STATESIDE
Stateside O
n January 20, Donald J. Trump became the 45th U.S. president. Witnessing this peaceful transition of power, I appreciated the majestic American experiment of democracy, even with its
flaws. The ceremony reinforced why my own ancestors fled Eastern European persecution in the 1880s to reach America. They envisioned this land where they could realize their future dreams and destiny. Now that I’ve wiped the tear from my eye, I also
acknowledge deep divisions, even among my close friends and family. The mutual public and private animosity is very real between pro- and anti- Trump forces. However, I suspect a Clinton victory would have
We the people can demand our public officials conduct
sparked the same reaction, just reversing the roles. Last year, millions of Trump supporters remained silent to avoid dinner table questions like “How can any thinking person not support Hillary?“ You can’t quiet people who believe they know everything. No matter the outcome, I believe national
themselves with dignity, regardless of who wins
traditions and ceremonial customs transcend any individual. We the people can demand our public officials conduct themselves with dignity, regardless of who wins. Almost 70 Democratic congressmen/women,
mostly from the east and west coasts, boycotted the Trump inauguration. They called it noble…I call it obnoxious and arrogant. While not legally required, they represent their entire constituency – even those who disagree and pay their salaries. Consequences often follow certain conduct. What
goes around comes around, so people should carefully consider their actions before setting new precedents. Long-established customs and protocol exist for a reason. Looking at history, the pendulum will probably shift again and the opposition will prevail. Change can be good to avoid complacency, but abrupt public confrontation rarely works. Norman and I hope for Donald Trump to succeed. If he does, we all do as a nation. To be sure, it is a new day in Washington. The American Gaming Association’s leadership believes gaming will benefit, if not immediately with favorable legislation, then at least with decreased tax and business regulations.
8 FEBRUARY 2017
Sharon Harris looks at the divisions created by pro- and anti-Trump forces after the new president’s inauguration
Sheldon Adelson and Steve Wynn – two of America’s most powerful casino executives – prominently participated on the Inauguration Committee. They gave gaming a place at a future “political table.” Robert Kraft, New England Patriots football team
owner and DraftKings Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) investor, was also present. Looking ahead, California’s Oakland Raiders football team has applied to relocate to Las Vegas and the National Hockey League (NHL) will launch a Las Vegas team in 2018. Does this bode well for expanded legalized sports
betting, not only in Nevada, but throughout the U.S.? Maybe. In mid-January, the U.S. Supreme Court invited the federal Acting Solicitor General to file a brief regarding New Jersey‘s sports betting case. It was the only such case of 100-plus before the court that day. That implies a possible Supreme Court reopening, hearing and decision into 2018. When he owned his Atlantic City casinos in the
1990s, Donald Trump supported legalized sports betting. In a late 2015 radio interview, which included topics like sports betting and daily fantasy sports, Trump said, “I’m OK with it because it’s happening anyway. Whether you have it or you don’t have it, you have it.” If Nevada, the victim of severe unemployment and housing losses for years, enjoys job growth from lower taxes, easier business operation and expanded sports betting, how many politicians will sit out any upcoming inaugurations? Speaking of Steve Wynn, he recently rejected high-
end designer/Clinton supporter Tom Ford’s using retail to make political statements against the Trumps. He has removed Ford products and accessories from Wynn hotel’s retail stores. Not asked to provide any designs, Ford announced his future refusal to “dress” First Lady Melania Trump. He used the lame excuse that average people could not afford his fashions. However, Ford seemed fine with designing Michelle Obama’s gown to visit Buckingham Palace in 2011. Mrs. Trump, a former international supermodel and
business women, understands style. She should have no trouble finding gorgeous fashions from many American designers only too happy to showcase their creations on the new First Lady.
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