Leagalizing Gambling

With an economy that is in recession and amoral and immoral legislators seeking new streams of revenue the legalization of gambling in Florida and the legalization of Internet Gambling are once again being considered by our political leaders.

It would seem that our politicians are more interested in revenue that the good of the people they represent. Every state that has legalized gambling has without exception counted a high cost in the lives and finances of its people. Gambling is wrong for Florida and Internet gambling is wrong for America for several reasons.

Gambling is wrong personally. It violates a fundamental premise of personal self worth. The person who works for a living has a much stronger self worth than the individual that relies on someone or something to provide for them. Ultimately gambling is a tax on the poor. Those who least can afford losses are most often the ones who are looking for a “big win” and suffer a big loss.

Gambling is wrong for the family. Often gambling and its consequent addiction create a loss of money, resources, and common sense that leads to the demise of the family.

Gambling is wrong for Florida. We are consistently deceived as to the financial benefits and uses of tax revenue related to gambling. In the late 1980’s Floridians were told that the State Lottery would provide for a financial Nirvana as relates to education funding. Since the adoption of the lottery we have seen consistent reductions in educational dollars.

Gambling is wrong for America. Gambling will take money away from the normal economic patterns of life, food, shelter, transportation, job creation, etc… The loss in these areas impacts every segment of our society.

Gambling is wrong with God. The Bible teaches, “… this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.” 2 Thessalonians 3:10. God intends for us to earn of living by the sweat of our brow.

We will not find solutions for our economic problems by encouraging people to that which will ultimately bring harm to them. I trust you will encourage our legislators to not walk down this dark path.

Attempting to connect the dots…

Wayne
Romans 1:16

Quotable:
“There is no replacing hard work and consecration on the road to success.”

- Unknown