Lexington pastor leads anti-casino rally

Warning legislators that they will remember who votes for casino gambling and who votes against it, Lexington minister Rev. Jeff Fugate rallied hundreds of casino opponents in the Capitol Rotunda on Wednesday morning.

At least three Republican House members who oppose the constitutional amendment came in support.

Fugate, pastor of the Clays Mill Road Baptist Church, urged followers from all over the state to contact legislators, particularly those who might be on the fence.

"When you talk to someone and they say they're undecided, help 'em decide," Fugate said.

John-Mark Hack, president of Say No to Casinos, also addressed the crowd. 

"Casino-crats are hell-bent" on transforming the commonwealth with a "casino republic," Hack said. "I want to call on the governor and other casino-crat politicians to tell us which 10 percent of the children in the Rotunda today are going to be condemned to a life of addiction."

- Janet Patton

Comments

[Charlotte Young]

I live in Shreveport, Louisiana and we are consumed by 5 casinos. It is terrible!!! There are so many divorces, couples in financial difficulties because one or both are gamblers and they did not start out being gamblers. People don't show up for work, drink too much, have domestic trouble, etc. all because of gambling. I urge Kentuckians to vote NO and contact their legislators to vote against this issue. IT DOES NOT HELP EDUCATION!! Just look at where Louisiana is ranked in education and especially Shreveport. As a fellow Kentuckian I urge you to not accept all of the so called things casinos can do for you. The price is way too high.

[Blazing Tiger]

Isn't one of the anti casino lobbyists the same person who applied for the executive director for KEEP, the same KEEP that is pro casino?

[CL Swan]

I shall be looking to see if any of the news channels will cover the rally tonight.

Charlotte - thanks for your input. I have been to Shreveport and was amazed at the change in the atmosphere of the entire region - dominated at every turn (radio, billboards, tv, print ads) by big casino advertising. What a difference in the city! The appetite of the casino industry is rapacious - it is never filled, but continually seeks out new markets while unrelentingly pummeling old ones. They never let up. I sure do hope Kentucky doesn't opt to live this way, having this shoved down their throats everyday. For me -it's a quality of life issue just as much as a moral one.

On another note - I did some research of my own, and read an interesting article on the net about a debate in the Nevada state legislature. Seemingly after decades of casino dominated revenue sourcing - they were trying to figure out how to attract outside industry in order to diversify their revenue base. The trouble? Decades of casino dominated revenue sourcing had had a negative impact in the long term on the education and skills-level of their workforce. Gambling does not demand a better trained and educated workforce – the kind of workforce needed to fill high income jobs.

[JW]

Miss/Mrs/Ms Young, it is refreshing to have the insights from someone on the front lines of the casinos. I and most readers in Kentucky would greatly appreciate any honest and direct information you can provide regarding the impact casinos have had in Shreveport. Most of what is being generated here is only listing the potential financials windfalls, not the detriments to the community and the social costs.

[tax 'em]

"Rev." Fugate just crossed a line -- from religion to politics. He and all other churches are free to do that once they surrender their TAX FREE status. Taxing church property would generate a good deal of income. Think about it...

[WakeUpKY]

Tax 'em: What ignorant comments you made! Pastors have the same free speech rights that you and I have! Ever heard of Rev. Jesse Jackson or Rev. Al Sharpton?!

Thank you, Charlotte, for your observations and insights!

[Truth]

Lifted from another poll watchers article.
FROM THE HERALD LEADER

How representatives might vote, or not The 99 current members of the state House are split over the current proposal to allow casinos in Kentucky, according to the Herald-Leader's vote count based on 84 interviews with lawmakers in recent days as well as previous public statements of the others.

