Government interferes with free enterprise

The dust has settled regarding a casino in Cedar Rapids. In retrospect, we really were sandbagged. Some even might say blindsided.

What a waste of time and money by many entrepreneurs with the best of intentions for the county and its residents. One must consider the many lost jobs, short and long term.

Free enterprise has been corrupted by the government mandating that you may or may not do such and so.

Free enterprise defined in Webster's Dictionary states: 'Freedom of private business to organize and operate for profit in a competitive system without interference by government beyond regulation necessary to protect public interest and keep the national economy in balance.” No free enterprise here with this government interference.

As to the future, maybe we can choose to boycott all or some of the casinos in this area. No one can stop those who feel that way.

By the way, one wonders why the state Capitol (with Des Moines) and Iowa City (with the University of Iowa and Hospitals) seem to obtain large amounts of tax dollars constantly. Des Moines uses this money to recruit big companies to come to its area. Iowa City with the UI and its hospitals, seems to have dollars to build whenever they want.

And, little old Cedar Rapids, the second-largest city in the state, gets slapped down for wanting a casino using the free enterprise (private) approach.

What a shame.

David H. Burke

Cedar Rapids