Atlantic City

When I went to Atlantic City to play in a World Series of Poker Circuit Event I had expected many things. What I didn't expect was that Atlantic City is in fact the epitome of American life. Nothing I have experienced in six years of living in America has prepared me for this mirror to America's soul than a visit to this city.

I arrived late at night and riding in my friends enormous SUV we passed by one slum area after another. A street containing failed businesses, bail bondsman, check cashing services, massage parlors and strip clubs. Among the squalor and the poor rose these enormous casinos; great monuments to the almighty dollar, and a reminder to the poor of their place in society.

We drove in and walked through the comfortable air conditioned walk ways. We were inside, safe, protected, from the world of the prostitutes and crime outside. In fact I stayed there for three days and I never had to leave the comfortable confines of the casino. Moreover, my casino was linked to half a dozen other casinos by a series of walk ways designed to ensure that the 'rich' who could afford to stay there would never have to mingle with the poor outside. For those that cared to notice the chasm between rich and poor was so clearly prominent you could almost taste it. As you walked through the plush sky walks you could take a look at how the other half lived. The poor, the needy, those who had suffered the bad beats of life. If you stopped on a skyway and looked down into the dirty dangerous looking streets the poor were there shuffling around while the lucky few wandered comfortably from one plush casino to another to squander their money merely for entertainment. In fact in the casino people were willing to bet more than what many people make in a week on a single roll of a dice, a turn of a card or a poker tournament.

I'm not rich, I am pleased to say that after many years of hard work I am comfortable, but unlike the evil Republicans, I am capable of realizing that I had help in the path I chose that led me to the point I am at now. My education, my intelligence, my desire and resolve together with a liberal mix of good fortune have taken me to this point in life. But for many they did not have the opportunities that I had, they were born in the wrong area to the wrong family and never got lucky in some of the ways I have.

One of the saddest things about America is the lack of compassion for those less fortunate. For a so called Christian country it is astonishing to me just how the poor are treated. While people like me wager hundreds of dollars for fun, there are people out there who would give almost anything (including their bodies or dignity) for that money.

I've visited many cities around America and have been to ten different states. Atlantic City for me was one of the saddest places I have seen. If you have a reasonable amount of money they will show you a pretty good time. But if you pause and take a look out of the window for a moment you will see some of the forlorn downtrodden individuals who have suffered the bad beats of real life. Unfortunately for most people looking out of the window and thinking gets in the way of the fun.

All that said I had a good time, left up over $500 and enjoyed the poker. I doubt I would ever go again, because Vegas is a lot more fun and these days cheaper to get to.