A constitutional amendment would need 60 votes to pass out of the House. Here's where the 99 say they are on the issue now:
The 99 current members of the state House are split over the current proposal to allow casinos in Kentucky, according to the Herald-Leader's vote count based on 84 interviews with lawmakers in recent days as well as previous public statements of the others. A constitutional amendment would need 60 votes to pass out of the House. Here's where the 99 say they are on the issue now:

IF YOU KNOW ANY OF THESE PEOPLE AND FEEL YOU WANT TO EXPRESS YOUR FEELINGS GO THE LRC SIGHT THAT LIST MEMBERS PHONE NUMBERS AND EMAILS.
http://www.lrc.ky.gov/

YES (28)
Rocky Adkins, D-Sandy Hook
John Arnold, D-Sturgis
Tom Burch, D-Louisville
Mike Cherry, D-Princeton
Larry Clark, D-Louisville
Leslie Combs, D-Pikeville
Tim Firkins, D-Louisville
Derrick Graham, D-Frankfort
Charlie Hoffman, D-Georgetown
Dennis Horlander, D-Shivley
Joni Jenkins, D-Shively
Dennis Keene, D-Wilder
Jimmie Lee, D-Elizabethtown
Mary Lou Marzian, D-Louisville
Reginald Meeks, D-Louisville
Charles Miller, D-Louisville
Harry Moberly, D-Richmond
Darryl Owens, D-Louisville
Don Pasley, D-Winchester
Rick Rand, D-Bedford
Jody Richards, D-Bowling Green
Steven Riggs, D-Louisville
Carl Rollins, D-Midway
Arnold Simpson, D-Covington
Greg Stumbo, D-Prestonsburg
Tommy Thompson, D-Owensboro
David Watkins, D-Henderson
Rob Wilkey, D-Scottsville
LEANING YES (9)
Larry Belcher, D-Shepherdsville
Johnny Bell, D-Glasgow
Jim Glenn, D-Owensboro
Jim Gooch Jr., D-Providence
Sannie Overly, D-Paris
John Will Stacy, D-West Liberty
John Tilley, D-Hopkinsville
Robin Webb, D-Grayson
Ron Weston, D-Fairdale

NO (38)
Royce Adams, D-Dry Ridge
Eddie Ballard, D-Madisonville
Sheldon Baugh, R-Russellville
Kevin Bratcher, R-Louisville
Scott Brinkman, R-Louisville
Dwight Butler, R-Harned
Hubert Collins, D-Wittensville
James R. Comer, R-Tompkinsville
Tim Couch, R-Hyden
Ron Crimm, R-Louisville
Robert R. Damron, D-Nicholasville
James DeCesare, R-Rockfield
Mike Denham, D-Maysville
Myron Dossett, R-Pembroke
Teddy Edmonds, D-Jackson
C.B. Embry Jr., R-Morgantown
Joe Fischer, R-Fort Thomas
Danny Ford, R-Mount Vernon
W. Keith Hall, D-Phelps
Mike Harmon, R-Junction City
Melvin Henley, D-Murray
Jimmy Higdon, R-Lebanon
Jeffrey Hoover, R-Jamestown
Tom Kerr, R-Taylor Mill
Stan Lee, R-Lexington
Russ Mobley, R-Campbellsville
Brad Montell, R-Shelbyville
Tim Moore, R-Elizabethtown
Rick Nelson, D-Middlesboro
Fred Nesler, D-Mayfield
Marie Rader, R-McKee
Tom Riner, D-Louisville
Stephen Rudy, R-West Paducah
Sal Santoro, R-Florence
Charles L. Siler, R-Williamsburg
Jim Stewart, R-Flat Lick
Tommy Turner, R-Somerset
Ken Upchurch, R-Monticello
LEANING NO (6)
Will Coursey, D-Benton
Bob DeWeese, R-Louisville
Richard Henderson, D-Jeffersonville
Frank Rasche, D-Paducah
Ancel Smith, D-Leburn
Brent Yonts, D-Greenville
UNDECIDED (12)
Milward Dedman Jr., D-Harrodsburg
Bill Farmer, R-Lexington
David Floyd, R-Bardstown
Jeff Greer, D-Brandenburg
Adam Koenig, R-Erlanger
Thomas M. McKee, D-Cynthiana
David Osborne, R-Prospect
Ruth Ann Palumbo, D-Lexington
Dottie Sims, D-Horse Cave
Kathy Stein, D-Lexington
Alecia Webb-Edgington, R-Fort Wright
Susan Westrom, D-Lexington
WON'T SAY (5)
Jesse Crenshaw, D-Lexington
Lonnie Napier, R-Lancaster
Tanya Pullin, D-South Shore
John Vincent, R-Ashland
Addia Wuchner, R-Burlington
WILL ABSTAIN
Jim Wayne, D-Louisville, whose company has a contract with Churchill Downs

AND
YOU MIGHT WANT TO KEEP THIS LIST FOR THE NEXT ELECTION.

