Casino Oct08 P[12] 9/29/08 11:31 am Page 12
STATESIDE
Stateside
Sharon Harris looks at the US presidential race, and
what the winner may need to survive – or excel…
W
hy would anyone go into politics Harrah’s, MGM Mirage and others helped thousands
these days? While I may love the of their displaced Gulf Coast employee families
recognition, the “spin” and survive. Using their financial reserves, these giants
distortions to defend the “party” paid their employees for several weeks and helped
line would drive me crazy. them “weather” economic and emotional storms.
I am sorry to say that the journalists are the only However, I do agree that big corporations
people worse than politicians in this endless campaign. throughout the US, including casino companies, have
Many have trashed their objective journalism rulebook also created a negative environment for themselves.
via direct and not-so-subtle commentary and Executives routinely receive large paychecks and
reporting. One cable network recently demoted two bonus packages, regardless of company performance,
anchormen. The public outcry against their bias and while salaried and part-time employees have seen
on-camera fighting with those who disagreed with their earnings decrease and working hours cut.
them about the candidates did them in. McCain sees a different economic landscape. He
Millions of American voters will make the crucial reflects traditional Republican theory that small
decision to elect Barack Obama or John McCain for businesses are the backbone of the American
president. Their philosophies on many topics are economy, and lower taxes generate greater
miles apart, and Americans are again divided. As a employment. For instance, many casino suppliers are
registered Independent, I agree with both of them on smaller, privately-owned organizations. Would higher
different issues. taxes mean layoffs? It may.
Obama has promised help to “middle class” citizens, Small businesses are also vital anchors for the
Hard work and
or what he calls 95 per cent of us, by cutting personal residents of a neighborhood. Without small
taxes. However, he also wants to raise business taxes. businesses to create opportunities, a community will
properly
Obama represents himself as an advocate for those deteriorate and young people will never return.
channeled
in need. He says he ignored opportunities in big law Native Americans Indian tribes have understood
firms and on Wall Street after Harvard Law School to that since the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA)
ambition promote
work as a community organizer in Chicago’s legalized tribal gaming in 1988. Operating casinos and
good character
notorious South Side. At the Democratic convention, diversifying into other small businesses has helped
his wife Michelle urged younger people to join local many tribes prosper. By creating a brighter future,
while highlighting causes rather than join corporate America. many younger tribal members return after college to
individual talents.
I agree that America’s youth should perform public give back to their cultures for the next generation.
service; it builds integrity and helps the country. Solutions often require compromise. Historically, in
However, as a child of a small businessman myself, I his 26+ years in Washington as a senator, McCain has
do not completely agree with the Obamas’ basic frequently joined Democrats to pass legislation. Several
premise about businesses big and small. Hard work laws have both his and a Democrat’s names on it.
and properly channeled ambition promote good Obama cites his ability to unite people for a cause.
character while highlighting individual talents. Maybe, but his claims are tougher to assess. Obama has
Opportunity often knocks for savvy people who been a US senator since January 2005, but has been on
recognize it. Many gaming leaders began as dealers or the campaign trail for almost 19 months. So, gauging
in other lower-paying positions. They worked their way his bipartisanship is harder. However, that does not
up the ladder, which is the crux of the American Dream. mean he can’t… he just lacks a long national record.
Some of America’s largest corporations are casino For me, the solution is blending the two
operators that directly and indirectly employ millions. philosophies to create a better working environment
They also pay billions in taxes. Millions of Americans with more opportunity, a realistic tax base and a
have profited from the stocks in their retirements legitimate salary scale. Whichever guy figures that
pensions and personal investments. out may just win.
Big corporations matter because they offer the So, Mr. Future President, please do your best to
money and the “political juice” to change people’s combine the positives of both theories. American
lives. Following Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the business needs you at the top of your game… casino
resources and corporate citizenship of companies like employees of this country will love you for it.
12 OCTOBER 2008
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