Alex's Soapbox

Las Vegas Review

It’s been at least 7 years since I’ve been to Las Vegas, and it was a place of contrasts. The hotels were full, the casino was busy, and the streets were gridlocked – you’d think that we weren’t in a recession, but the acres and acres of empty houses south of the airport tell a different story, along with illegal aliens handing out adult calling cards to people of all ages on The Strip.

What bothered me about the growth of Las Vegas was how much public good was sacrificed for the sake of the corporate casinos. Even though the insides of the casinos / resorts are nice, trying to travel between them, or even getting around town convinced me that this city is unliveable. Public transportation is pathetic, traffic is terrible, pedestrian traffic is difficult, riding a bicycle around town would be suicidal, and the monorail is a classic case of special interest politics – it does not go to the airport nor is it located within a reasonable distance from most hotels. This city cannot complete in future of high fuel and water prices, low home prices, and even lower disposable income.

On the positive side, I got to see one of the last showings of the Folies Bergere; it closed last weekend after a 49-year run. I have never been to a Las Vegas show until last week, and it was a nice experience to see a classic show featuring showgirls and vaudeville acts. Still, I don’t think I will be going back anytime soon.