“What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.” For 99.9 percent of the people that visit Sin City, that phrase holds mostly true. But for that other 0.1 percent, what happens in Vegas usually starts itching on the flight home or shows up on their doorstep a couple of years down the road.

Concerns about the snake eyes you did or did not roll don’t come up until well after the deed is done. Why? Because beyond the gambling, drinking and promiscuity, what Las Vegas, Nev., truly offers is an escape from reality. People are given a real opportunity to forget life’s worries for a little while and truly live in the moment.

So the question that arises is where exactly does Vegas fit in an economic recession that is unprecedented in recent history? Does it continue to be a haven for those seeking to escape the hardships of the real world, or does it sit as an example of the corporate excess and greed that we want to eliminate as we move forward?

Let’s face it. It’s not every day we see an enormous castle sandwiched between the Statue of Liberty-fronted New York skyline and a gigantic glass pyramid. Where else can you stroll through the pages of time, visiting the wonders of ancient Rome and witnessing a Pirates of the Caribbean-like pirate ship battle? Only in Vegas, baby.

This spectacular display of grandeur is awe-inspiring for everyone, regardless of whether or not you respect the immoral foundation of profitable debauchery it was built upon. Sure, while experiencing these wonders, you may pass people on the street drinking margaritas out of glasses more than a yard long and watch in horror as some reckless fool carelessly loses hundreds of dollars on the single turn of a card. But, this only adds to the surrealism of it all.

Our gut reaction tells us that Vegas embodies luxurious waste, the kind that cannot be afforded when making ends meet and is no longer an entitlement. But maybe there is some truth in the revitalizing effect escapism can have on your mental health. After all, other industries that provide little mental getaways, such as movies, have experienced no decline from the recession.

Our president has already voiced his opinion on the matter. In comments made in February, he insinuated that companies who associate with Vegas are not demonstrating appropriate responsibility in this economic climate. This prompted many industries to cancel their scheduled conferences in Las Vegas, enraging the mayor of the city and many other Nevadans.

Yet, despite these harmful comments, Obama is still going to Las Vegas next week to promote a fundraiser for Senate majority leader, Harry Reid. Reid currently has nearly $4 million set aside for the campaign, which is 5 1/2 months away, and currently has no realistic challengers in the swing state’s fragmented Republican Party after the Battle Born State turned blue last election.

Surely, this is not an example of the excess and lack of responsibility that Obama warned private corporations about. Instead of being hypocritically ironic by asking people to donate more to their governing officials — after losing enough tourism business to force the state to impose taxes on funerals and childcare — this must be a sign that we all really do need these mental vacations.

Vegas must therefore be considered a necessity rather than a luxury. The very existence of such places to clear our heads of the world’s problems is essential to the maintenance of our health and sanity during this recession.

Clearly, now is the perfect time to visit the desert oasis. Due to the significant lack of tourists, you can find incredible deals at places that would normally be reserved for only the best magicians and Elvis impersonators. With this aid in place to ensure moderation, you can follow the steps of our leader and take a much-needed cerebral break while still mildly stimulating the Nevada economy. Who knows, you might even be the next Rusty Griswold, turning every dollar you play into a new car.

Reach columnist Jeff Dickson at opinion@dailyuw.com.