From Casinos to Integrated Resorts

Notice how everyone and the newspapers no longer refer to casinos - they now call them the Integrated Resorts!

Kudos to the government PR machinery for achieving this almost overnight change so subtly and subconsciously. The word casino carries many associated negative connotations while IR, well, brings to mind the likes of wonders such as Disneyland, Caesars Palace and Mirage. IR equates with family-oriented and acceptable entertainment.

It is obvious that Singapore cannot get far if it continues relying on the traditional manufacturing sector; even the high-tech biomedical and life sciences sector has its peaks and troughs. There is a need to reinvent and diversify the economy and increasing the focus on tourism and related services is the way to go. Or else in no time, this will be a decaying city and our young ladies will be going to China to work as maids.

The religious groups who are so opposed to these casinos should pause and consider a few facts:
a) are they responsible for the economic well-being of the country?
b) are they responsible for ensuring that Singaporeans continue having jobs in years to come?
c) are they schooled in theology or economics?
d) why do they think they should teach the government on what is best for the country - the government does not teach them how to preach?
e) why are they getting so focused on country governance - should they not focus on managing well their own religious flocks?
f) if they are so concerned about the social ills of casinos, do they not realise that Toto, 4D, horse-racing and jackpot machines have been around for decades?
g) should they not shift their emphasis to doing what they are good at - educate and teach their religious congregations about managing with casinos and gambling?

Religion and country governance cannot be mates - they should be kept distinct. Look at history - Europe only started to blossom when the rulers became secular in their governance. Countries where governance and law are based on religion are stagnating economically.

And let's speed up the process and get the IRs built fast!