corruption
Why I'm Against Gambling
30/03/10 18:45
My opposition to gambling has nothing to do with whether it is moral or immoral, or with whether the Bible says it is wrong or not.
First, I should say that if I have to pin myself somewhere on the political spectrum, I consider myself a classical liberal. Thus, in keeping with that ideology, I am not opposed to gambling in Alabama...in theory.
(Note: My father has brought it to my attention that most people will not know what classical liberal means. Lest anyone think I have gone over to the dark side, here's the definition of classical liberal: is a political ideology that developed in the in England, Western Europe, and the Americas. It is committed to the ideal of limited government and liberty of individuals including freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and free markets19th century. Notable classical liberals include Friedrich Hayek and Milton Friedman.)
The problems come from looking at reality. Our country is a welfare state. Between food stamps, Medicaid and various other entitlement programs, the poor in America are taken care of. Who pays for those programs? You and I do...and so does every other taxpayer in America. I often hear "People should be able to do whatever they want with their own money. If they are dumb enough to gamble it away, it's not my problem." But the thing is, it IS their problem, just like it's my problem. When Joe Smith gambles all his money away and can't afford to feed and clothe his family, the taxpayers have to pick up the slack. And that's one reason I'm against gambling in Alabama.
Here's the other reason: The gambling interests in Alabama have a long history of buying votes and being involved in shady business deals in order to get what they want. They also have a history of funding candidates that will look out for their best interest. Almost all of those candidates are Democrats. Imagine the millions of dollars that will flow into Alabama if we legalize gambling. Now imagine all of those millions flowing right into the pockets of Democrat candidates. At a time when Republicans are closer than ever before to taking over the State Legislature, we cannot afford to have gambling come in with that kind of money and fund the Democrats. If we allow this to happen, Montgomery will become even more corrupt and shady than it already is.
The Democrats showed just how desperately they want gambling legislation passed today. The Senate Democrats pulled out every trick in the book, and broke as many rules as needed to pass SB 380. Lt. Gov. Jim Folsom Jr. was heavily involved in today's debate--something he rarely does. From the gavel in, it was clear that the Democrats had something afoot. We now know exactly what they had--two senators who agreed to come over to their side. Unfortunately, Sens. Denton and Pruett gave up their integrity and voted for this corrupt piece of legislation.
The gambling bill (SB 380) passed by a vote of 21-13 around 6:30 this evening. We will now have to take this battle to the House. I only hope we have some tough House members who will be ready to withstand the pressure from the gambling kingpins.
First, I should say that if I have to pin myself somewhere on the political spectrum, I consider myself a classical liberal. Thus, in keeping with that ideology, I am not opposed to gambling in Alabama...in theory.
(Note: My father has brought it to my attention that most people will not know what classical liberal means. Lest anyone think I have gone over to the dark side, here's the definition of classical liberal: is a political ideology that developed in the in England, Western Europe, and the Americas. It is committed to the ideal of limited government and liberty of individuals including freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and free markets19th century. Notable classical liberals include Friedrich Hayek and Milton Friedman.)
The problems come from looking at reality. Our country is a welfare state. Between food stamps, Medicaid and various other entitlement programs, the poor in America are taken care of. Who pays for those programs? You and I do...and so does every other taxpayer in America. I often hear "People should be able to do whatever they want with their own money. If they are dumb enough to gamble it away, it's not my problem." But the thing is, it IS their problem, just like it's my problem. When Joe Smith gambles all his money away and can't afford to feed and clothe his family, the taxpayers have to pick up the slack. And that's one reason I'm against gambling in Alabama.
Here's the other reason: The gambling interests in Alabama have a long history of buying votes and being involved in shady business deals in order to get what they want. They also have a history of funding candidates that will look out for their best interest. Almost all of those candidates are Democrats. Imagine the millions of dollars that will flow into Alabama if we legalize gambling. Now imagine all of those millions flowing right into the pockets of Democrat candidates. At a time when Republicans are closer than ever before to taking over the State Legislature, we cannot afford to have gambling come in with that kind of money and fund the Democrats. If we allow this to happen, Montgomery will become even more corrupt and shady than it already is.
The Democrats showed just how desperately they want gambling legislation passed today. The Senate Democrats pulled out every trick in the book, and broke as many rules as needed to pass SB 380. Lt. Gov. Jim Folsom Jr. was heavily involved in today's debate--something he rarely does. From the gavel in, it was clear that the Democrats had something afoot. We now know exactly what they had--two senators who agreed to come over to their side. Unfortunately, Sens. Denton and Pruett gave up their integrity and voted for this corrupt piece of legislation.
The gambling bill (SB 380) passed by a vote of 21-13 around 6:30 this evening. We will now have to take this battle to the House. I only hope we have some tough House members who will be ready to withstand the pressure from the gambling kingpins.
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