Opinion Of Rickey Stokes On Electronic Bingo Issue - No More Important Than Yours

Rickey Stokes

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Posted by: RStokes
thehoustonnnewspaper@yahoo.com
334-790-1729
Date: Feb 06 2010 9:19 PM

Rickey Stokes opinion about electronic bingo business

Tonight my son said his Civics teacher said what makes this country unique is we vote. Also the Declaration of Independence states that “we the people” which means we vote.

That is clearly my opinion…let the people vote their convictions in regards to electronic bingo…up or down, yes or no.

Should the people vote yes or no? My thoughts…that is the individual decision of each voter….vote their convictions.

Why am I so opposed to Governor Bob Riley?

My opposition of Governor Bob Riley comes long before his issues over electronic bingo. When you follow the news and politicians as much as I do, and when you are exposed to them as much as I do, you get to see what they are really about. My distaste for Riley started back when the Governors of Alabama, Florida and Georgia came to the Dothan Opera House on the water issues.

That was the day I saw Riley for he really was and felt he was not good for this state. It was that day I started seeing him mistreat some individuals and saw that pattern continue.

So my distaste and lack of trust for him as a leader was long before the electronic bingo issue.

What about Houston – Henry County District Attorney Doug Valeska?

The current situation concerning electronic bingo and Country Crossings I lay square on the shoulders of District Attorney Doug Valeska. In this issue, Doug has been dishonest with people and got into bed with a den of dishonest snakes.

Before it came public that Gambling Task Force David Barber had been to the Indian Casinos, I went to Doug’s office to tell him face to face he was in bed with a snake. Doug ran from me. I chased him down the hallway and down the stairs of the courthouse while he ran swiftly to his car trying to get away from me. I told him he needed to be a man and handle the situation, that he was in bed with a slimy weezil, being David Barber.

Folks it was simple. Doug Valeska was invited to Country Crossings before they open for his review of the machines and a determination of if they were legal. He did not go.

Doug could have gone and reviewed the machines. If he thought they were illegal, he could have told them straight up…they are illegal and if you open I ( Valeska ) will file a declaratory judgment in court for a legal decision. It was very simple.

Instead, Doug told people he had no problems or issues with Country Crossings. All the while he was not telling the truth. Valeska has already gotten into bed with David Barber and Bob Riley.

Then Valeska – Riley and Barber waited until after Country Crossings paid the $ 1.7 million dollars for license to conduct their raids.

Folks, that is plain wrong.

Alabama Governor Bob Riley comments to Alabama Republicans

On Friday Alabama Governor Bob Riley spoke to Alabama Republicans in Montgomery. Reports are he told a story that a Trooper helped some people who reported they had lost $ 700 on bingo on Country Crossings. Riley was speaking of the bad issues to gambling.

While I am not defending the bingo, I must relate to Governor Riley another story. When I was 22 years old I served as Houston County Coroner. One night I was called to Columbia where two teenagers had been killed in a car wreck. It was a two car wreck with two injuries and two people killed.

I left the scene and drove to a home in Haleburg where I woke parents up telling them their teenage son was dead. After telling them, I drove to Kinsey and woke up parents telling them their teenage daughter was dead. Both were killed because of a drunk driver.

While two were killed, another teenager girl received severe head injuries. While she is alive today, she some 25 years later suffers from seizures and other issues from the head injuries received.

The fourth young man in the accident served ten years for murder. While he is out of prison, he still battles with alcohol issues.

These lives were destroyed because of what is sold by the State of Alabama. That destruction continues today, some 25 years later. At Christmas a man was killed and the driver charged with manslaughter because of alcohol.

Since Bob Riley has been in office, he has bragged about the streamlining of sales production of the death and destruction of alcohol.

While the Governor quotes a situation reported to help his fight, I submit to you the death and destruction peddled by the State of Alabama causes more harm and destruction of lives than does electronic bingo.

While some will say this comment seems I approve, I again say…the decision should be left to the voters.

Will electronic bingo pass a vote of the people?

I can not answer that question. About four years ago the people of Geneva County had a choice…alcohol sales ( wet ) or no alcohol sales ( dry ). The people voted to remain dry – no alcohol sales in Geneva County.

