Letters - May 28

The whole thing is absurd. There are certain things in life that money will never be able to replace. The Columbia River Gorge as we know it is one of them. We must all, as residents of this beautiful area, take pride in the fact that the natural beauty of the Columbia River Gorge has remained so long, and strive to keep it that way for future generations.

Money is not the issue here. There is no amount of money to replace the value of this awe-inspiring place and the happiness it brings to hundreds of thousands of people who enjoy it for its scenic value. We cannot let a few selfish individuals and their plans take precedence to those thoughts and desires of the majority of people who understand the harm that this casino will cause in every aspect of life as we know it in the Columbia River Gorge.

I would expect all those involved with the proposal of this casino to understand that harm is inevitable and that the ill-effects greatly outnumber any possible positive aspect of this casino. (The only one I see is money.)

Is it really worth the money it will bring to Cascade Locks? The thousands of people that say no are far more than the few people the casino would employ that might say yes. It simply is not worth it. This place will never be the same with the traffic, pollution, and bright lights that a casino would bring in. Not to mention urban expansion. Where will the line then be drawn with that?

There is far too much value in the natural beauty of this land and its importance to so many individuals and families than that of any monetary value that would come of this.

Angie Holwege

Troutdale