You can put lipstick on a pig, but in the end it's still it's still a pig.  A similar sentiment was expressed by Guam's archbishop, as he responds to Proposition A's latest move to legalize casino gaming on Guam.  

Prop 'A' would allow casino gaming at the Guam Greyhound Park in Tamuning

Strong opposition to the latest drive to legalize casino gambling is relayed by Archbishop Anthony Sablan Apuron, who reacts to the community outreach program the Prop "A" folks unveiled just yesterday.  As for using tourism icons to obtain more support for their cause, the leader of Guam's Catholic community says it's nothing more than a continued ploy.  "Let me make the general common saying that a rose by any other name is still a rose.  So gambling, or casino gambling, no matter how you dress it, still, the evil is there," his Excellency noted.

"The propensity for evil and the abuse of it is really a danger to the community.  For 31 years, more than three decades, our people have consistently said 'no' to casino gambling."  

And what about Prop A's move to require the proof of outbound travel before entering Guam's proposed casino?  The Archbishop told KUAM News, "If you are going to exclude for which it is going to take place, then why should it be here in the first place.  If it is only for tourists, why don't you select tourist sites and keep out the local people?  So, if it's only good for tourists and not good for the rest of Guam why even bring it to Guam?"

"Still, the evil is there" - Archbishop Anthony Apuron

But in the end, the chairman of the Committee for Responsible Gaming, E.J. Calvo, defends Prop A's intention of creating more jobs for the island, while ensuring security measures are strictly adhered to.

Said Calvo, "This proposal will create controlled and regulated and compliance with the government and create a safe place for our visitors to enjoy a new attraction.  Proposal A will also utilize or leverage casino gaming in order to generate benefits for our island and generate jobs that are much needed on this island, in order to generate tax revenue for our government.  It creates a win/win situation for everyone involved.

And to those that continue downplay the benefits conceived from casino gaming, Calvo also spoke, saying, "Proposal A brings help to our economy.  It's not going to solve everyone's problems.  But I don't think anyone can say our island is in a situation where we don't need help.  Where our schools couldn't use a little help to stay in operation.  Where our police and fire departments couldn't use a little help.  This proposal creates that help."

Tags: archbishop anthony apuron, casino gaming, decision 2008, e.j. calvo, gambling, prop a