More than eight years ago the people of Alabama voted against a lottery. They voted against a Riley tax increase, but Riley forced the tax increase in annual reappraisels.

I think electronic bingo would pass in Houston County. No idea of how it would do statewide.

What is so important about the opinion of Rickey Stokes?

Absolutely nothing. I express it simply based on emails from some people being critical that some of the writings seem I am pro electronic bingo.

I am “pro voting”.

Absent of it just being my opinion, there is absolutely no more importance of my opinion over yours. What will count is our vote in the ballot box.

Doug Valeska is up for election

Doug Valeska is up for election this time. Some say there is no one that can beat Doug. While I have supported him over the years, I am very disappointed in his lack of honesty in this issue. I am further disappointed that he has allowed out community to get so divided when he could have stopped it.

A simple declaratory judgment could have solved the entire issue.

Where do we go from here?

While Doug Valeska must be held accountable for this issue getting out of hand, two more sets of people should be held responsible.

The first being members of the Alabama Supreme Court.  They have ducked this issue and should come clean. They are to be held accountable. Three seats are up for election and ALL incumbents should be voted out of office.

The second group should be members of the Alabama Legislature.  If they do not decide this issue within the next two weeks passing legislation allowing the people to vote and stripping Bob Riley of his power, then the members should be voted out this election year.

ALL incumbents – especially state office republicans like Governor/Legislaure members such as Senators, House, Supreme Court Justices -  should be voted against in this election cycle for the actions of Alabama Governor Bob Riley. If they can not get a handle on their republican leader and make this come to a head, then they should be held accountable.

While some republican legislators are trying, if the people of this state stand up and hold the elected officials accountable, then they will get off their  butts and do something. That accountability goes for all elected officials.

 I am in the cross hairs

For the record…Rickey Stokes is in the cross hairs on this issue. I have had threats, I have had intimidation. I have been followed. If ever I have been tagged as it…I have.

For the record, I am more afraid of the government than I have ever been. Afraid for life and freedom. With people like Bob Riley and John Tyson, recent actions of Doug Valeska, I feel they will stop at nothing. It is scary of what abuse of power they possess.

But you know, that is life.

Oh, John Tyson

He was elected by the people of Mobile County. Statewide the people rejected him. The people of the State of Alabama did not elect him and he should return to Mobile County.

He is a pompus overbearing school yard bully.

While he was critical of me, I really take it as a compliment. Because anytime someone like Tyson takes a shot at you, well...I accept that as a positive.

