Dear Editor,
Re: “Alleged gaming racket busted in Richmond.” News, June 16.
It is understandable and extremely commendable for the government to intervene when illegal money laundering and kidnappings occur.
However, according to many critical criminological theories, the law enforcement acts on behalf of the bourgeoisie. There are many casinos within British Columbia that are sanctioned by the government and pay a certain amount of tax to keep running.
Thus, “gaming houses,” which are essentially casinos that do not generate income for the government or capitalist production, are considered illegal.
That is to say, those that are able to make a living for themselves, will always be enslaved by corporate production.
For example, sales representatives or factory producers will never earn the value of the product itself; instead the top one per cent will earn most of the revenue.
It is exemplary for the government to stop illegal activities that are “inherently” deviant, such as kidnapping, but it is unwise to exploit the masses for the few that hold the means for production.
Let’s recall there once was a term known as the “commons.”
Bill Tamer
Vancouver