[Let Us Vote!]

I know if my legislators don't give me the opportunity to vote, I will not vote for them again. That is personal preference. I still don't know if I will vote for casinos, depends on how it will happen, where the money will go, etc., but I do want a chance to voice my opinion.

More people want the chance to vote on the casino issue, than don't want to.

[potvkettle]

I think you're right Blazing Tiger. But isn't that casino owner up on the shores of the mighty Ohio that same one that gave a million bucks toward cleaning up "ethics" in the state.

And didn't he give money to the person sitting in Room 100, a room he and others apparently paid a visit to in early Jan. only to have the sign in sheet "disappear".

Thank you Blazer Tiger for focusing on the "real" conspiracy. Maybe you should jump out of a plane over Knoxville. Look that reference up for yourself.

[ken]

I am indeed against bringing casino's to Kentucky. As a recovering alcoholic with 3 years sobriety and a compulsive/impulsive addictive disorder to other things I can forsee trouble coming to our beloved state. You name the crime, it's coming. You name the imorality issues, they are coming. You name the marriage problems, they are coming. You name the finanical problems, they are coming. You name the abuse and neglect problems, they are coming. I could go on. I am not not a prophet but know by experience with addictions and what addictions have done to myself, friends, and families. Leave the misery of gambling addictions to other states. Look at other states who have gone this route and learn from them.

[Let Us Vote!]

Ken:

I am sorry about your past troubles.

But, why aren't you lobbying your legislators against alcohol or horse racing? Or the Kentucky Lottery? Aren't they all vices?

Everyone seems to forget that we already have gambling and we are managing just fine.

I just wanna say, why don't you lobby against what is already here?

What will you argue against next (after the casinos pass)?

How about arguing against high gas prices?

[Sam Wise]

You may recall that this Mister Fugate is the same one who tricked people into going to Applebee's Park for what he described as a patriotic 4th of July rally.

Then he told the crowd that America was a Christian nation, and that Jews and other non-Christians should leave if they didn't like that.

A lovely fellow. He and David Williams should get along like peas and carrots.

[WakeUpKY]

Let Us Vote: Your reply to Ken was inane and condescending. He was addressing the issue before us, expanding gambling, not trying to do the impossible and change what is already entrenched in Kentucky. And, he was addressing it from the perspective of someone who has suffered because of the very plague you would consider approving! Your faulty reasoning seems to be that since we already have vices and temptations, what is wrong with a little more, even if it means more misery to thousands of people! You must be a very cold and selfish person to think like that! Surely you can come up with a better argument to justify your obsession to vote on this!

The truth is, you are not fooling anyone. You want casino gambling, but you are hiding behind some disingenuous claim that you just want the right to vote on it! So, try being honest and state outright why you support casino gambling! And don't do it by belittling those who have been victims of the scourge of gambling!

Don't be fooled Kentucky! Casino gambling is FOOL'S GOLD!

[rob]

Louisiana,
Sorry to hear about your troubles of people not showing up for work, drinking too much, have domestic trouble, etc. all because of gambling. People do that in KY too, but we don't have casino's??? What can we blame it on?? I know......horse racing, ky basketball, football, concerts, county fairs.....I am glad you guys have identified your problems on one event...keep up the good work down there

[Carl]

Ken,
You can't live in KY, because we don't have casino's and we don't have these problems here, right? Those problems only happen in states with casino's, at least that is what people against casino's say.

[Let Us Vote!]

