If you haven't heard, SugarHouse casino (in collaboration with Foxwoods) is challenging the hard work and labor of volunteers, civic organizations, and unions throughout Philadelphia. According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, "The fight over development of two casinos on the Philadelphia waterfront turned nasty yesterday, as SugarHouse Casino claimed 'widespread and pervasive fraud' in the petition drive to ban slots parlors from Delaware Avenue."

Here's what petition volunteer Ken Gregory wrote about the challenge:

"Casino lawyers are free to make challenges and and launch attacks, but in doing so they are admitting for the first time, that large numbers of voters simply do not support casinos in neighborhoods. Each individual signature that they are forced to accept reinforces the mission of Casino Free Philadelphia. In turn those signatures resonate with City Council and state government. This never would have happened without the petition. Already, on the first day of the legal challenge, we have achieved a tremendous success. Over time we will experience more success as their challenges fail scrutiny."

As Gandhi said: first they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they attack you, then WE win. We've now fully entered step three in campaigning.

SO WITH THAT, please join us tomorrow for City Council hearings

1. CITY COUNCIL HEARINGS

This Friday 3/2 go at 10:00AM to Room 400 (City Council Chambers) in City Hall
Please get there at 10:00 if you can so that we make a big showing right at the beginning (if you can only come on your lunch hour, come then).

Bring one or two or more friends, family members, co-workers. Every single person in the audience will help show City Council our passion!.

and....

2. STRATEGY RETREAT
(did you help gather signatures? part of a civic group? just mad about casinos? then come one, come all!)

(this time not a full day session)

This Saturday 3/3 go from 10:00AM to 2:00PM
PLEASE NOTE LOCATION: Friend's Center (1501 Cherry Street)