Thus begins Pittsburgh's Casino nightmare

The destruction of the family by parental neglect. Abuse and impoverishment. Auto accidents causing death and dismemberment due to overintoxication. Prostitution and alcoholism. Thus begins the nightmare that has arrived on Pittsburgh's shores. And there is no turning back. Life after life after life will be destroyed along with their families and t heir businesses and their friendships, just like in every other city that has fallen into the trap believing that casinos will enrich their lives. What the sheep of this region do not realize is that they've fallen for the oldest story in the book: that the casino owners are willing to share their wealth. While pockets and bank accounts (ATMs Galore!) empty, the owners will laugh and become richer and richer. Do you think that you're poor now? Go to a casino with all the bright flashing lights and bells and whistles and drinks, you'll be spending next year's money to keep the excitement going and you'll be poorer than the proverbial church mouse.

Ed Rendell pushed for it, bullied Luke Ravenstahl like a school yard punk until he got his way. Rendell's dream come true. Gambling in Pittsburgh. Poor people shoving over their hard-earned money with the hope that it will turn their lives around. That they'll be happy somehow, making the governor and his buddies even richer.

"Fool are they, for foolish things they do."