In defending Keno, Ms. Tony Harp says it was a “last ditch effort not to raises taxes” (July 2, page 12). This sounds like someone was hastily retreating from an unidentified, powerful, opposing force. Needing money, and down to their last option, they grab onto Keno for their life saving raft.
Ms. Harp and other legislators “worked hard … to get payments in lieu of taxes for cities like New Haven”. Commendably, they did not want to impose more burdens on the hard working, overtaxed people. They have, regrettably, spared not only the hard working people; they have hidden the rich in with the poor.
Who thinks the rich will play Keno? They have their pot of gold. No, only the working poor, and addicted gamblers, will be playing. They are still looking for their share of the American pie and dream. Keno will rob the poor to protect the rich and powerful.
Instead of Keno, the rich must fulfill their civic duty and pay their fair share of the taxes. They will not feel the workers’ pain. Historically, the rich and powerful do not yield except under pressure from whoever has a powerful influence over them. Who might be the workers’ hero, their David against Goliath?
How about our state legislators? They have a constitutional duty to promote the common good, and unless they have considered taxing the rich, that is there obligation to us. Unless they do, we have two elephants in the room, dancing drunk on their power, and stepping on a lot of toes in the process.
The Boston Puritan, John Winthrop, told his people, everyone is in the same boat; it behooves us to do all we can to keep it afloat. Let’s all (wo)man the oars!!
George Morrison
New Haven