Letters to the Editor: Deceptive signature-gathering, James River Church controversy

Casinos use deceit to gather signatures

Walking the streets of downtown Springfield, shopping for groceries, and twice at our residence we have been approached by energetic young persons carrying clipboards asking if we would sign a petition “to support early childhood education.” These peppy young solicitors did not mention that the tax revenues to accomplish such a laudable goal would come from a gambling casino on the Osage River at Lake of the Ozarks. When challenged, they sheepishly admit that this is an effort to get enough signatures to put the issue on the 2024 ballot. A constitutional amendment is necessary to change Missouri law and 173,000 verified signatures are required to place it on the ballot and expand the number of gambling licenses in the state to 14.

Investors for this enterprise, Osage River Gaming & Convention, are partners with Bally’s, a mega-gaming enterprise with well-known Mafia origins. Bally’s along with New York’s Five Families built Las Vegas. The Osage tribe is also seeking to build a casino at Lake of the Ozarks. Their enterprise will pay no taxes.

If asked directly, the aggressive young folks seeking signatures will acknowledge that is the actual purpose. However, they must be challenged and do not volunteer that fact. Shouldn’t your news organization report on that?

Ozark tourism was premised on enjoying our region’s beautiful natural environment and folk culture — not sitting in a room pulling the handles of a slot machine. Such places encourage alcoholism, substance abuse, prostitution, and addiction to betting. The cost of such social problems outweighs local economic benefits. Surely, there are enough gaming opportunities in our state that we do not need more casinos.

We have seen coverage of the casino issue but no explanation of how the petitions are presented to potential signers. That pitch misrepresents the purpose of the petition. Please inform the public of the truth of this duplicitous petition campaign.

Leland Payton, Springfield

Both pastors got the Gospel wrong in James River controversy

(In reference to the controversy at James River Church's Stronger Men's Conference), the Bible verse that the pastor (John Lindell) used to point out the wrong was used out of context. The context (of Matthew 18) is personal, a one-on-one relational problem. What happened was acted out in front of a large group. This would fall under what Paul did with Peter "in front of all" as Paul called out Peter's hypocrisy, as well as Jesus cleaning out the temple for the same reason.

But, I must say Mark (Driscoll) was wrong as well for not standing by what he had originally said. Unfortunately, after he had said this he repented momentarily until he found out that there were others who supported what he had  originally said, thus following the opinion of people instead of the true conviction of the spirit of God. Both men look like cowards to those who see the big picture.

Dan Berg, Albany, Oregon

A question for Eric Burlison

Eric Burlison's April 28 editorial accused public schools of having a woke ideology. Wish he would name schools and teachers that are actually teaching whatever woke ideology is. He might want to start by actually defining what he believes that woke ideology is.

Tim Redburn, West Plains

Republican obstruction on immigration is repulsive

We all hear daily about our country's problems with immigration. The solution has been in the form of a comprehensive immigration bill that President Biden has proposed to Congress since early in his presidency — BUT it has never gotten out of committee.

There is a simple answer, and it is an example of our political system at it's worst. Immigration is the No. 1 and maybe the only major issue that Trump and the Republican Party have to campaign on. By stopping the progress of Biden's comprehensive immigration plan, they have manufactured a major campaign issue that they feel will help defeat Biden in the 2024 election.

I would call that repulsive, and even shameful for Trump and the Republican Party that they would use this congressional tactic so they can blame Biden for our immigration problems. By the way, Trump has been the leader of the effort to stop the progress of that immigration reform bill. Please keep this FACT in mind when you vote in the 2024 election.

Charlie O'Reilly, Nixa

Challenge yourself to disconnect during Screen Free Week

Smartphones are an essential part of everyday life that help us do so many things, but in a UScellular survey, nearly 75% of respondents said they spend at least an hour on social media every day, with 24% spending 3-4 hours per day. Nearly a third of respondents said they want to take an intentional break from their phone, making Screen Free Week, May 6 through May 12, a great moment for people to spend some time away from their screens and reset their relationship with technology.

Challenge yourself to take some screen-free time. This can help foster a healthier relationship with technology as well as provide a variety of other benefits. Consider spending time reconnecting with family and friends, being outside or discovering a new hobby or passion.

This is also a good opportunity for parents to establish healthier digital boundaries with their children. UScellular and Screen Sanity’s Smarter Start Toolkit includes educational and actionable tools, tips and an agreement for both parents and kids, so everyone can use technology in a more thoughtful way.

While it may be easier said than done, small changes can lead to big rewards. Once you commit to creating healthy digital habits and occasionally disconnecting from the screens, you’ll see the benefits and find balance in the digital world.

Mike Burwell is director of sales and operations for UScellular in Missouri.

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Letters to the Editor: Signature-gathering for casinos deceives