What Happens In Vegas…
What happens in Vegas… is completely foreign to the rest of the world. What a weird, messed up place. A spectacle for sure, but a crazy, tragic spectacle in my opinion. Every time I’m here, there’s a moment where I think it’s fun and exciting or whatever, then I walk out onto ‘The Strip’ and remember why I can’t really handle much of this place. And what’s crazy about it, is that it’s not just the obvious sex, drugs and unhealthy gambling that weirds me out, but the complete jacked up balance of wealth and poverty. Last night walking back from getting some food it hit me that this entire place was built on the bad decisions of other people. Millions and millions of dollars are blown here in an attempt to be ‘fulfilled’. That blows me away.
I talked to a guy last night who came here for a job at a printing company and then was laid off because the company closed. Now he walks up and down the street playing harmonica for people for tips. Sure he was probably a little crazy, and probably has made some bad choices but a sweet, older guy and he could rock some Richard Marx on the harmonica. Then across the street is some massive mall filled with stores I’ve only heard Oprah talk about surrounded by ice sculptures. Impressive sure, but I’m thinking the harmonica guy could have used a burger.
Now, I don’t mean for this to come across as all ‘preachy’ or whatever, but it’s a pretty sobering feeling when you’re in a place like this and can separate from the lights just enough to realize how sad of a place this really is.
Anyone been to Vegas? Thoughts? Am I way off?
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i’ve only been there once. it was foul and dark and horrifying. for all the reasons you listed.
I never understood the appeal. I’ve been a handful of times and each time I go I realize how empty it all seems. I don’t think I stand in my hotel room or at dinner thinking this is an evil place, but I think as a I leave, it’s about as strange as you enter it.
It’s a city in a desert, like it has popped up out of nowhere. When you leave the flashing lights, the smoky air and the ringing bells from the casino and travel back to where you came from, you again realize you are in a desert. Someone just built some nice buildings for you to stay in while you were visiting the desert. Satan is good at that stuff. Let’s build nice things so you think you’re in a nice place, but really you are just in an empty desert. Metaphorical? For sure! Reality; for so many people.
Sinners act like sinners, including those who belong to Christ. That is why a place like Vegas exists. As believers we ought to be thankful we have grace and God’s wisdom and guidance through the Holy Spirit to help us from falling. Is vegas “evil”? If you want to call sin evil then yes, but then all sin is, so it is no less then any sin, it is just a concentration of it. We are getting a good view of what the world would be like had not Chrst not come. It never surprises me when I see what you describe in Vegas or anywhere-because those that belong to the world are going to act like the world. They no nothing different.
I’ve been there once. I will admit I enjoyed the shopping, resturants, and shows but I noticed a weird heaviness or darkness too. At the time I attributed it to the crowds of people, foul language, and constant bombardment of sexual material but I think you are right on. The whole town has been built on other people’s misfortune. That kind of ‘debt’ creates a negative energy. I’m glad the RAWRS was able to play in Vegas this year. I’m sure lives were changed last night.
I have very mixed emotions about Vegas. I’ve been once. I could see all the things you mentioned so I don’t think you’re way off in that respect. And I wasn’t there to gamble.
But I could also see the beauty and the talent. The hotels and the artwork are amazing. Just walk into the Bellagio, go to the check in desk and look up … simply breathtaking. And the shows (I’m NOT talking about Thunder Down Under and others of that nature), but Cirque du Soleil … mindblowing!
I intend to go back because I didn’t get to see all of the hotels I wanted to and there are more shows I’d like to see.
I’ve been to Vegas many times, mostly on business. I have the same feeling you describe each time I go, and I really don’t like the place much. Unfortunately, when you’re attending a convention or conference of any size (as I often do), you kind of go where there’s enough space for everyone. Vegas is a top spot for that.
The history of Vegas should be lesson enough about what to expect. Given the fact that the entire city exists to support legalized gambling, it’s not surprising that other sorts of “fun” has followed. Also consider that legalized prostitution is only present in the state of Nevada (albeit not in the major metro areas). And the idea of “hitting it big” in the casinos is an ever-present draw but really no different than Atlantic City or other places where they offer gambling. Visit any horse track or casino in the U.S. or abroad, and the same sense is there (Monte Carlo may be the exception since most of the people there are not devastated by their losses). Nonetheless, Vegas simply puts all that misery and desperation in one place.
The shows and shopping and other “family friendly” stuff is there to attract and entice and cover up. It’s a nice veneer but a veneer nonetheless. The real question for me is why people stay there and live there (like your guy who moved there for a job). Hard to fathom.
No answers, just agreement.
Kent
I have been a lurker for a while now because we have some mutual friends. This post brought me out of hiding. You did a great job describing Vegas and Kent’s comment just brought it on home. Never been and have no desire! I actually feel the same way about New Orleans, though there may be few that agree.
I’ve always wanted to go, but haven’t made it yet.
Felt the same way…saddened by the many, many poor decisions made there…and how those decisions might affect many generations. And I’m sad because I wish we’d have bought the harmonica man a burger.