Gambling bet won’t pay off
I was somewhat shocked at the front page of this paper on February 20. It read “Gamble Pays Off. Wheeling slots attract throngs, generate millions in taxes, fee. Official reports few problems with gaming.” This paper has really promoted gambling with this front-page headline. Gambling is one of the great social evils of this country. Of course, the clamor to support gambling is supposedly to help senior citizens and to provide relief on property taxes. But one of the reasons help is needed is because of outrageous taxes due to wasteful programs and waste in general sponsored by politicians. Politicians spend our money as if it came out of their pockets and then brag what they have done for us.
Another reason is the ungodly lifestyles of many who are just simply irresponsible. These are lifestyles that require expensive rehabilitation – treatments for drug abuse, alcoholism, gambling addiction, and other types. And in most cases, the treatments fail.
Just check the lifestyles of those on the dole. Our tax money spent on booze, drugs, tobacco, gambling and other reckless purchases.
What about the claim that there are few problems with gaming on Wheeling Island? This may be almost correct there, but think of the by-products in all other neighborhoods? Money spent depriving homes of the essentials of life. Money is spent that could be used to support local businesses, charities, and churches.
A check with cities such as Atlantic City shows the devastation caused by gambling: neighborhoods blighted, crimes increasing. And is not organized crime involved in the gaming business?
The Bible denounces gambling by warning us about the greed involved with gambling. All things on Earth belong to God who has put us in charge as good stewards. We certainly are not to gamble on God’s resources. We are to earn what we have in life by working and not by placing down a buck and end up with even millions.
This obsession in gambling has really gripped our nation. And how soon will it be when we have slots in places such as drug stores, gas stations, and even churches?
And let the Penguins leave. A new arena would result in another casino and more boozing. Our smiling Gov. Ed Rendell continues to lead our state further into immorality and economical decay. Is the bottom line, “Robbing Peter to pay Paul?”
Robert E. Pfeil
Richeyville