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I wonder if the people that own the prorperty where BJ's Fireworks use to be knows that ABI and the AST are useing their property for a parking lot?If so they must not support cc!!!
I wonder if the people that own the prorperty where BJ's Fireworks use to be knows that ABI and the AST are useing their property for a parking lot?If so they must not support cc!!!
Ricky if this one car wasnt watching crossing,the people who died today would be alive? Are you serious?
Anything thats illegal let the people vote.Drugs...LET THE PEOPLE VOTE.Driving drunk....Let the people vote..dont like the speed limits ....let the people vote.....see where this is going.By the way Gilley say crossing is impossible without bingo,know why?His pockets dont get as fat without bingo..Intimidation cause the state is watching crossings?Dont the police watch illegal crack houses? are watch for speeders? Great job gov riley keep it up.
I have one more comment, We can all go back and forth on the issue and we will never get anywhere! Because no one will change my mind that the people of Alabama have the right to VOTE on this issue! So I guess what I am saying is thats way this is still the good old USA were we are all still able to state our opinions freely! Thanks Ricky Stokes and Staff, for letting us voice our opinions freely on your web site!
READ the law before you say da.For electronic bingo to be legal you must announce your card...No one says the restaurants are illegal,why are they closed?Cause the whole place is ba sed on illegal slot machines.Family entertainment?What can kids do at country crossing?Culver has no problems denying bikini bars there right to sell alcohol,But anyone can play ILLEGAL bingo and get drunk doing so.Guess those bikini bars dont have 1 mill huh?
Josh Harrell, I could not agree with you more! I too am Native American and go figure I am Creek, please do not shoot now! I have one of them cards to prove it! But I too support Country Crossings and their right to be able to play Bingo just like the Indians! I really think this thing with Bingo Bob is about his pocket book! I am here to say I am taking a stand for all our rights and that is the right to vote!
You Know No Job Bob, has forgotten that there are folks in Al that are Native American, like myself I have 2 differant tribes of Indains in my blood line, so I think I have the right to go to Country Crossings and play the games there in peace. If he is going to protect a bunch of squaws from Mis, what about my rights as a Native American, some one should ask the feds to protect our rights. I live here in Al and Pay a lot of taxes in our state and county. so if you have Native American blood in your family tree we should stand up for our rights same as the poarch creek indains. so check your family tree and take a stand for your rights.
Thats paper Bingo Da! We are taking about Electronic Bingo which you do not have to announce your card. How hard is for people to understand that this 2010 and everyting has gone electronic! Thus the electonic age! Get with the program! As for padlocking doors well lets see what you would do if someone came to your property without a search warrent or court order! They are trying to protect their rights until they get their day in court to prove that they are LEGAL! Until then I think they are the only ones to say where, when, and how they will now proceed with there lives! Glad to hear you have visited Country Crossings, sorry that you did'nt have any fun but that does'nt give you the right to be so critical of others! Be nice! Have a nice day!
For bingo to be LEGAL you must announce your card,,,,Iv been to country crossing,didnt hear anyone announcing anything. Guilty people put padlocks on the doors and run.People with nothing to hide do not.For the workers who do not want a handout The chicken plant is hiring.
CC Is The Best Entertainment That has come to this area. I have been to CC A few times and I don't recall a gun being put to my head making me go. Bob Riley is a dictator not a Gov. Let the people vote.
Sweet Home Alabama, Sweet Home Alabama, Con grads. to people in this state that believe we should have the right to VOTE! And to you Bingo Bob better start running I think I hear them Indians coming!
I think it is very refreshing that these workers actually are willing to work and don't want a handout from Bingo Bob or the State of Alabama! The only stupid thing is someone would say that they are making fools of themselves by not accepting Bingo Bobs sad try once again to come out looking like the good guy!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Good for you Country Crossing Workers!!!!!!!! They had a LEGAL JOB before our so called GOV. and his Task Force within without a search warrent or a court order and took their jobs from them!!!!!!!
Now the workers are gonna make fools of themselves by refusing The Govs help.How stupid is that?He wants to get you a LEGAL job.
The alcohol argument of teenagers getting killed because of alcohol does not hold up either. It is still illegal to drink and drive. It is still illegal for minors to consume alcohol. So, anyone who is involved in drinking and driving is breaking the law. Look at all the law enforcement dollars that are spent on policing drinking and driving. I don't hear anyone whinning when there is numerous state troopers utilized for a DUI checkpoint. I bet there will be plenty of those in the future near CC.Have no fear, it will all be over within a year or so. Gambling will be legal and the floodgates will be opened to allow it and the lotto. The consiquences of gambling are very suttle and come much slower than the adv ertised benefits. Don't say they didn't warn you.
