Gambling is serious and addictive
In regard to James Clark’s column which appeared in your Sept. 27 issue, it surely sounds pro-lottery. I must confess, I have never known of a single mother passing up baby food to buy lottery tickets, but I have known of a father who would spend all of his paycheck before he got home instead of paying the rent so his child could have shelter.
I have known of a father who embezzled money at the financial institution where he worked to support his gambling. He lost his job, his wife and family and then served time in prison.
We do not need more gambling or alcohol. If you ever heard a member of AA who is a recovering addict, you learned one drink puts them on the road to falling off the wagon.
We buried my wife’s aunt, her daughter and son-in-law leaving four children without mother or father because of a drunk driver. Two other people were also killed in this accident. If a recovering addict sits down at a table where someone else orders a drink, wouldn’t it be a great temptation?
Using one of Clark’s arguments that we live in a free country, “I am free to spend my money however I wish,” it proves too much. Why is it illegal to buy crack, coke and meth? Somebody told me I had to pay taxes whether I wanted to or not.
McMinnville citizens will do themselves a great favor if they go to the polls to vote and vote no to the lottery and the liquor referendums. The wise man asked, “Can man take fire into his bosom and his clothes not be burned?”
J. Lynwood Mathis
118 Franklin Street
McMinnville