Texas Finds Casino Gambling Worse Than Cockfighting
Two bills working their way through the Texas legislature illustrate the cultural and traditional barriers that result in seemingly illogical gaming laws. While state House members say a bill to allow casino gambling on coastal islands and big cities may never reach a vote, another measure to outlaw cockfighting is having trouble gaining support.
While gaming may bring hundreds of millions in revenue and help Galveston recover from hurricane devastation if passed, social conservatives resist gambling expansion fiercely, claiming morality issues. But forcing roosters to fight to the death, and turning a blind eye to the gambling which drives the activity, is part of tradition.
"You can't stop the culture of people from doing what they have done all their lives," said Mabry Greenhaw, a raiser of game fowl.
Social observers were shocked that casinos could be rejected as immoral by legislators who couldn't find a firm stand on cockfighting.
The debate over cockfighting was reaching a climax this weekend, when House Speaker Joe Strauss called for adjournment. The Kentucky Derby was due to start soon, and Strauss admitted he didn't want to miss the event.
