Posted on 09/20/2004 9:50:27 PM PDT by fightinJAG
Commentary for June 20th, 1997
Ah, Ben Barnes. The name evokes so many fond memories our great state of Texas. It brings back thoughts of the Sharpstown scandal, of eighties-style real estate, partnerships with John Connally. It brings back memories of a young, red-headed state official who was seen as a real comer -- someone with the moxie to eventually become President of these United States. Well, that isn't going to happen. But maybe the current occupant of the White House could learn a thing or two from Ben Barnes. After all, when Bill Clinton got involved in a shady deal known as Whitewater, he claims to have LOST money. But Ben Barnes knows how to turn a possible scandal into a literal fortune. Case in point: the current situation with GTECH. If I've got this straight, Barnes and another guy named Ricky Knox were consultants for the company that runs the State Lottery. But federal prosecutors have implicated the two men in a kickback scheme. So far, no charges have been filed, but look at what Barnes has made out of a bad situation. GTECH is going to pay him and Knox more than $23 million dollars to STOP working for them. In addition, Barnes will get about $168,000 per month -- I said per MONTH -- for three years. Kind of makes you wonder just what Barnes and Knox could have been doing for GTECH that would be worth that kind of money. But one thing is for certain. When you take a big state like Texas and go into the gambling business with millions of dollars floating around, you open up doors for sleazy operators. I'm Lynn Woolley the opinions are my own
Copyright © 1997 Bell Broadcasting Back
Ricky Knox.
Any relation to Marian Carr Knox? (the ANG pool secretary)
Probably not, but in the current atmosphere, one almost
has to include disclaimers upon such coincidences.
I was wondering the same thing...
This thing is getting bigger and bigger.
IS this the Texas Lotto?
If it is....then I say lynch Barnes.
A lot of that money from the Texas lotto is supposed to go to schools.
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