I wrote this letter to the editor of the Daily Local News of Chester County, PA after the LCB and West Chester police raided the local Moose Lodge. The raid was on account of illegal video slots the non-profit and private organization installed for thier customers amusement. LaTorre, the Liquor Enforcement Agent in charge of the raid, was quoted as saying, "the machines are 'cheap knock-offs,' so the odds are in favor of the establishments." Sgt. LaTorre has seemingly felt it unnecessary to educate himself about the statistical and mathematical foundation of gambling, as he asserts that the gamblers should win back more than they put in the machine(i.e. the odds in favor of the gambler, and not the "establishment"). These moral crusades cost the taxpayer many a dollar, and allow the police to set a precedent for the mistreatment of many other people, business, and non-profit organization in the future. Obviously the Pennsylvania government and Police have thier priorities all wrong! They did not publish the letter(at least not yet).

Dear Editor,
   As a concerned citizen, I feel that it is my duty to protest the raid on the Moose Lodge in West Chester, PA, which occurred on Thursday, July 10, 2008. As I look around at our country and the world I can’t help but observe that there is a more than ample amount of violence and suffering. Philadelphia has a murder rate that is historical, and there are many US, Iraqi, Afghanistani, and soon Iranian lives being lost every week. Solving problems at home and abroad that cost human lives and cause unnecessary human suffering would intuitively be our highest priority. Yet we find money in our coffers to fund these Maxwell Smart/Barney Fife raids on non-profit organizations to prevent, of all things, gambling??? Gambling is a consensual crime. It has NO VICTIM, except all the bars and patrons harassed by law enforcement. The same law enforcement that should be stationed somewhere in the US where there is real crime (perhaps S. Matlack St. or Coatesville). I, for one, would like to know where I can sign up to have my tax money spent more intelligently and appropriately.

Signed,

Frank Cressler
West Chester, PA

This is unreal.  When are people going to wake up?  Thanks for posting.