The "I think it is wrong, so you can't do it" element is at it again concerning the casino boats. Of course, they are being inspired by your newspaper. The opponents of the casino boats still use the same arguments, crime and other unsavory activity that they have used before. The boats have been here long enough to have a track record, and I have read no reports of increased crime or other unsavory activity. In addition, your editors and the letters to the editor, which are given prominent space in your newspaper, have not cited any, either. The only negative was the bankruptcy problems of one of the boats, and that was a problem common to all types of businesses, not because it was a casino boat operation.

I am not a gambler, so I have never been on the boats. That is my choice. However, several of my friends, including those on vacation, have frequented the boats and enjoyed them, even when spouses sailed together and one of them spent most of their time on deck merely enjoying the view. None have reported any crime or other unsavory activity on their cruise.

I do not expect my property taxes to go down as a result of the recent agreement with one of the companies, but I know that Horry County is in a financial crunch. As a result, I am happy that the county will get additional revenue from the boats [if the County Council accepts a per-passenger boarding fee from the owners].

Maybe the impact will be that my next property tax increase will be a little less. Every little bit helps. I have the same comfort level about the boats collecting the fees and giving it to the county as I am about businesses collecting the other taxes and having them turned over to the treasurer.

I do not feel that I should impose my will on others. The casino boats do exist and have been given a valid business license and are an attraction for tourism. If you what to ban the boats, please give real data to show their negative impact on our area. So far, all I have read is "I'm against gambling," and that is not sufficient reason to support a ban on the casino boats that have been operating for several years. If there wasn't significant support for the boats, they would be losing money and leaving on their own, so I am positive that I am not alone in my feelings.