I posted this about a week ago on the opinions forum.Gambling we ae so worried about... What about alcohol it has taken more innocent lives, marriages, peoples morality, mothers and fathers away from their kids, and not to mention all of their money... Lets make alcohol illegal it has done way more bad than electronic bingo!!! By the way I drink beer and enjoy CC
Yes, the fact is that gambling is illegal, but you cannot have your cake & eat it, too. Either you do away with it altogether or let the people vote. If Riley is so sure he is doing what the people want, then lets hear from the people. What are the scratch off tickets that pose in stores as phone cards? And does this mean we can't buy raffle tickets at the fair? Again, it's all or nothing. No picking or choosing. Cruise ships, too. And those of you who think everyone is going to burn with satan for gambling, I am just not sure what kind of God you grew up with, but the one I know gave people free will. The church and pastors are there for spiritual guidance. Note I said guidance. Guidance involves prayer and leadership, not passing judgement. That is up to a higher power. I support CC.
The fact is that LV st yle gambling is illegal. People are admiting that when they ask for a vote. If it was already legal then no vote would be needed. Opening CC is like spending millions to open a package store in Geneva county and then demanding a vote on a wet/dry county. For AL government officials to win money in MS or LV is no different than Geneva county officials coming to Houston county and having a drink. Gambling is legal in MS & LV and many other places. Is it illegal for them to buy a lotto ticket too? The fact is that gambling bosses have the cash to make things happen. All it takes is money and they got it because people are lining up to give it to them. I wonder how many local officals are hoping to get in on the plan that previous Bham mayor was getting at v'land
If this is also a country music theme park,why is the whole place closed.Country Crossing is nothing more than a casino.Anyone with common sense knows this is not "bingo".Instead of standing around with posters these out of work protesters should be at manpower applying for jobs.If Culver and Harvey care so much about the outta work employees why dont they give up some of that 1 million to help.No? I didnt think so.People the gig is up.
Only one question needs to be asked, If it's not legal what needs to be done to make it legal? Ask law enforcement do innocent people run? Oops thats two.
RS Many times I read your site and disagree with where you stand on many issues. This time you have cracked a nut and out spills the rotten gutts.Rickey, this time you are right on the money. Right is right; Wrong is wrong! When we look the other way and pretend that it's not happening, just standby because eventually they will come for us too. Then what? Look to Doug Valeska for protection. NOT!
Hello Rickey: Thanks for all the very informative news of happenings in the Down Home area. I just have a real problem understanding why some people can't get it through their head if an action by anyone breaks the laws of the land, they should be held accountable for their actions..There must continue to be equal protection under the law and it must be enforced without regard to whether one is in the club or not. If anyone in the cross-hairs of this issue has a problem deciding what to do, all they need to remember and follow is WWJD.
As a wrecker driver for the last 30+ years I have worked many accidents involving drunk drivers and many of them have been fatalities, usually the drunk walks away but the State as Ricky said continues to sell alcohol even though when I close my eyes at night I can still see the faces of several children that died because of this alcohol. I am amazed with all of the years that I have been a wrecker driver that the largest convoy of Troopers I have ever seen has been to raid a business without a court order. I know the Troopers are just following orders just as any employee has to do to keep thier job so I can't blame the Troopers individually but it's evident that Bob Riley and his task force have to be held accountable!
Rickey, I am a Dothan-native and use your website to find out the true news of current events there. Please continue to keep up the good work. Although I choose not to frequent establishments to drink or gamble, I do believe those that are overseeing what they interpret the law to say, are taking advantage of taxpaying law-abiding citizens. The fact that Riley is even allowing the sites to be built and opened only to take license fees and then to raid them for their proceeds is unacceptable. Currently, 2 more bingo facilities are about to be built or opened, the one in Chickasaw and one in Florala. Having lost a couple of dear relatives to a couple of drunk-drivers,I would much rather see Alcohol prohibited than gambling.Do you know of anyone who has been killed from playing Bingo?
Your hard work and informed comments are much appreciated in the Wiregrass. Gambling is not the issue in the CC debacle. The real issue is our freedom to choose, and, more precisely, our freedom period. Government has begun to tell us what to do on every front and at every level. If we don't stand up for our freedom soon, it will be a dead issue. Look up in Google "democracy vs republic. We want our Republic of America back. Our Constitution has been shredded by the politicians and the courts. Look up "jury nullification" and ask yourself if this was practiced when you had jury duty. Corruption will grow further unless we attack it now. Does the CC issue remind you of Gestapo action by the Nazis? Our homes are next. Sela (look it up).
