Tuesday, May 30, 2017

Australia: What a Fun Place

      How are things down Under?  Ask John McCain.  He's there now, bolstering support for are alliances in the region and to send the message that America is aware of strategic moves by China in the neighborhood.
     Bloomberg Magazine recently ran an article highlighting a curious past time in this under populated nation in the southern hemisphere.  It seems that the political power-that-be thought  gambling would be an excellent source of revenue for the spenders who manage the government.  They decided to make it simple: slot machines.  Why?  Easily controlled and manipulated by owners so as to extract the correct/less painful amount of revenue from "players".  Now who do you think plays these one-armed bandits? Of course, those who can least afford to lose a penny.
      Now we have a nation with a large segment of the population Hooked/addicted to this national revenue generating industry.   And of course, the response is: "They are adults and they can decide how to spend their own money."  Curious, isn't it?   Do the pols play?  Does the Tax man play?  Not a chance.  It is those unfortunates who "hope" to hit the jackpot.   Jackpot.  What a great term!  Coined to put players at ease during their most hopeful playing time.   And what happens when the few hit the jackpot?   Bells and whistles-a form of advertising.   Keep playing-,maybe you will be next.
     Classes for those addicted are not required, nor are they easily aranged.
      I would expect more of Australia, but it is not England, Canada, or America either.   We have our own problems.

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