The editorial “Is Straus more powerful than Craddick?” found in the political blog “Voice in the Wilderness” since last Sunday March 18^th, discusses the latest gambling legislations in Texas. The author, Paul Burka analyzes how neither racetracks nor casinos can agree on a fair strategy to bring gambling to our state. Mr. Burka exposes the billion dollars Texas loses to border state casinos in Oklahoma, New Mexico and Louisiana because we cannot offer a competitive market. According to the writer, Texas has recently allowed the presence of slot machines at racetracks. Unfortunately, there are many more amenities that come with full-scale casinos such as: shows, food, lodging, shopping, etc. that cannot be substituted with a few video lottery terminals. Mr. Burka proposes that the state of Texas should auction off licenses for full scale casinos as a viable solution that will lead to more economic development. This will surely put some good money in the state treasury and will create momentum for destination resorts. The author makes some good arguments to defend the legalization of gambling in Texas. He definitely makes a good point explaining the positive economic impact of such institutions. His main support comes from the fact that all of our border states have casinos; meanwhile Texas runs behind and loses quite a few well-needed billions. These states are using Texans’ money to fund their programs and it sounds like they have been pretty smart about it. On the other hand, I think Mr. Burka does not consider opposing arguments enough in order to sound more convincing. He talks about the probable benefits of having casinos in our land but he ignores that most plans that rely upon taking more money out of poor people's pockets is going to leave you poor as well. He ignores the vice gambling creates and the possibility of bankrupt for many.  Burka also attacks current Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives, Joe Straus. He argues that Straus is the greatest beneficiary from the failure of gambling legislation. This last argument is not backed up with any solid evidence or any other facts, which leaves the reader wondering about the real intention or purpose of such a serious accusation. Overall, Burka makes a general good point; which is the potential big revenues Texas will have if we legalize gambling. Nevertheless, he doesn’t consider Pros and Cons on the issue and his commentary is brief and dubious sometimes.