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Show The Daily Utah Chronicle - Page Seven Wednesday, January 22. 1992 Letters Gambling generates more good than bad spending his last dollar on a lottery ticket is not caused by the existence of gambling, or by the state, or even by Editor. For about a week now I have stood by and watched, amused, as the local factions have proceeded any promotional advances made pro-gambli- to make complete idiots out of toward him. It is caused by the man who buys that ticket Every man has freedom of his own actions, be they good or bad, and then he alone is accountable. By disallowing choices, he will instead now contribute that g money not towards a state-ru- n a but towards organization, bottle of J&B. There is also the argument that should we allow gambling, it will encourage the development of more themselves by attempting to blackball the Mormon Church as the Evil Empire. Finally confronted with a reasonable rebuttal in the hands of Gilbert Scharffs, Institute teacher (Jan. 14), I feel it is time to quit mumbling epithets about "eternal death," and attempting to explain why we should fund-raisin- legalize gambling and where, if anywhere, the Church is taking unfair advantage of its power. debaucherous, debasing activities. First of all, I have to attempt to correct the bumbling mistakes of those who took this position before me. No, morality is not an issue which solely concerns the church. And no, believe it or not, anal This is simply unrelated. If there is no demand for such things, they will not survive. If the demand exists, such activities will thrive. If the state of Utah wanted prostitution, it would be legal. Government has to cater to desires of its constituents. Here is perhaps where the problem of the Church's involvement exists. Legislators are blinded to whether people want gambling or not, since their church does not. Although they are not threatened with "eternal death," as some idiot proposed, they are threatened with exclusion from retentive religious zealots are not the only ones opposed to gambling. And there are reasons outside of ethical considerations studies tend to show that most people who gamble are the poor who can't afford it. It tends to corrupt a society. These reasons, along with the assumption that gambling is simply ethically wrong, were addressed by Mr. Scharffs and are, on valid they the surface, Unfortunately, and church their communities points. stand support, not to mention their offices. So to an extent, they are coerced into taking church positions, because if unaddressed because of die previous preoccupation with Mormon bashing. the Church says they voted incorrectly, LDS voters will This is not only offensive but unnecessary and does more harm to the position you are "defending" than good. Let us look instead at some real counterpoints: There is the argument that gambling preys on the poor. It is true that to the person who has next to nothing, the prospect of instantaneous millions is incredibly appealing. But the actual action of that person automatically be turned against them. Regardless of whether the Mormons have a majority in a particular election, they can be a deciding vote. But even if the reasons against gambling are invalid, we still need to be convinced there exist good reasons to legalize it. Why then, should we 1) It generates money. Regardless of whether all or only part of the money goes to the state, nothing can be done without money and gambling will provide us with it, without the complaints that go with raising taxes. 2) It generates interest. You may talk of how gambling takes money and time away that could better be spent on charities, but realistically, who is going to do this? It may be more productive or rewarding, but the interest just isn t there, and it will never be half as appealing as the prospect of money. Sad, but true. Having lived in Utah for the past nine years I've resigned myself to the influence the LDS Church has over the state legislature. It should be bias will expected that a be an inherent part of any decisionmaking process when a population is disproportionately characterized by some unifying attribute (i.e., race, religion, etc.). However, I cannot understand how the LDS religion; ever an advocate of free agency, can reconcile its overt policy of limiting self-servi- everybody's free choices. I witnessed a perennial moan by have issues have not changed all that much during this time (abortion, sex education, contraception, cable TV restrictionsvschool prayer, lottery, pornography, 1'iquor, etc.). By proposing and sometimes passing these laws, are you not eviscerating the very tenet which you espouse to be the cornerstone of your faith? I can understand exhorting your fellow members to abstain from those things which "detract from the spirit." But to compel others is anathema to some and theocentric if not vulgar. Utah and the LDS faith are not the center of all that exists (in spite of your celestial destination). It is only a tiny minority relative to the rest of the "secular" world. Utah is not an island in and of itself, but a state within and