Our “casino culture”

I’m broke and upset.  I’m broke because my investment plummeted this week.  I’m upset because, on top of that, we taxpayers have to bail out failed companies affected by the real estate and financial crises.

I’m not criticizing the bailouts—I am far from competent to evaluate such complex economic policy decisions.  I’m upset because, in such uncertain economic times, governments should be encouraging their citizens to act cautiously and use their money prudently.  Instead governments keep encouraging people to gamble.

John McCain, in his response to the spreading financial crisis, decried the “casino culture” on Wall Street this past week.  What about the casino culture in state governments?

I hope to prepare an essay, though it would be more credible if authored or co-authored by an economist, pointing out how government’s embrace of gambling has undermined families’ financial prudence, legitimized risktaking, fostered a society in which two-thirds of adults gamble, and thereby contributed significantly to the problem.  Your suggestions are welcome.

I feel outnumbered

I enjoyed appearing alongside gambling counselor Jody Bechtold and Gamblers Anonymous leader Norm B. at a forum on gambling issues at Ingomar United Methodist Church on September 10.  Unfortunately, that day there were at least 100 people getting separated from their money at the Meadows for every one who came to our forum.  But we have to start somewhere.

I’m disappointed that we have not yet been able to create a growing movement of popular disdain for and opposition to casinos’ arrival in western Pennsylvania.  But we will keep trying.  Please promote our presentations, bumper stickers, window clings, and consulting wherever you can.  Everything’s free except for the recommended $1 donation for the merchandise.

Other news

If you’re in the Catholic Church, share with your pastoral or diocesan leadership this wonderful, direct essay by the archbishop of the diocese that includes Guam: http://www.guampdn.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080921/OPINION02/809210319/1014/OPINION

A class-action suit filed on behalf of addicted gamblers in Quebec has begun.  I don’t think I could attend this trial without falling apart emotionally, based on the tragic comments contained in this article on the suit:  http://www.canada.com/topics/news/story.html?id=762599e9-baba-4abe-b674-b364156d89e3

When economic times are bad, state governments keep promoting the lottery and economically struggling people keep playing it.  In fact, their sense of economic insecurity may cause them to gamble even more:  http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/13/us/13lottery.html?_r=1&th&emc=th&oref=slogin

Pastors across Maryland are opposing that state’s November referendum on slots:  http://www.baltimoreexaminer.com/local/people/Pastors_take_to_pulpit_against_slots.html

In never-quiet Philadelphia, Foxwoods, one of the two casino license winners, has succumbed to enormous public pressure and agreed to consider building its casino at a different site, away from the riverfront—and near Chinatown, some of whose residents aren’t too happy.