I find much of modern country music trite, over-produced, bland and painfully unoriginal. Further, I tend to abhor gambling, but not for any high-minded moral or religious reasons.

Basically, I hate to lose (especially money), and almost without fail the odds are stacked against the gambler in games of chance. George Bernard Shaw once noted, “In gambling, the many must lose in order that the few may win.” So for me, two of the main draws of the proposed Country Crossing hold little appeal. That being said, I welcome Country Crossing to Houston County with open arms.

If Ronnie Gilley and his investors can create the resort and entertainment destination depicted on the Country Crossing Web site, then Houston County will become the biggest tourist destination in Alabama.

Will some people refuse to visit County Crossing on moral or religious grounds because of electronic bingo? Absolutely. Will some people recklessly gamble away too much money on electronic bingo? Undoubtedly. Did the county commission rush approval of County Crossing and seem somewhat sneaky in their handling of the whole deal by appearing to discourage public debate? Indeed. Should the whole project be rejected because of these factors? No.

I do not believe I have the right to force my views upon others. I may never visit Country Crossing, but my personal disdain of modern country music — yes, I know George Jones is not modern country music — and gambling should not infringe upon the rights of others to enjoy these forms of legal entertainment.

Jason O’Neal Griggs
Dothan