Wake Up Ky:

I have told you before that I am undecided. I don't personally oppose casinos or smoking or drinking, etc, but that doesn't mean I will vote for them. It depends on how it is worded, where the money is going, etc. But I do want the chance to vote so all of you on this site will get over it and move on. Either it passes or it doesn't.

Again, I am sorry for Ken's past troubles, but one person's problems does not set public policy.

But, I do admit, the more I see these outrageous claims against casinos, including Mr. Stivers' false posts, the more I want to vote for them. Something about continuous crying that pushes me the other way....

All I am saying is this: Put it on the ballot and let's debate the issue, publish the facts and let the people decide. But no, you want to take the easy route and automatically deprive the public of a vote. Why? Because you know you are in the minority and no one will buy your FOOL'S GOLD.

And because Mr. Stivers and "Truth" has posted the names of the legislators who are undecided, I have emailed each and every one of them tonight urging them to vote for the bill to put it on the ballot.

By the way, Go Hilary!

[WakeUpKY]

Thank you Mr. Yung!

Now, LET US VOTE ON RECALLING STEVE BESHEAR!

P. S. We are not in the minority! You wish! If it gets to the ballot, which it will not, it will be defeated!

[Blazing Tiger]

Dear Potvkettle: I am very familiar with The Bluegrass Conspiracy. I am also very astute and aware that this rally was organized to make legislators pee their pants, and that Rep. Lee was instrumental in its organization. I am further sickened and annoyed by religious groups who are instrumental in politics, advocating the election or defeat of candidates when they are prohibited by federal tax law. I think churches should pay taxes if they cross that line. Furthermore, Bush and his war have sunk this economy and KY, which is always behind because the legislators kowtow to people like Mr. Fugate, now have a serious budget problem. Regarding Casinos: do I think it is a good idea? Not necessarily. But, do I have a right to vote on it? You "bet" I do!

[Kelsey]

Tiger, you are soooooooooooooo right. This is what I have been trying to get thru some of these thick Republicans. We are sick of the pastors that want to make there church members think they are working overtime getting in a bus with bullhorns and going to Frankfort to harass the Legislature. They should be trying to feed the poor and help the sick and save people from sin then getting into the peoples business. The state needs money, you can lose all your money at Keenland or Churchill or on the internet, or on the computer, or on the lotto. So go home and stay home. Rep Lee is the same person who said he was against giving health insurance to people he does not like. That is what Hitler said in Germany. He and Stivers would also like to stop production of Liquor in Ky, now that would help the schools and the state, GO BROKE. Lets use our heads people and help the Governor get behind the Casino Bill by calling your Legis lators and telling them You Want To Vote on the Casino Bill.
Kelsey.

[Kelsey]

Ken, you need to go back to New Jersey and see your Dr, he may have some new pills for your drinking problems that caused your wife to leave you and caused you to get drunk and put all your money in a slot Machine up there, but The good people of Ky are not the type of people that get addicted to gaming problems.
Kelsey.

[JW]

To Let Us Vote, would you please give us one instance of where Mr. Stivers has posted false information against the casinos on the blogs? If you can't, I would suggest you refer your own credible information for a debating point. Don't fall into the Kelsey trap.

[Let Us Vote!]

JW:

Here is your example:

Go to the article entitled, "Casino Measure Now Short of Ayes" and read his 9:08 am post from March 5th. Then read the post from Bill at 1:18 pm and JAS's subsequent post at 1:29 post.

See, when he was called out for posting inaccurate information he immediately apologized, which leads one to speculate he knew it was inaccurate. Maybe he doesn't do as good of research as you all think he does. Therefore I would be skeptical to believe anything he posts.

Don't fall for his propaganda. Give the people a chance to vote.

[Jim Anderson Stivers]

I see these scathing comments by pro casino post and the replies are sickening. There is not human compassion in any of the post and there are no FACTS to support their claim.

These Pro Casino posters know this item is on life support and very likely will not pass in the House, once the speaker decides to bring the issue to a full vote.

Now I don't want to get in a urination contest with these skunks, because as you can see if you win, your loose.

