Las Vegas/Lost Wages

Las Vegas, NV

I feel compelled to post something here from Las Vegas simply because it's costing me money just to open up the browser. I remember my mom saying that she hated Miami because "everyone has their hand out," and that is indeed the case with Las Vegas as well--and in spades! If you like Miami, and you like Disney World, you might like it here too; they are all "American success stories" in a way.

It's $7.99 for two hours of internet service here at the lovely Treasure Island Hotel & Casino; wherever else we have traveled to date, wifi has been free. I refused to buy coffee this morning at the Starbuck's in the lobby because a small one was $3.25. And one scoop of Ben & Jerry's ice cream last night was $5.35--the posted price list was very misleading; I would have never willingly bought one scoop of ice cream for that sum. And tonight we're seeing a Cirque du Soleil performance for a mere $113.90 a ticket (and that was the second-lowest price category).

Beyond the outrageous prices, of course, are a variety of other things that represent U.S. culture at its worst. As we pass by the gamblers, I see little joy on their faces as they stare at the slot screens. It's disconcerting to walk by a dozen guys handing out cards for various types of outcall services and strip joints--they push them on you even though you're walking right next to your wife! And there's such a truly faux feeling to things--the Venetian is across the street, and it has "real canals," but they are about as real as the breasts of many of the women who parade down the street (showing cleavage seems to be a requirement around here--it is hot in the desert, after all). It's all glitz and hype, with a lot of alcohol just to keep you loose and willing to part with your money. From the poor folks selling bottled water out of coolers on the sidwalk to the big casinos themselves, everyone has their hustle, and I don't particularly like feeling hustled.

I think what annoys me as much as anything is that Las Vegas tries to exploit human weaknesses--the desire to be rich, to be sexy, to be important, to be trendy and popular. Simply put, the city is built on taking advantage of people's vulnerabilities--in particular, the idea that we can be lucky enough to "beat the odds." All of those losers are the ones who built the swimming pool at Treasure Island that I will visit in just a few minutes. And, it celebrates and reinforces the idea that with a wad of Benjamins in your pocket, a huge margarita in your hand, and a hot young babe by your side, you've got it made in the shade. (Well, actually, that may beat a few pennies, a diet Pepsi, and re-runs of the Golden Girls!)

But all things considered (I may be sounding a bit old, poor, and resentful): as far as I'm concerned, what is in Vegas can stay in Vegas.