DUer on TV.

[louis c]

Sometimes I'm reluctant to post some individual stuff here because it may seem too self-centered.

But you folks have been like family to me for the last two years.

Some of you may know that I represent about 250 workers at the racetrack in Boston where I work.

Well, we're in the fight of our lives. We are the last remaining Thoroughbred Horse Track in all of New England. We can't compete with the big casinos in neighboring states. I have led the fight to save our jobs for nearly 5 years now.

Well, anyway, I think this news story that appeared on a Boston channel explains it.

I appear a couple of times. First in a black vest, working. Then at the Monday rally at the State House where I spoke. I'm the bald-headed guy with the white tee-shirt with our logo on it.

Link (scroll down to "Race Track Workers Rally for Slots on Beacon Hill")

http://www.boston.com/news/necn/Business/

[dddem]

1. I'm one of the Massachusetts residents

that visits Connecticut casinos - not very often, but even still, I'd rather spend my entertainment dollars locally. Good luck!

[louis c]

2. Thanks

[Nikki Stone 1]

3. K & R

:kick:

[Caoimhe]

4. Good job! I saw you!

Keep fighting the good fight!

[Radio_Lady]

5. Louis C, I was one of the first women to do talk radio in Boston

starting at WEEI-AM in 1972, and later on WMEX-AM. I married a man from Brockton in 1973, and we raised our five children in Sudbury, Massachusetts. We followed one of our daughters and her husband, and moved to Portland, Oregon in 1998.

Just a note to thank you for your hard work. I love horses, but just for the fun of trail or ring riding. (Here we are in the Arizona desert last month.)

The closest I ever get to thoroughbred racing is watching the three races in the Triple Crown. Sorry to say I never went to the races in New England.

I'm so sorry for all the problems you have been having in your area. Wish you the very best in your on-going fight.

In peace,

Radio_Lady in Portland, OR

[Just Me]

6. What can I do, louis? Tell me what to do to preserve that noble track.

Thoroughbred lover here :loveya:

Those babies are born to run!

Tell me what needs to be done.

[louis c]

15. If you live in Mass.

call your Rep.

The vote will be April 5.

[tandot]

7. Gambling is a SIN...and you know what will happen to sinners...

...nah...just kidding... :evilgrin:

Congrats, Louis, for being on TV. I hope you can keep all those jobs and fight those hypocrites who want to shut down gaming. Besides, it is a good income for the State and Education.

Good luck :thumbsup:

[Caoimhe]

8. lol had me going

I'd rather we employ horse people (trainers, groomers, owners, jockeys, etc) than slot machine makers. Just a personal choice.

[louis c]

13. The only way to keep them

is slots. This legislation has been drafted by horsemen. 7% goes to purses and another 5% goes to promote racing. That money is going elsewhere and can serve our state and save our jobs.

In every state they have added slots, horse racing has thrived.

In 1935 we had the only legal gambling in the state for 35 years. Wagering on the sport is the only way to finance it. When the lottery, bingo, keno, scratch tickets, casinos and gambling boats sprung up, we were doomed.

I agree that if we could put the genie back in the bottle it would be great. But, alas, it is too late for that. All we want is a level playing field to compete on and let adults make their on decisions.

[Roland99]

17. I love Churchill Downs but I'll never go to a casino boat

and there are two nearby.

[liberal N proud]

9. Just like every other oppression in this country

one group forcing their narrow minds on everyone else.

They would rather give up hundreds of jobs to stop one person from gambling in their state. The jobs and loss of revenue doesn't even cross their pea brains.

Good Luck Lou

[mtowngman]

10. Good luck saving your track,

A few years ago Garden State Park in Cherry Hill, N.J. closed. It was sad, I was a regular there and I miss having live thoroughbred racing so close. Of course, the track couldn't compete with the Atlantic City casinos. I hope your track can stay open.

[louis c]

14. Thanks

[hlthe2b]

11. I wish you all the best of luck...

and applaud your activism. I live out west and have never had the opportunity to go to a thoroughbred horse track, but I would love to. Those who just frequent casinos for the smoke filled rooms, booze around the gambling tables and 4th rate lounge acts won't know what they are missing until it is long gone.

I hope you succeed. Best wishes.

[Judi Lynn]

12. Outstanding! I saw both the black vest shot, then the white t-shirt,

which you wore while making your statement to the crowd.

Way to go! Really hope your effort succeeds.

Thanks for posting the news clip!

[JanusAscending]

16. What track are you referring to?

Suffolk Downs? I remember doing the New england circuit with my parents. We went to Narragansett, Lincoln Downs, Suffolk, and one in the Nashua area of New Hampshire who's name escapes me at the moment. I've dated a few jockeys in my early days. I do remember the "Greats" of the circuit then....Darrell Madden, Tony DesPirito, and Harold Keene. I dated a very young Darrell Harrier. All great guys. I thought all of the New England tracks had closed. Keep up the good fight. Horse racing is the "Sport of the Kings" I really loved spending our summers following the "circuit" Oh! I just remembered.. it was Rockingham racetrack in N.H. Ah, those were the days...I'm 67 yrs. old now, wishing I could go back to those days, and know what I know now!!!!:hi:

[louis c]

20. Suffolk Downs

Ya, that's the one.

[Kerrytravelers]

18. Excellent job! It's great to see DU representation making a difference!

:applause:

[Skinner]

19. Well done

I just watched you. Good job! :thumbsup:

[Mnemosyne]

21. You are a great speaker louis! I would have been

terrified in front of that crowd.

I hope all goes well for you and your co-workers.:hi:

[mzmolly]

22. Great Job Louis!

:toast:

[EFerrari]

23. Good luck to you, Louis C!

:hi:

[louis c]

24. we will get a vote on April 5

The rally pressured the speaker into scheduling a vote. here's hoping we win.

[Blue_Tires]

25. ttt

good luck....I've enjoyed having your perspective and support of union workers on this site! I times like this, we need unions now more than ever...Sadly, everything seems to be going backward

[louis c]

26. All one can do is fight th good fight.......

and hope for the best.