And, yes I did make a mistake yesterday in one of my post and very quickly corrected it. I posted my name and apologized. That is what adults do when they error.

Now that being said, PRO CASINO posters give us YOUR FACTS on the benefits of Casino Gambling , I mean besides money.

What I have posted, I assume some have read, and they can see the CLEAR AND PRESENT DANGER.

As far a personal attacks on me, I will let those that read this blog decide if I have been forthright on my post regarding this issue.

Next I will post those that favor the Casino issue and the LRC directory.

It's corny, but . . .THE TRUTH SHALL SET YOU FREE.

I just wanna say!

Jim Anderson Stivers
Fankfort, KY.

[Blazing Tiger]

It is all about "free will" and the legislature shouldn't be my moral babysitter when we already have gambling in KY. I DO understand that some people are compulsive. But those people are already creating their own problems with overspending/credit card debt, and are within 100 miles of several casinos across state lines, and yes, already legal racetracks, bingo halls and can gamble on the internet! I think the legislature owes us a right to vote. I do believe the measure would be defeated statewide. That may shut down talk of casinos for another 10 years. I certainly do not want Sen. Williams to be the state's morality cop. If you were here in Frankfort, you would KNOW what I mean!

[Jim Anderson Stivers]

THESE ARE THE (YES) VOTES.

Only 28 A long way from what is needed.
If you have any association with any of these members of the General Assembly call
them and let them know your feelings.

You might remind them THE NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE REPORTS THAT GAMBLING IS THE NUMBER ONE MENTAL HEALTH ISSUE IN THE UNITED STATES

http://www.lrc.ky.gov/

YES (28)
Rocky Adkins, D-Sandy Hook
John Arnold, D-Sturgis
Tom Burch, D-Louisville
Mike Cherry, D-Princeton
Larry Clark, D-Louisville
Leslie Combs, D-Pikeville
Tim Firkins, D-Louisville
Derrick Graham, D-Frankfort
Charlie Hoffman, D-Georgetown
Dennis Horlander, D-Shivley
Joni Jenkins, D-Shively
Dennis Keene, D-Wilder
Jimmie Lee, D-Elizabethtown
Mary Lou Marzian, D-Louisville
Reginald Meeks, D-Louisville
Charles Miller, D-Louisville
Harry Moberly, D-Richmond
Darryl Owens, D-Louisville
Don Pasley, D-Winchester
Rick Rand, D-Bedford
Jody Richards, D-Bowling Green
Steven Riggs, D-Louisville
Carl Rollins, D-Midway
Arnold Simpson, D-Covington
Greg Stumbo, D-Prestonsburg
Tommy Thompson, D-Owensboro
David Watkins, D-Henderson
Rob Wilkey, D-Scottsville
LEANING YES (9)
Larry Belcher, D-Shepherdsville
Johnny Bell, D-Glasgow
Jim Glenn, D-Owensboro
Jim Gooch Jr., D-Providence
Sannie Overly, D-Paris
John Will Stacy, D-West Liberty
John Tilley, D-Hopkinsville
Robin Webb, D-Grayson
Ron Weston, D-Fairdale
AND
YOU MIGHT WANT TO KEEP THIS LIST FOR THE NEXT ELECTION.
http://www.lrc.ky.gov/

THESE ARE THE UNDECIDED. MAYBE A PHONE CALL OR AN EMAIL ASKING THEM WHY THEY ARE NEUTRAL MIGHT HELP. YOU MIGHT INFORM THEM THAT THE SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC ILLS OF THIS LEGISLATION.

IN FIVE YEARS, KENTUCKY WILL HAVE OVER 60,000 COMPULSIVE GAMBLERS. FOR EACH COMPULSIVE GAMBLER, THEIR CRASH IMPACTS NOT ONLY THE IMMEDIATE FAMILY, BUT FOURTEEN OTHERS AS WELL.

Something to consider!

