A letter signed by greater than 100 former members of america Central Intelligence Company (CIA) and different retired officers of the federal government’s intelligence group urges state lawmakers in Richmond to dam an effort to permit a on line casino in Northern Virginia on issues that such a resort may threaten nationwide safety.
The foyer of the CIA in Langley, VA., is lower than 5 air miles away from the place some state lawmakers need to enable a on line casino resort. Former federal authorities intelligence officers say a on line casino so near so many federal staff with main safety clearances would threaten nationwide safety. (Picture: CIA.gov)
Playing critics typically cite the identical causes for his or her opposition like claiming that the video games are addictive and result in monetary issues that subsequently trigger societal points like divorce, strained relationships, and even suicide. A brand new concept is rising in Northern Virginia the place opponents to a on line casino in Tysons levy {that a} Las Vegas-style vacation spot would threaten the nation’s nationwide safety pursuits.
The CIA is headquartered in Langley inside Fairfax County. The 258-acre campus is about 5 air miles from the place the proposed Tysons on line casino can be constructed.
The proximity of a Tysons on line casino to a big inhabitants of presidency, army, and contract officers with entry to extremely secretive authorities intelligence, diplomatic, and protection data is not going to solely entice organized crime — casinos all the time do — but in addition adversarial intelligence providers seeking to recruit these with such entry whom they hope to blackmail,” the letter from a bunch known as Nationwide Safety Leaders for Fairfax learn. “With the Washington D.C. space having the best focus of probably the most delicate safety clearances within the nation, we urge you to instantly and categorically reject the proliferation of playing institutions in Northern Virginia, and at Tysons specifically, as posing an unacceptable well being and nationwide safety hazard, whose socioeconomic prices considerably outweigh any short-term enhance in income.”
Patch first reported on the Nationwide Safety Leaders for Fairfax letter being despatched to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R), and all members of the Virginia Common Meeting. It was signed by 109 former protection and nationwide safety company personnel.
New Tysons Champion
Virginia Sen. David Marsden (D-Fairfax) has led the legislative push to designate Fairfax County for a on line casino in earlier legislative classes. That can change subsequent 12 months when Senate Majority Chief Scott Surovell (D-Mount Vernon) takes over the laws. Mount Vernon is an unincorporated census-designated metropolis inside Fairfax County.
A on line casino invoice would enable voters in Fairfax County to determine if a gaming resort is in the neighborhood’s greatest curiosity. Whereas native leaders, together with the vast majority of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, in addition to householders’ associations and most state lawmakers representing the county and metropolis, are opposed, many unions have come out in help of the venture.
Marsden and Surovell imagine voters ought to have the ultimate say and be allowed to think about new tax income streams within the wake of a dwindling property tax base. Tysons and neighboring McClean are most recognized for being company hubs the place many world companies are headquartered. However appreciable workplace area stays vacant post-pandemic as some corporations completely allowed staff to work remotely.
The Nationwide Safety Leaders of Fairfax say Tysons and McClean’s place as a significant company dwelling presents additional threat, as very important protection and intelligence contractors like Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, BAE, and Booz Allen have places of work within the area.
Gamblers Want Not Apply
Nationwide Safety Leaders of Fairfax reveal of their letter opposing a on line casino in Northern Virginia that federal staff and staff holding safety clearances threat their clearances being revoked if their participation in playing is inflicting monetary misery at dwelling.
The Nationwide Intelligence Company says “borrowing cash or partaking in vital monetary transactions to fund playing or pay playing money owed” is grounds for dismissal from employment. Those that conceal their playing money owed or different issues attributable to their playing face related penalties.
It’s price noting that MGM Nationwide Harbor, a $1.4 billion on line casino advanced, has operated simply throughout the Potomac River from Washington, D.C. since December 2016. To On line casino.org’s information, the on line casino has not resulted in a slew of federal staff turning into hooked on playing.
