Crist's 'Clinton'-like spin on gambling

Florida Baptist Witness is an obvious opponent to an expansion of gambling, so consider the source. But an editorial takes a pretty hard swing at Gov. Charlie Crist, comparing his logic on the deal to "masterful -- Bill Cliton, triangulating-type-spin."

What's particularly infuriating is that Gov. Crist claims that the deal is actually going to serve to limit a further expansion of gambling in the Sunshine State. The compact stipulates that if the exclusive rights the Seminoles enjoy to slots machines outside of Broward and Miami-Dade counties and to blackjack, baccarat and other card games throughout the state are abrogated by the Legislature, the tribe would stop sharing its wealth with the state. According to Crist, this creates a powerful disincentive to further gambling expansion elsewhere in the state. I have to admit, that's masterful—Bill Clinton, triangulating-type spin. ...

To argue with a straight face that a massive expansion of gambling with new games currently forbidden by state law is actually going to limit a further expansion of gambling indeed takes Clinton-like political dexterity. The reality is that the Seminoles wouldn't agree to the deal without such exclusive rights and Crist is attempting to turn this necessity into a claim of concern about limiting gambling expansion.

Comments

Who wants to take the lead on a recall?

Crist is right on this one. By allowing the Seminoles those extra games (games the federal government allows based upon classification anyway) in exchange for tax dollar and the promise not to allow those games elsewhere in the state....is, in fact, limiting the expansion of future gambling in Florida...no spin, just logic.

But, what Baptist do you know who has ever thought logically? And why do they insist in sticking their nose in otehrs' business? Who cares if people want to gamble on the reservation - no one is making you do it!

Seriously, this is why I became a Presbyterian.

"a massive expansion of gambling with new games currently forbidden by state law"

problem is, Baptistas, that state law doesn't apply on soverign Seminole property.

I don’t know why anyone would be a “Presbyterian” these days… what with all the budget cuts, I hear they’re closing all the Prsbytaries down!

Fringe cry babies will never be happy with anyone. What would they say if Crist took an anti-gambling stance and the Feds came in and granted the Seminoles the same or even more games without the benefit of the state taxing the Seminoles? Good job?
Keep thumpin' those bibles. Your days are over as mainstream Republicans stop pandering to you.

how can one make the argument that this is a "massive expansion of gambling in Florida"?

is it an expansion on Seminole territory? yes...

is Seminole territory within the state of Florida? yes...

but, therein lies the fallacy of the orignal statement.

The compact is the largest expansion of gambling in Florida history. Period.

[endofourtime]

Must we be inflicted with the opinions of the superstitious? Who cares what the Florida Baptist Witness says? 11:26 ends the discussion. The Seminoles are Sovereign, it is nice we are getting some taxes from them.

11:15, 11:20,11:26 and 11:41

Thank you for such a wonderful display of religious tolerance.

11:48

when one signs their opinion alongside their denomination, they become fair game for criticism.

Who Cares! What is the difference in Black Jack and the Florida Lottery?

Your Chances are better in Black Jack.

and, if you're lucky enough in black jack, you could send your kid to a private schoool for a better education.

Someone should ask how many of the Crist aides and his lobbyist friends and RPOF officials go to Vegas on a regular basis. To say nothing of Rubio's top henchman David Rivera. Nobody in GOP circles is actually against gambling. What a joke. The Christian right-wing are being ridiculed as Crist supporters place their bets.

List of top Crist fundraisers that represent gambling companies include Ballard, Stepanovich, Griffin, Unger, Bradshaw, Rancourt, Trump. The list goes on and on.

It's just lip service to a few fanatics. Even Jeb said he was against gambling but let the lottery grow and grow.

Who goes to Vegas? Only about 80 million people a year. Straight to hell!

I picture George and the Governor sitting around the mansion, over a nice glass of red wine, " George, so Drama Queen Merdith is over at RPOF right? and now your sending nasty Arlene to run the Drop like a rock plan over there too ?. I must say George , I really feel sorry for Chairman Greer, BUT WAY TO GO!!!! YOUR THE MAN. By the way send the Chairman a bottle, no make that a case, of Jack for XMAS, he's going to need it.

11:50
Criticism of their opinion is fair game. Criticism because of their "denomination" is intolerance. Of course, intolerance is protected free speech.

1:49,

your grammar is pitiful. your perception of life for the Crist team is equally flawed.

perhaps you can't accept successful women. the two that you mentioned are effective and loyal to the governor.

please focus your time on writing skills, not on fantasy.

2:27,

Leave my grammar out of this; she’s a woman too! And I can accept successful women, so long as they’re successful at cooking and cleaning, and ironing, and baby making, and…

Crist did something right for a change. And he is right about this compact. It will bring needed money into our coffers. And if you don't like gambling - DON'T!!

That being said - where were you irrelevant Bible Bangers during the Primary??

"masterful -- Bill Cliton, triangulating-type-spin"

Am I the only one who noticed the typo/slip of the tongue (pun intended)? Get it?

Charlie Crist built a career off of his 'Chaingang Charlie' nickname . Perhaps his new nickname should be 'Blackjack Charlie'!

Send your kid to private school with the Black Jack money.

That is funny but true.