"In the interest of fairness, I would like to throw my two cents in concerning the casino proposed by the Choctaw Tribe.

It seems that few people remember that back during this country's great expansion westward, it was official government policy to drive the American Indian off their land and out of existence by whatever means necessary.

We owe them the courtesy of at least keeping our collective mouths shut and let the federal government and the governor of the state do their jobs about making a decision, yea or nay.

So, for Pete's sake, I wish all the Bible thumpers and Harrison County casinos would just shut up and sit down! You've both said enough already and I, for one, am darn tired of the rhetoric.

Those people who know the ramifications of gambling will stay away, those who don't are going to go anyway come hell or high water and nothing you can say or do will stop them. I, for one, am tired of occasionally leaving my Jackson County money in Harrison or Hancock County.

I fully intend to vote yes in November to allow gambling in Jackson County just like I did the last time it came up. I just wish the Choctaw Tribe owned the mud lump (once the Naval Station). At least the casino would be more accessible and more isolated with no real impact on the local populace as far as traffic is concerned. "

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Richard Lawrence: Keep up the rhetoric and the casino is a sure bet (The Mississippi Press 5/28)