In local news, it seems that Galveston has been taken by the idea of revitalizing through building casinos. The island’s revenue has long been tied to tourism, but basically this is what’s up:

Challenge one: Is this even the answer? It seems that the majority of people like the idea including those in the city council. Some argue that this increases jobs, helps rebuild downtown and promotes tourism again (cited cases with Louisiana, Mississippi, etc.). They also don’t want to see dollars float into other states via gambling. Others state how crime and corruption would rise and they wonder if money would get redistributed fairly. They also question those that gamble, how much is actually from tourist and how many would be local.

Challenge two: Politically would this even pass? Rick Perry would flat out veto it, so is it even worth the city to push legislation through.

To be honest, I’m don’t think casinos are the answer, but I was amused to find that Galveston was once a gambling island. I’d hate to think of “my Galveston” as such, instead of the Strand, Fisherman’s Wharf, and the Sea Wall. Although I know when Moody Gardens came, my family and I increased visits to Galveston annually because we had season passes. These days it’s with friends just to enjoy the beach, and cruise ships that dock there.

Gambling-wise, I know my family and I have been to Las Vegas more than most (my dad already went twice this year for business). But we always go for the shows or the national parks in the surrounding areas, never gambling. So I doubt we would go to Galveston again for such an activity.

I was listening to the radio, and I feel that one lady (who was the only clear against, pointed out the poor school districts and how most of the city would not be helped) said it best: We need to think of what will rebuild Galveston now.

I leave you with photos taken by O’s brother-in-law who visited Galveston over Thanksgiving, and said it was still in a pretty bad state.