subject to the laws of the United States. Some have said, "If you don't like it, leave." This attitude can only further divide Mormons and because we (i.e., are not leaving. Perhaps we all should accept tolerance towards one another and be content issues are a personal that choice and not forced on either group. Another common error is the mistake of lumping proponents of laws) as "choice" (i.e. absolute supporters and participators in the aggrieved behavior they are not. I for one, sometimes find myself non-Mormo- ns non-Mormon- s) er anti-sinn- er personally aligned with issues identified with the Mormon theology for my own reasons, but the difference is that I advocate choice for those issues which I personally reject not because I everybody because we all are a minority in one way or another. Please recognize how your good intentions limit the freedoms that feel the aggrieved behavior should exist, but because the industry is a parasite on society, shouldn't be legalized," Jan. 14), and everywhere you read "gambling" or "gambling industry" or "lottery," substitute the words "organized religion" or "church" or "churches." OK now, let's start with the caption: "The church is a parasite on society..." Dale Webb former student mm us believe it creates an activity for families and friends. While in Las Vegas, I met a group of senior citizens who would go out and gamble nickels once a month just for run. You don't have to be a poverty-strickemorally bankrupt leech to enjoy gambling; many people find it exciting and an enjoyable way to pass the time. I agree with Mr. Scharffs in that the n, previous writers in favor of legalization have been both insensitive and insensible. His article was thoughtful and insightful, though in my opinion, wrong. Yet, I will not lower myself to poking fun at his religion. That has nothing to do with his stance and I respect his opinion, as I hope he respects mine. I believe I have answered his points well and proposed some reasonable arguments as to why gambling should be legal. As far as the pure morality goes though, I don't have an answer; I suppose I must be a victim of the poor ethical quality of modern journalism. Marin Granholm Sophomore English BOWL February 5, 6:30 pm Union East Ballroom Individuals: $2 Teams (5 max): $8 Registration at Union Room 245 Entries due February 3 at 5:30 pm SPONSORED BY THE UNIVERSITY UNION I hope all people will understand how much we have to gain as a society by being more rather tolerant of one another and realizing the value of true free agency. others seek to enjoy. My argument is neither disingenuous or specious, Robert Stewart U. second-yea- law student r INSTITUTE INFO "IDSSA HELPS YOU SERVE" J'or 50 fears A SymSoCof EceCCence SERVICE WEEK for Scholastic Achievement non--Mormo- ns each year when each legislative session convenes. The anti-sinn- right of choice should be preserved. Personal freedoms are important to editor about the evils of ("The gambling gambling community, Mr. Scharrffs would have have gambling? ' Editor: Here's a little word game: Take Gilbert VV. Scharffs letter to the 3) It generates entertainment. Rather than destroying the Church shouldn't rule personal freedoms Editor: Word games make reading the Chrony much more fun During the entire week please bring food for the homeless to the Institute Lounge. WEDNESDAY THE 22nd Service information tables set up from 8:30 am to 1 :30 pm. BLOOD DRIVE - Institute Lounge from 4 pm to 8 pm "Battle of the Bloods1' What Phi Eta Sigma Provides Local and National scholarships, Applications available at Open House Notable references for resumes Recognition of scholastic achievement Annual banquets featuring exceptional guest speakers THURSDAY THE 23rd CHILDREN'S FAIR - Meet with 80 kids from the Neighborhood House in the Central Institute Cultural Hall 12:30 to 3 pm. -- BLOOD DRIVE - Institute Lounge from 4 pm to 8 pm "Battle of the Bloods'" FRIDAY THE 24th SCAVENGER HUNT - Food for the Homeless Scavenger Hunt Meet on campus at the Union Lobby at 1 pm. SATURDAY THE 25th BARN DANCE AND HAYRIDE - Ask a date and purchase a ticket for S2 at the Institute Office. With your ticket you will receive the name of a handicapped student that you and your date will be in wonderful charge of picking up and ensuring that they have a will be on the back of the ticket. evening. Directions, to the barn SUNDAY THE 26th FEED THE HOMELESS - Under the 4th South Viaduct. Meet at the Institute at 7:00 am. Admission Requirement 3.5 cumulative GPA, figured with a minimum of 12 hours, during your freshman year qualifies you to join anytime during your undergraduate studies at the University of Utah. Initiation Banquet John Covey, Harvard Graduate and Member of Covey Leadership Institute, will speak at the initiation banquet held Thursday May 21, 1992 at 6:30 p.m. in the Panorama Room West, in the University of Utah Union. For More Information Open house will be held Jan 2 1, 22, & 23 in the lower union foyer from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. or call: 8 Wade Peabody 1 Christopher Cottle 8 Joshua Johnson 0 Heather Howell 295-433- 298-307- 581-998- LDSSA 272-655- |
