What?!?! Gambling Causes Problems For Society??

Oklahomans made a colossal mistake when they voted for a statewide lottery a few years ago and an even larger mistake was made when casinos were allowed to operate on tribal land (I know, I know, I sound like a broken record). How long will it be before we decide to reverse this awful public policy? Today, the Oklahoman published an article concerning problem gambling in Oklahoma. Consider this from the article, "We're seeing kids checking out of college because they've lost so much,” Smith said. At a recent informational session at Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Smith asked how many knew someone with a gambling problem. In a room of about 140, all but seven raised a hand." And this, "between 1 and 3 percent of any population and 2 to 4 percent of adults have pathological gambling addictions, experts say. That translates into at least 35,000 Oklahomans. Many more are problem gamblers who do not reach the medical definition for pathological." More sobering stories are included in this article. But do our leaders care? Apparently not--so long as they don't have to make tough decisions on funding our government, they'll be happy to see gambling expand in Oklahoma. Why are Oklahoma citizens not more adamant about good governance? As a society we ought to demand from our political leaders policies that will encourage and lift up the whole state--NOT ensnare the vulnerable.