While I don't personally "gamble", and have found trips to gambling cities Las Vegas and Atlantic City odd and depressing, it is clear Cleveland is being surrounded by options for folks who want to gamble, including racetracks and bookies galore. The Plain Dealer, which in the past opposed gambling, is now writing influential editorials in its favor, and referencing plans for casinos connected to a new convention center initiative.

I've long held that a tract of land in or near the Flats should be turned over to the Native Americans who lived in Ohio before the European settlers came through, allowing them to establish a reservation and provide casinos - though Ohio no longer has Indian reservations, 44 tribes are represented in the state - an excellent series of articles on Ohio Indian history is found at www.cleveland.com/tears/

Obviously, by having a reservation the tribe(s) could seek permits for casinos - perhaps even duty free shopping - whatever laws allow, without a statewide vote. Cleveland could get an exclusive jump on the regional gambling industry without having to convince the entire state it is best - and it would probably dissuade the rest of the state from passing gambling legislations, as we'd have a many year head start.

Of course, gambling will bring tourism and justify a convention center, and create construction and service jobs and lead to more hotels and better shopping - there will be many very localized, long lasting benefits. Planned well, this could be a very positive initiative.

As an endnote, this also offers some restitution to Indians who lost their lands, and I encourage the owners of the Cleveland Indians baseball team to change its name - my recommendation is the Progressives - Pros for short - with Progressive Insurance as naming sponsor, of course... we need to run that by them...

PD perspectives on gambling in Cleveland at:
www.cleveland.com/news/plai.../index.ssf

What are your thoughts on all this?