01:00 AM EST on Sunday, January 29, 2006

As I read Edward Achorn's Jan. 24 Commentary column ("Harrah's takes aim at separation of powers"), concerning state Rep. Timothy Williamson's proposal to amend the Rhode Island Constitution to allow for a casino in West Warwick, I could not help shaking my head in disbelief. Have our legislators really sunk to these depths?

What is at stake here is not just an up-or-down vote on a casino, but the very integrity of our state government.

It's hard to imagine that other members of the General Assembly would even entertain an amendment that allowed, for the first time, "a special deal crafted for a corporation [to become] part of the state's constitution."

All Rhode Islanders, whether for or against the casino, should think long and hard about the ramifications of Mr. Williamson's proposal.

Mr. Achorn makes some pretty strong arguments, and his column provides all of us a profound insight into what could occur in Rhode Island if this proposal moves forward.

Almost 100 years ago, Theodore Roosevelt commented on what he termed the "unholy alliance" between politics and the businesses of his day, and went on to describe the task of statesmanship. Was Teddy Roosevelt prescient? In his speech, President Roosevelt made what I feel was a very interesting observation: "Behind the ostensible government sits enthroned an invisible government, owing no allegiance and acknowledging no responsibility to the people."

Edward Achorn is sounding a warning about the possible consequences if Representative Williamson's proposal becomes part of the constitution.

The question is, will people understand what is truly at risk? And then will they make their voices heard?

A.G. PALAZZO

West Warwick