Please explain: Why do some people like to root for failure?

Jan. 9, 2019 | G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com

The other day I went to my favorite place to buy my weekly Powerball ticket, Buckeye Brothers in the South End of Springfield. Dave Glantz, the owner, asked me if I had seen the comments made by people on MassLive in reaction to an announcement that MGM International announced a jobs cut.

I said I didn’t, as I seldom look at MassLive, and I especially never look at the comments. I think people should own up to their remarks rather than hide behind a screen name. Have the courage of your convictions, folks.

First, here is what was reported by the Las Vegas Journal-Review: “MGM Resorts International plans to cut its U.S. staff to save $100 million by 2020.

“In a statement Thursday, the company said the layoffs are part of a program to boost operating cash flow by $300 million a year by 2021. MGM Resorts also will centralize operations and invest in technology.

“The savings potentially imply 2,000 job cuts. Though most of the layoffs will be managers or higher, the company said some union jobs could be eliminated.”

To be clear, the statement doesn’t say how many people, if any, would be laid off in Springfield. MGM is a huge gaming company with a lot of properties. I hate to see anyone lose their job, but layoffs do happen in a wide variety of businesses.

Actually this isn’t much of a local story as there is no indication if there would be any layoffs here.

Some of the comments posted were sensible, but too many of them were “I told you so.” Apparently there are plenty of people who would love to see MGM fail and they see this announcement as some sort of indictment against MGM Springfield.

I don’t get it. Do people hate the region in which they live so much they want a nearly $1 billion private investment to go under? Please naysayers, what would happen to that property? Or would you just like to see it shuttered?

I’m the reporter who was once asked, “Why do you hate MGM?” because of a story I wrote. I’m one of the guys in the local press who didn’t drink the Kool-Aid.

Yet, I believe MGM Springfield has been a positive for our community. It’s bringing people to the city who normally may not come. It’s providing an anchor for small business development.

I haven’t spent a dime at the casino gambling, but I’ve eaten at most of the restaurants and certainly have gone to events and the movies there.

Regardless of my cynicism – pardon me it’s an occupational hazard – I want MGM Springfield to be a roaring success.

There are people, though, who no matter what happens in a community seek out the negative. I’ve had people say to me the redevelopment of Union Station isn’t impressive and that not enough people use it.

How the heck would you know? Are you hanging out, counting people?

Please.

I suppose it’s human nature to express opinions that allow you to feel superior to someone else – it’s nothing about which to be proud.

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