Casino Journal, November 2009 issue
By Thomas J. Walsh
PHILADELPHIA – Contrary to popular belief and endless snide remarks from national sports commentators, Philadelphians are not, for the most part, rude. But they also won’t back away from a fight very easily, and despite some long-sought movement on the building of two slots halls here, a three-year-old anti-casino movement has been growing – and seems to be gaining some staying power.
Known as a “city of neighborhoods” with individual pride of place and rivalries, Philadelphia can be as NIMBY as the next town. However, dozens of groups – started by of a handful of people initially opposed to specific casino locations – have now banded together, forming the “No Casino in the Heart of the City Coalition.” They’ve even rented out a storefront on Market Street, a block from Independence Hall.
On September 29, 14 members of one of the first groups, Casino Free Philadelphia, staged their first serious act of nonviolent civil disobedience, camping arm-in-arm on the sidewalk at the front entrance to the SugarHouse Casino, which was undergoing the first stages of construction after years of delay.
Click here for part 1 of the 5-page article.
Click here for part 2 of the 5-page article.
