Word: greys
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Dates: during 1990-1999
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...River to Tunica, the desperately poor county that Jesse Jackson once called "America's Ethiopia," 28 casinos have sprung up from the Tennessee border to the Gulf Coast. These garish palaces employ 27,300 people and last year put $189 million into state and local coffers. "Hey, look, Tom Grey, gaming is working here in Mississippi!" declares host Rip Daniels, welcoming Grey to his talk show on WJZD, Gulfport's Afro-American radio station. Grey cites failed restaurants and increased crime in Gulfport since casinos arrived. "The more gambling, the more the rich get richer," he charges. "Casinos...
Daniels is unimpressed. "That's capitalism, isn't it?" he says. "If people lose more than they expected, it's because they were greedy." Grey homes in on gambling addiction and related suicides. "Casinos welcome 'em in, milk 'em dry and throw 'em onto the street," he says. But few of the talk show's callers are converted. "A lot of people have casino jobs and are better off," says Candy. Denise agrees: "It's safe, clean entertainment, and tourists love...
...Biloxi, a once sleepy, now casino-bedecked resort, Grey preaches at the imposing, white-columned First Presbyterian Church. "I'm here to recruit fighters! He's your enlistment sergeant!" Grey announces, pointing to the Rev. James Richter. Richter has seen two recent suicides and several bankruptcies due to gambling. "A lot of roads have gotten paved," he says. "Personally, I'd rather have a few more potholes and a few more lives intact...
...Grey gets new energy from the messages on his voice mail back in Illinois. There are interview requests and legislative updates from all over the country. An Omaha, Nebraska, doctor wonders where to send a $100 contribution. A Honolulu minister requests information to distribute. A New Yorker wants Grey to fight off-track betting in Chinatown. "Sometimes I feel like I'm riding a wave," he says, "and all I have to do is stand up on the board...
...Grey is undaunted as he pulls out a worn leather datebook. Pasted inside: a typewritten list of General Patton's recommended qualities of a good general. "Steadiness of purpose, strength of character, tactically aggressive, loves a fight." He pauses. "'Loves a fight'--that's the part I like...