I am a firm supporter of the present system of “State Stores” in Pennsylvania. First of all, they provide a steady source of revenue to the state, millions of dollars, year after year.
Secondly, state stores do not add to urban blight. If you live in most states, you know that your local liquor store is often a hangout, a location that attracts winos, alcoholics, and other disreputable people.
Third, the state stores decrease alcoholism. Clerks have no reason to sell to drunks. They have no incentive to sell to teenagers or people who are obviously inebriated.
Fourth, they provide good paying jobs. If you think that liquor stores will be paying union wages, think again.
Finally, I like the whole idea of state stores. There is something old-fashioned about it. It is one of the things that makes this state unique.
Unfortunately, there is another state tradition–that of the kickback, the payment under the table. Why is this state so goddam corrupt? Why would a LCB marketing director, knowing that the State Store system is under attack by Republicans, take cash and gifts from suppliers? Why would he undermine the system that some of us are working so hard to retain?
This is not a borderline moral issue. This is not a grey area. You take money from suppliers, you KNOW that is illegal, immoral, and ammo for the anti-state store forces.
There are times I’d like to move back to California or move to Oregon or Minnesota, where the political culture emphasizes honesty and correct behavior. It is about time we change the political culture of this state. The current way of behaving is no longer acceptable.
No comments:
Post a Comment