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Stop it Before it Starts
April 15, 2004
By Rev.
Todd Crofford
Sr. Pastor
Laurel Wesleyan Church
When I was in college I owned a 1982 Honda Civic. That car was so deeply rusted
that even though we did our best to give it a great paint job, its true nature
would show through time after time.
Such is the case with legalized gambling. Proponents of a new hotel and slots
complex in Georgetown would have residents of Sussex believe this will be a boon
for our economy and our state. Nothing could be further from the truth. It is
troubling enough that slots already exist in Kent and New Castle, and we
certainly do not need them in Sussex.
If you believe gambling is a proper means to a good end, take into consideration
information from the Delaware Council on Gambling problems, Inc. This is a state
operated gambling-neutral organization that fields phone calls via a toll free
number to help those with gambling addiction problems.
According to their information, here are some of the behaviors of those who
become addicted to gambling. Gamblers who become addicted increase the amount of
money they gamble and the amount of time they use gambling. They try to escape
from life through gambling. They lie about losses and exaggerate wins.
Ultimately, they will “beg, borrow, or steal money to gamble or pay off gambling
related debts.”
Does this sound like the direction we want families to go in our communities? In
2003 alone, this organization fielded 368 calls for help. That’s one suffering
family for every day of the year. Imagine how many more hopeless situations this
represents with people who were afraid, embarrassed, or too much in denial to
call.
Those of us in the Laurel and Seaford area must not have a “as long as it’s not
in my backyard” philosophy. Do we really believe that Georgetown slots will be
populated solely by Georgetown residents? The families in this area cannot
afford to have mom or dad dropping major portions of their paycheck there
instead of the grocery store and the electric company.
If the Council on Gambling is right, it is only a matter of time before crime
increases in the area as well. If you don’t believe that will happen, go
interview people who live near Atlantic City or Reno.
Frankly, those who support gambling are willing to sacrifice what is morally
right for that which seems profitable on the surface. We cannot afford for such
a selfish mindset to prevail.
If we keep silent on this side of the county, we will regret it. Keep your ears
open for any upcoming meetings that address this issue in Georgetown. Then make
sure you attend and let your voice be heard.
The views expressed do not necessarily represent those of Site One
Networks, Inc, the congregation of
the Laurel Wesleyan Church or the Wesleyan Church International. You may respond
to the author directly by E-mailing laurelwesleyan@siteone.net
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