Time for horse racing industry to face reality

When was the last time you needed to make a decision whether to put gas in your car or buy groceries? When was the last time you needed to make a decision whether to pay the taxman or the utility company? When was the last time that you thought a slot machine in your kitchen may be the way to subsidize your income problems, thereby removing the anxiety to make tough choices concerning the way you choose to earn a living?

It is quite clear to me that threatening open space may be a result of the racing industry's demise in this case ("N.J.'s Racing Industry on the Brink of Collapse," News Transcript, Feb. 6, 2008). But it in no way should be used as a scare tactic to save the chosen careers of a small percentage of "farmers" who keep beating a "dead" horse about low purses and out-of-state competition.

Too many business owners and large companies are continually seeking the easy way to remedy their economic shortcomings with appeals for deals and subsidies. This feigns success and reeks of competitive neglect. No doubt these people work hard to make a living, but so do the rest of us.

If you were unsuccessful as a newspaper publisher, would you ask us to buy a lottery ticket in order to have your paper delivered? If you were a terrible baseball player, would it be expected for you to still participate when a strikeout was imminent each time you went to the plate?

Face the reality that your brand of gambling is not successful because more interesting forms of gambling have choked the income stream of your chosen profession. Resist the negative thought that many generations of hard work will be ruined or considered failure if you "sell the farm."

Will you consider yourself unsuccessful if the millions you acquire from doing so enables you to be a prominent player somewhere else where this "sport of kings" is more competitively appreciated? Maybe you wouldn't have to work so hard to feed your family.

Maybe you could rely on the memories of your great (or in some cases great-great) grandparents who sacrificed their backs and blood for you to have a chance to succeed. Would they be proud that you are relying on a "bale" out from another industry? Stop blaming others and crying when your tangible asset of land is being used by many as a tool of their own self-interests.

Use it as an asset for you to enjoy a more comfortable path to life, free from wondering if a onearmed bandit or video poker will save the farm.

John J. Filipek Freehold Borough