Thank you Ricky for your honesty. I enjoyed reading your comments and I agree. When CC was open I enjoyed the artists that performed there and I enjoyed the bingo also.The people that worked there was very polite and nice.I felt safe when I went sometimes alone or with my friends.It was a great atmosphere to be around and you could tell that the employees were happy to be employed there.There were many age groups enjoying themselves and alot of them were seniors and one of them was my motherinlaw.I enjoyed meeting and talking to them.They said it was nice to have a place like CC to enjoy without having to travel so far.I hope it opens back up so we can have something to do that we enjoy!
None of you have to read the post on this site you dont even have to visit this site if you disagree with stokes so much go some where elase for you news. You want do that you will keep coming back you love it you no you do. Yal need to quit living in this fantasy world There is nothing to do in this town. Its great to finally have a CHOICE. Coose to go or not just like this site stop comming to it yea right. Ican respect a pollition that takes a side even if its not the same as mine but no respect for a fence stradler who will wait and see how it turns out and then say thats what i wanted all the time. Make a choice or get out of office. Why are they scared to let the peolpe vote so easy yes no or will the indians get mad the Gov. owes them period and hes now paying wake up.
I get up and go to work i make my money so none of you have the right to tell me or anyone else how to spend there money. I have friends that work for the state and have been told they were so broke they would have to take time off without pay this year yet the idot Gov throws money away like there is no tomorrow. After seven years in office its now its a big deal. This state has become a joke to the rest of the nation Maybe the Gov and the task force should raid buffet because of glutny people need to stop being hypocites yal dont have the right to tell no one how to live there lives let the people vote what are they scared of. cant wait to see riley in jail liks the rest of the gov of this state. Rickey dont woory about these people they dont even have the guts to put there name down.
countrycrosser I agree with you. How funny Mr. Stokes has yet to bring up our county comissioner Mr. Culver or the county attorney. Mr.Stokes has bashed every judge,police chief,DA and Sheriff.Him wanting someone out of office is just normal.We as a county have had people unemployed for a while but since Mr. Culver's interest is very strong in country crossings he now wants us working people to pay for their bills. Here is an idea Mr. Culver take that 1.5 million you got from country crossing and help all the unemployed in the county instead of just the ones you want to. If it looks like a fish and smells like a fish it probably is fishy. Have you people heard of the new Gilley fish.Oh yeah I can give you $220,000 reasons why Mrs. Smith is backing country crossings. May God Bless
Its time to vote all of these people out of office if they cant take a stand one way or the other get rid of them.I have news for all of you that think this bingo is the end of the world esp. the concerned citz. for the wiregrass. First it was hooters then flying j non of your predictions came true on either of these buisneses. News flash if you want drugs you can get them on just about any street corner and in your kids school. What else violence drive by shooting in downtown DOTHAN, assaults, edge wepon, free for alls and armed robbery just about every day In this small town. Oh yea prostitution please its beeing sold on several corners daily can yall remember two squirels and a washing machine. No bingo then. This stuff is happening everyday in this town.If you dont like bingo stay away
Quote:(The current situation concerning electronic bingo and Country Crossings I lay square on the shoulders of District Attorney Doug Valeska) I very much disagree! You have totally left out our Commissioners that both gave the ok for this and has promoted it un-relentlessly the whole time. They shirked their responsibility to uphold the law. I am not sure where Doug is in all this, but can understand if he wanted to lay low, as the so many city officials and CC have put a tremendous amount of pressure on those opposed to their un-lawful Charity Bingo. For the future turn these machines into just arcade fun machines without the chance for large winnings and see who plays. We don't need a vote to undermine what the law is right now! Have you not seen that all are not pro-gamble!
Amen Ricky, Thanks for telling it like it is. I don't understand why we are so worried about electronic bingo, when people are out there killing one another with alcohol and drugs. Let the people vote!!
thanks ricky for standing up for the people of houston county. if we don't get our right to vote on this issue you better believe our household will vote against every one of those who could, but won't give us that right. sw
Thanks Rickey..but we already knew where you stood on the issue! You have made that clear in the past! I only question your motive...Why do you demonize those who are against bingo? Show me one posting from you that paints a positive image of the "no bingo" movement! I'll be waiting for that one. I think the voting issue should be to legalize gambling in all forms. So called "charitable bingo" is a way for the casinos to funnel their profits without paying taxes. Check out the amount that has been given to charity in Whitehall...10%! I ask for fully regulated gaming that is fair to the pla yer instead of the game formerly known as bingo!
I agree with you sir. Let the people vote, it is the reason so many people lost life and limb in our armed forces to protect. Any time the people find that they fear the goverment its time for some changes.When people in power use that power to intimadate, its time to stand up and be counted.
Your opinion? Don't you mean the opinion that has been bought and paid for? You are a target? for what, tax evasion? And by far the funniest thing of all,"I chased him", do you really expect us to believe you ran?