A long awaited study on predatory gambling in Connecticut has been just released. The study was funded by the CT General Assembly and compiled by a pro-gambling trade consulting firm, Spectrum Gaming. Titled "Gambling in Connecticut: Analyzing the Economic and Social Impacts," you can read the study here.

Can you imagine a state legislature anywhere allowing Countrywide Mortgage do a high profile report on subprime predatory lending or allowing a consulting firm with well-established ties to the tobacco lobby make important recommendations about state tobacco policy?

"Something for nothing" schemes like legalizing more slot machines, scratch tickets and Keno are not going to rescue us or our economy. We’re going to have to get out of this economic crisis the old-fashioned way--by digging inside ourselves and getting back to basics: improving U.S. productivity, saving more, reducing our debt, strengthening our families, studying harder and inventing more products and services to export. The days of phony prosperity are over.