More gambling, more heartbreak
So, here we go again with another round of proposals to expand gambling in Illinois.
Notice that I use the term "gambling" and not "gaming" which the gambling lobby prefers.
Playing games usually doesn't lead to harmful outcomes.
However, gambling does.
How much heartbreak in how many homes has come about because of individuals who recklessly squander assets on games of chance?
Lots!
I'm involved with several social service agencies that work with individuals and families to try to repair the wreckage caused by compulsive gamblers.
These agencies have plenty of work and their work is not pretty. With this backdrop, why would anyone propose expanding gambling in Chicago and Illinois?
The answer is that others have weaknesses too.
The others with weaknesses are the politicians --the people we've hired to -- run our government at the state, county, and local level.
The people we've hired cannot or simply won't operate governments within the means they have.
Instead of establishing meaningful priorities, instead of cutting non-essential functions, instead of purging relatives and donors from the payroll and instead of seeking new, better or more efficient ways to offer governmental services, they seek to do things the easy way. The latest tactic of the so-called leaders in Springfield is to encourage more people to gamble more.
"Let's have more casinos," they say. "Let's put slots at the tracks" they say." How socially responsible is that?
Not very!
In truth, gambling is a cynical tax on members of our society who can least afford that tax. Come on elected leaders!
Have you no shame?
No more gambling!
Charles F. Falk
Schaumburg