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Show Tuesday. January 14, The Daily Utah Chronicle - Page Six 1992 Letters The gambling industry is a parasite on society, shouldn't be legalized Editor Your editorial, "Sure bet: Spiritual blackmail will influence legislators," (Jan. 6), prompts me to point out that LDS. doctrine is opposite what your writer maintained. No one, not even the vilest of criminals, will be denied life after death or salvation no matter what their actions are in this life, let alone a legislator who votes for a state lottery or other forms of gambling. Also, it concerned me that the editorial complained more about the moral stand taken by all churches, especially the LDS Church, than it was with the facts surrounding gambling. The author urged legislators "to leave morality where it belongs: with the church.' Is the writer really saying morality should not be a concern outside of a church? Gambling, as most moral issues are, is a social issue that affects all people. It should be seen as a detriment to society by all concerned people, not just churches. It is difficult to see why your writer thinks he (she) has the right to join the forces who support gambling and yet feel a need to criticize a church when it joins the many who take an opposing position. It seems that if any groups remain silent church or other on issues then are criticized not being for they relevant to modern concerns. Is the writer really saying its OK for the powerful press to take moral stands and not a church? The writer suggested that if lenient gambling laws were passed, those who don't want to participate simply do not have to. That is a naive approach. All society suffers crime when moves into an area as a result of gambling; when money spent on get ethic that has made our country great Our economic problems are a result of low productivity and gambling promotes a mentality. Gambling reward's a few at the lonely or other productive and rewarding endeavors. Many who now live under the poverty level would have even less to subsist on if part of their income went into a lottery. Some studies show that many who can least afford it spend mvucy gambling. William Oswald has said, "How for government to the help D. self-defeati- disadvantaged on the one hand, and then take money from them by gambling reduces a family's disposable income for food, exploiting their hopes on the housing, education, other hand.'' personal savings and ng Whatever generous worthy c o n t r i b utions the result -- causes gambling profits may benefit, it is a is likely higher costly way of raising money because of the taxes for all. Church leader Dallin H. Oaks has pointed out high promotional, that gambling is alone CHRONICLE ARTMicho administrative Smith and sales costs. abominable, but when government is involved in promoting it, things are made worse because government is encouraging a "get rich mentality," instead of a solid work-for-what-yo- u- expense of the masses. Gambling preys upon human weaknesses. Time spent on gambling detracts from time with friends, family, reading, enjoying sports or the arts, visiting the sick and Taxes are a cheaper and more honest way of raising funds. One study shows that only about one-thir- of lottery d amount to charitable causes, such as the United Way, as they spend on gambling, taxes might be lowered because private instead of tax money could go to help alleviate social problems. The gambling industry is a parasite on society because it creates no economic benefits and no real wealth. One LDS spokesman pointed out "at most, it merely takes money away from many and gives to a few." Over the years, concerned citizens and leaders of many churches have given solid reasons why gambling is not beneficial to society without blasting the press. When anyone (including the Chrony writer) is intolerant of some other organization expressing opposing views and calling it "blackmail,' it is a sign of weakness. Who in our society is in a position to speak for high moral values if it is not done by our churches? Good ethics get little support from schools, business, government, the media or even the press. Let your editorial writer argue for gambling, but not whine and cry "blackmail" when someone disagrees. The first amendment guarantees freedom to both press and religion. Gilbert W.Scharffs LDS Institute of Religion teacher money goes towards public needs, If people would give the same Vatsis from page four Union is in the process of experiencing this phenomenon. Even the United States endured a period of violence and revolution. But rather than encourage South Africa to follow the natural course of change, Buchanan and Bush would have the violence continue with no apparent end in sight. Perhaps they fear the power or South Africa, should the violence stop. Rich in resources, South Africa could become one of im"''- the world's wealthiest and most therefore powerful countries. Assuredly, it would win its place as a fierce competitor for the United States. Unfortunately for Paul Simon, he was caught in the middle of a revolution in which all sides have been losing. Although his trip was made with all of the sincerity and honesty of his music, he chose the wrong time to tour, turning the concert into a deceptive event in which the spirit of between cultures played on to a LOOK FOR PETITIONS THIS WEEK IN THE MARRIOTT LIBRARY AND STUDENT SERVICES BUILDING. on Students will present the petition to the State Legislature on February 4. . 95 percent white crowd, while black groups protested outside. So $ STANLEY H. KAPLAN cJL Take Kaplan Or Take You r Chances IIIIIIIMUJiiYf Hlr'lill'llP'nlH A Town IF Need $$$ To Study Abroad? 3(o)L0irD(g Meeting with SENAY0R ORRIN HATCH Tuesday, Jan. 14 at 12:00 noon A. Ray much for peace and harmony in South Africa. Olpin University Union Ballroom Apply Now LIBERAL EDUCATION STUDY ABROAD SCHOLARSHIP Deadline: March 1, 1992 (for programs beginning this Summer or Fall) Awards range from $1,000 to $1,500 depending on the length of the study program 3.0 cumulative GPA Priority given to applicants whose proposed program will contribute to the completion of Liberal Education requirements Priority given to students who will be sophomores or juniors during their study abroad program For further eligibility requirements and applications contact: SPONSORED BY UNION PROGRAMS IN COOPERATION WITH ASUU AND THE DAILY UTAH CHRONICLE INTERNATIONAL CENTER 159 University Union 581-5B- 49 |
