Philly Casino Watch

After reading a recent article in the Philadelphia Inquirer the other day I had to stop and question myself for a second. We are talking about Fishtown, Philadalphia right? So many of the neighborhood opponents of the casinos seem to think they live in quaint crime free country town with just some “good ol’ fashion down-to-earth folk”. In the article a current resident of Fishtown explains that he will be leaving in search of quiter and safer outskirt, stating that he’d “love a place where kids can run around, have friends right down the street.” And you think that could be found in Fishtown? As someone who regularly walks and drives through Fishtown, I would have to say that it would almost be neglectful to let your kids roam those streets freely. Don’t get me wrong the place is no Compton, L.A. but it certainly isn’t a white picket fence neighborhood either. Also, I sympathize with the subject of the article for having to relocate as a direct result of the casinos and I also recognize that the city of Philadelphia might be losing a fine, well-educated citizen. All I ask is that you don’t paint a false picture for the people who aren’t familiar with the surrounding neighborhoods that have been neglected industrial wastelands for so long.

Oh, and I almost forgot. For everyone who claims they “had no say” in the casino process: You did have a say in the matter…when you voted for your respective government representatives.