Gambling Foes Create Traffic Jams to Turn Voters Against Casino
Opponents of casino gambling purposely caused traffic congestion in Palmer, Massachusetts Saturday to protest proposals to place a casino there. Gaming foes who claim a casino in the city would snarl traffic and lower the quality of life there decided to try to approximate what they expect if gambling comes to town.
As many as seventy-five cars participated in the planned disturbance. Several of the drivers involved posted signs in car windows reading "casino traffic," hoping that irritated residents would make the connection.
Offsetting the deployment of the vehicles was a crowd of demonstrators demanding a casino be introduced. The gathering of almost 150 people carried various signs saying casinos bring much-needed jobs and revenue.
While at least one anti-gambling participant said he saw drivers delayed and having difficulties entering the street during the protest, a pro-gambling demonstrator pointed out that placing a casino there would certainly include infrastructural improvements to address changing traffic patterns.
Witness Ed Barton said, "I just want to drive home. If these idiots want to prove a casino causes murders, would they shoot me?"
