But... schools

There’s a political ad on the radio in California that’s arguing against an Indian gambling proposition that would allow some new casinos. The negative ad is funded by some of the big Indian casinos, but I’m sure it’s not just because they want to limit competition.

In the ad, a warning is given about how dangerous it would be to expand casinos in the state. It includes the phrase "what’s next, casinos near schools?" It’s stated as if it’s obvious that such a thing would be bad. What are they expecting would happen if a casino were near a school? Children skip class to play the slots? Crazed gambling addicts shaking down kindergartners for their milk money?

This idea of shielding schools from perfectly safe and sane things isn’t limited to casinos. Last month a local high school protested against an indoor gun range opening nearby. The principal was quoted as saying that a gun club close to the school is obviously wrong. But why? Guns nearby are going to make people go mad and increase school violence somehow?

This school alarmism needs to stop. For the children.