Two friends and I flew south to Las Vegas in December 2020. We intended to relax and enjoy a six-day vacation, applaud theatre productions, shop, try a few restaurants and see everything we could on the brightly lit “strip”.
Thousands of casually dressed travellers from all over the world joined us, beguiled by the gambling mecca, Broadway shows, food, and alcohol, as well as the prominent advertisements for quick marriages and speedy divorces. The saying is “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.”
Heralded as the most visited spot in the USA, thousands travel here to gamble, applaud musical shows, sleep in beautiful hotels and enjoy alcohol, drugs, and prostitution. The majority are said to make many trips to this, their favourite destination, bringing their children as well as pets.
This was my third trip to Vegas, and I hoped to learn about the original town. When I inquired about exploring it, our concierge warned me that I shouldn’t venture off the “Strip” if I was concerned about my safety.
But I continued to wonder how Vegas had become so famous or infamous. I checked for a bookstore, but no one could help me.
After all, I thought, what nut would travel to Vegas to read?
SO …
For the following two months, I read, partly because of winter’s chill,
three historical books and Wikipedia ’cause I thought it a thrill.
as I researched the popular city in those books
and learned that Vegas was, and still is, all about crooks!
Complicity among government, gangsters, gamblers, and banks
requires agreements to reap individual financial benefits. Thanks!
From the 1840s white men lorded it over natives and blacks
as southwestern Nevada’s population grew enormously. Fact!
Prior to 1940, unemployed men built Hoover Dam and the US Air Force opened a base,
testing hydrogen bombs above ground regardless of the danger to the human race!
Politicians and police ignored criminals and grew wealthy.
Huge hotels, shops, and casinos appeared. Bank accounts. Healthy!
Las Vegas looks great, busy, clean, and always a smiling crowd
but behind all the hype, should America be proud?
Millionaires laugh as addicted gamblers abandon hope.
Everything is plastic and hurled. Environmental concerns? Nope!
Today part of me regrets feeling the need to know more
cause it’s probably best to enjoy the visit, then close the door.
Now I know the smug dishonesty behind Nevada’s smiling face
and crime defines nothing other than an absolute disgrace!
Joan Alexander