This page returns from an enjoyable hiatus in sunny Las Vegas, Nevada, a city which more than likely surpasses 1950's Detroit in its Union density. Everywhere I went I was greeted by members of the Teamsters, UNITE Here, Culinary Workers, and a variety of Brothers and Sisters from other Unions with the urgent desire to render assistance to me, usually in the form of a free drink while I looked after the slot machines for them. For anyone still stupid enough to believe that unions kill jobs, tell that to the dealers, pit bosses, cocktail waitresses, maids, lifeguards, bellhops, security guards, cooks, and front desk staff who were nothing but professional and friendly during my stay - could it be that professionalism and friendliness comes from having a secure job at a liveable wage in one of the fastest growing cities in America?
On the other hand, anyone who goes to Las Vegas looking for anything organic, free-range, recyclable, biodegradable, ethically-purchased, politically correct or environmentally friendly will more than likely be told by the locals that 1. You're a hippie, and 2. You should go back to Los Angeles. Some of the regression is all in good fun, like the retro-crooner shenanigans of The Rat Pack is Back, some of it is embarrassing, if not stupefying, like strolling past this poster for Tao Asian Bistro at the Venetian. Ick - I can only guess what my female Asian friend thought as we went by. Walnut Boat and I stayed at the Flamingo, where everything is a neon pink, coconut-scented oxygen is pumped into the casino, and the music is all 80's, all the time. At this hotel, it's like the Reagan Administration never went away, despite the reports of high gas prices, foreclosures, and a General Strike by 10,000 West Coast Port Workers over an unwinnable war in Iraq which flashed from the small handful of TV screens not being used by the Race & Sports book.
I'll keep this short so it doesn't devolve into a trip report. Did I mention the endless supply of free liquor?
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