Peter Franchot Thinks We are Stupid

According to the O'Malley Gazette, Peter Franchot is coming out against slots because he thinks it will only open the door to casinos across Maryland, saying "This predatory gambling industry goes where the money is."

You don't say...

I mean, one wouldn't know that looking at the the design of John Paterakis' Marriott Harborfront.  Or the Hyatt in Cambridge.  No, those aren't hotels that were built with casinos in mind.  Not at all.

As for "predatory gambling industry" -- what does he call the Maryland State Lottery?  Maryland Lottery games offer worse odds than the illegal street games in the city.  The promise very high payoffs to the poorest and most vulnerable citizens.  And the General Assembly uses the lottery as a credit card to cover excessive state spending.

Sound familiar?

I am in favor of opposing slots.  I don't think we should have ANY government-sponsored gambling.  If slots are such an easy way to raise money, it would make far more sense to let some innovative entrepreneur pay for their operation and then tax the hell out of his operation.

I also don't think the argument that if the government does it, they can avoid the corruption and legal issues that come with gambling.  After all, tobacco and alcohol are some of the most heavily regulated products in the country, and the laws around them are broken every single day.  Cigarette smuggling -- in some areas on the east coast -- can be more profitable than pot.

So, if Peter Franchot wants to really step up-- why not declare opposition to expansion of the lottery as way to cover the ever expansive budget?

Because he thinks we are stupid.  It's true. It's a common flaw among liberals.  It's part of their elitist programming.

Franchot only came out now because the Republican Senators have already said "No dice."  It's a safe play, and it scores him points among state Democrats who don't really like Guvnah O'Malley.  You see-- Franchot doesn't really O'Guvnah.  Never has, never will.  It's a safe bet that Montgomery Peter is merely using the Comptroller's office as a quick stepping stone into the Guv's office. 

Opposing slots -- when the Republcians are already giving you cover -- is the easy political play for a politically ambitious Comptroller.

Especially one who thinks you are stupid.