I Hate Eyman

If you live in the state of Washington you've heard of Tim Eyman. If you're from elsewhere, be thankful. He's a right-wing activist who is always creating some initiative or other about cutting taxes. However, he is so concerned with cutting taxes he has no concern as to the effect those cuts will have.

His latest initiative will allow "electronic scratch tickets" (aka slot machines) into local bars and bowling alleys. They'll be taxed at 35%, and that money would be used to reduce property taxes.

Today The Conversation on KUOW was about that initiative. They invited Eyman onto the program and the host interviewed him regarding the initiative. Here's my interpretation of that interview:

Host: What's the difference between an electronic scratch ticket and a slot machine?
Eyman: This initiative would save taxpayers billions of dollars. You should vote for it. The indian casinos have a monopoly and it's wrong that the state allows that.
H: What about Indian Treaties? They're soveriegn nations. The state has no control over what happens on tribal land.
E: This initiative would save the average property owner from $150-220/year depending on if you use the state's estimates or my estimates.
H: What will it cost to implement this bill?
E: The net proceeds go directly to the taxpayers.
H: Won't this encourage gambling?
E: This will give people who would gamble anyway the option to do it at places other than a tribal casino.

Here are my basic problems here:
1) We're looking at an average savings of $10-20/month, if you discount the costs to implement the bill, which could be substantial.
2) I live at least 45 minutes from the closest tribal casino. A lot of city-folk are similar distance. You cannot tell me that if there were a casino at the corner that a few of these folks wouldn't partkae just a little more often in the activity.
3) Mr. Horse's Ass: When someone asks you a direct question it is generally considered appropriate to answer THAT question!

Grrr...