Milward Dedman Jr., D-Harrodsburg
Bill Farmer, R-Lexington
David Floyd, R-Bardstown
Jeff Greer, D-Brandenburg
Adam Koenig, R-Erlanger
Thomas M. McKee, D-Cynthiana
David Osborne, R-Prospect
Ruth Ann Palumbo, D-Lexington
Dottie Sims, D-Horse Cave
Kathy Stein, D-Lexington
Alecia Webb-Edgington, R-Fort Wright
Susan Westrom, D-Lexington
WON'T SAY (5)
Jesse Crenshaw, D-Lexington
Lonnie Napier, R-Lancaster
Tanya Pullin, D-South Shore
John Vincent, R-Ashland
Addia Wuchner, R-Burlington
WILL ABSTAIN
Jim Wayne, D-Louisville, whose company has a contract with Churchill Downs

YOU MIGHT WANT TO KEEP THIS LIST FOR THE NEXT ELECTION.

http://www.lrc.ky.gov/

Jim Anderson Stivers- Frankfort, KY.

[Jim Anderson Stivers]

LIFT FROM A PREVIOUS POST.

THIS IS

THE WAY IT IS...

Charlotte - thanks for your input. I have been to Shreveport and was amazed at the change in the atmosphere of the entire region - dominated at every turn (radio, billboards, tv, print ads) by big casino advertising. What a difference in the city!

The appetite of the casino industry is rapacious - it is never filled, but continually seeks out new markets while unrelentingly pummeling old ones.

They never let up. I sure do hope Kentucky doesn't opt to live this way, having this shoved down their throats everyday. For me -it's a quality of life issue just as much as a moral one. (end)

An eye witness to the domination of GAMBLING. And, CASINOS support their issue of GAMBLING with THE LOSERS MONEY. And the state of Kentucky favors financing the government off of Gambling. So, misguided, so misguided.

FACT: EVERY ONE DOLLAR SLOT, in ten hours pays the house $800.00. There are no stats to show how much was put into the bandit in order for the house to make that $800 in ten hours.

If you add the nickel and dime slots they add to the amount per ten hours, is very near $1.360,00.

Of the biggest concerns by public advocates, opposed to Casino Gambling, is that it impact those living on a fixed income that, because of the board um at home, go to the Casino for 'ENTERTAINMENT' and end up putting their money into the slots.

Kentucky, WE CAN DO BETTER THAN THIS!

Jim Anderson Stivers

[Jim Anderson Stivers]

Ken,

What people don't understand, well many do, and that is what happened to you is not just your fault alone. Yes, it was you that could not resist and I understand that. Addiction to anything can be many times impossible to control. As much as you fight it, the impulse still lives within your mind and using alcohol while doing this impaired your judgment even more.

I feel for you and I congratulate you for your STRENGTH and MORAL CONVICTIONS to understand you did have a problem and it was taking you and your family down, so . . . somehow you fixed it. MY SINCERE APPRECIATION FOR YOUR STRENGTH, KEN.

BLOGGERS, this is a 'REAL LIFE STORY' and it falls into the same conditions that have been posted on this blog for many months.

Thanks again, Ken . . . Keep your faith.

I am indeed against bringing casino's to Kentucky.

As a recovering alcoholic with 3 years sobriety and a compulsive/impulsive addictive disorder to other things I can foresee trouble coming to our beloved state.

You name the crime, it's coming.

You name the immorality issues, they are coming.

You name the marriage problems, they are coming.

You name the financial problems, they are coming.

You name the abuse and neglect problems, they are coming. I could go on. I am not not a prophet but know by experience with addictions and what addictions have done to myself, friends, and families.

Leave the misery of gambling addictions to other states. Look at other states who have gone this route and learn from them.

Posted by: ken | March 05, 2008 at 09:53 PM

Jim Anderson Stivers
Frankfort, KY.

[JW]

Let Us Vote, yes Mr. Stivers did post a link to an outdated story and yes, he admitted the mistake. Pick something with some more legs to it, to contradict the other postings.

[Fred Combs]

As the Jimmy The Greek once daid, "The only people who win at gambling are the ones that don't gamble".

[Fred Combs]

As the Jimmy The Greek once said, "The only people who win at gambling are the ones that don't gamble".