Commentary and photography on a wide range of topics for the purpose of stimulating thought and discussion as well as providing a temporary diversion, informative and/or entertaining, from the daily routine. db
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
Self-Help
As the anti-casino forces in Ottawa try to create a doomsday
scenario if the city goes ahead with another gambling facility, their argument
is rather weak. Their primary claim is that another casino would be bad for the
gambling population; referring to vulnerable seniors and others with
limited financial means. According to the information provided, about 2% of the
population has a gambling problem. Notwithstanding the tax revenues derived
from gambling, the idea then is to penalize 98% of the population because 2%
have a problem. With some estimates that
30% of the population has a drinking problem, why not turn off the flow of
alcohol. They keep on selling and
introducing new tobacco products as well as junk food even though both
contribute to major and potentially fatal health problems. While I don't
dispute the good intentions of the anti-casino forces, as a society why do we
persist in trying to prevent others from accepting the consequences for their decisions? In certain instances, specifically those where
people can and should take some ownership of
improving the situation, the argument that they need perpetual help is a
tough sell.
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