Money the priority over our health

Now why would the legislature even consider lifting the smoking ban in the casinos? I know they've suddenly determined that smoking is good for our health! And of course Mr. Tom Swoik, the executive director of the Casino Gaming Association, agrees as does Mr. Ed Schock, the mayor of Elgin, and probably the mayor of every casino town in the state. It's so nice that all these people are watching out for us.

Hey! What about all the bars and restaurants and offices and malls . . . and . . . and? If smoking is now good for our health, shouldn't we reap the benefits everywhere?

Sorry, everyone (except casinos, of course), you're out of luck. State isn't going to help you. They don't care if people frequenting your establishments can enjoy the healthful benefits of smoking. And, oh yes, you don't give enough money to the state, either in revenue or under the table.

Let's be real, folks. Our legislature really doesn't care about our health. Maybe they do, a tiny bit, but money's far more important. We all know that's what it's about. The casino profits are down so they want the ban lifted. The state's essentially broke, so the legislature is considering it.

How about this? Just legalize prostitution. License all the prostitutes and set up state-run offices where customers could come in, browse through catalogs, select a “partner” and make an appointment. Customers would pay upfront, and the state would get its 50 percent right off the top.

I truly apologize! I just realized that while I was being incredibly cynical, I have probably given at least a couple of our legislators another totally insane idea.

Bob White

Des Plaines