When powerful interests in this town -- whether self-annointed or publicly perceived -- start rattling the cages for this cause and that, we usually take a whiff, identify the stench, and warn the public of the coming sewage flow.
But in a refreshing change, some powerful cage-rattlers are shouting "NO!" -- not necessarily in their narrowly tailored self-interest but for society at large.
All hell broke loose last week when parking magnate Merrill Stabile said he and some investors are exploring the possibility of building a stand-alone slots parlor across the street from PNC Park. That is, if the state Legislature approves a plan to add slots at the pony tracks and allow for a limited number of off-track sites.
The honchos at Equitable Resources Inc., now erecting steel for their new headquarters down the street along Mazeroski Way, went as far as saying they'd consider leaving if Mr. Stabile's house of slots is built. It's not the kind of environment with which the utility wants to be associated, the CEO said.
Neither were Pirates and Steelers bosses Kevin McClatchy and Art Rooney II very thrilled. The former talks of the threat to baseball's family-oriented atmosphere. The latter is troubled by the proximity of gambling to a sport that, at least officially, rejects wagering.
All are valid points. But here's the primary one: Casinos bleed dry the neighborhoods they invade. And that's the surest way to kill a revitalized North Shore that, though slow out of the starting blocks, deserves a run at the finish line without the heavy albatross of gambling hanging around its neck.
