Always liked Russell Crowe.
In the latest, he's gotten rid of poker machines from South Sydney Leagues Club, costing himself a lot of revenue in the process but contributing to fighting the huge gambling problem in this state.
Poker machines have no redeeming social value at all.
"What we do in life echoes in eternity!"
-Russell Crowe as Maximus, Gladiator.
10 comments:
well now, hang on a sec: they are, as Catherine used to say, a tax on stupidity...the rest of us benefit from the idiocy of the rest.
No, didn't think that would be convincing!
good on him indeed, I saw him and his son the other day on my lunch. A good celebrity spot I thought!
That's awesome.
Can't say that I've ever been a fan of Russell Crowe as a person, although he is a very talented actor. That said, this latest move is most welcome in my book. We must remember to thank Peter Holmes a Court too.
Considering the social cost of poker machines, I think that State governments would actually benefit financially from banning poker machines in the long term. However, this is unlikely to happen, since State governments are generally unable to look at anything other than the short term picture.
Please forgive me while I put on my cynical cap for a moment. Being a Redfern local hopefully I can give a bit of insight.
Could it be said that all Mr Crowe is doing is increasing the revenue for the RSL, Railz pub, Tudor Hall, The George Hotel, The Wellington and the other pubs in the area that still have poker machines?
Perhaps you say, but what might Mr Crowe and Sir Holmes a Court benefit is it to them? Maybe these two high flyers want to up the 'status' of South Sydney League clubs, and with no poker machines maybe they thinks they will rids themselves of the Redfern/Waterloo 'undesirables'?
I'll take my cynical hat off now, and congratulate Russ and Pete for trying to do something for the for the social problems we have down here.
I don't know about that, Geoff. Money is money, and the decision will cost Rusty and Pete. And I can't see that they bought Souths to turn it into a footy club for silvertails.
We should lobby for taxes on state revenue from gambling & cigarettes to be removed. If the state govt could give up these terrible revenue addictions it would be much more able to make wise regulative decisions. Gordon - why don't you write a letter?
I will if you will Mike!
You may be right Gordo, it's not for me to judge their heart that's for sure, and I shouldn't.
I don't think they want to turn it into a club for silvertails either, but as Redfern is rapidly gentrifying it encourage those who normally wouldn't enter a pub in Redfern because of what the pokies may bring with them. Having said that, it's probably a good thing isnt it!
But the question "Are Russ and Pete doing anything to combat the gambling issues in the area by removing poker machines from Souths?" With the amount of pokie machines in Redfern, I think it's going to take policy to fix it.
Nevertheless, it is a good decision and if their hearts are in the right place, good on them.
But the question "Are Russ and Pete doing anything to combat the gambling issues in the area by removing poker machines from Souths?" With the amount of pokie machines in Redfern, I think it's going to take policy to fix it.
That's a good point - chances are that slot jockeys who frequented Souths will probably just take their business elsewhere. Perhaps the value of this initiative is more (or can be turned into something more) symbolic than anything. Perhaps it might be possible to put pressure of other clubs to take similar measures?
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