significant illegal gambling sector,” the email ends.

Original Article
Source: the star
Author: Alex Consiglio

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