Gambling... ... an issue?

While it has been empirically proven that gambling activities create social problems, personal issues and increased crime rates, it has been also been proven to have a positive effect on its locality. While the ‘battle’ between ‘good’ and ‘evil’ shall exist for all humanity, the arguments justifying the legalization of gambling shall similarly never cease. Thus during the process of deciding, governmental leaders and representatives from all reaches of society need to sit down together for a rational, pragmatic and open discussion. The search for a balance would be hard, but maintaining that crucial and delicate balance would be harder. From a personal perspective, I see gambling activities as an acceptable source of revenue and entertainment, but consistent governmental efforts must be present for the maintaining of social and civic order.

The gambling industry is known to be a labour-intensive business, this not only creates jobs for the populace, but helps improve opportunities and benefits as well. Furthermore, in light of inflation and tax increases, further provoked with lowered corporate taxes, gaming licences and taxation could offer a cushion for both the people and the national economy. Casinos further strengthen a nation’s tourism industry, from food and beverages outlets to international appeal. This second perspective offered represents a ‘larger picture’, where social issues are viewed from a ‘national collective angle’, and not from a ‘macro perspective’. In general, governmental bodies could use revenue collected from casinos to further improve national investments and wealth, infrastructure, and also social and civic responsibilities. Gambling per say, could not be blamed for any ‘harm’ nor ‘costs’ to individuals, families and society because it is a personal decision. In addition, with a proper educating systems and warnings in place, gambling as a vice becomes similar to cigarette smoking and alcohol drinking. Thus from a long term perspective, gambling incurred revenue not only offers the nation and her population with the opportunities to see an increase to infrastructure, that could ‘trickle down’ to benefit them, it also helps increase awareness of possible threats and harm to excessive gambling.

From an opposing viewpoint, statistics have shown that an introduction of casino gambling in an environment where it was previously unavailable would result in an increase in both crime and corruption. This heavily researched fact has been brought to the attention of policy makers, non-profit organizations, and agencies designed for society’s betterment, resulting in a stronger voice in casino condemnation. No parent would feel safe if his child had to grow up in an environment where thefts lingered in back alleys, nor would any decent police officer join ranks with corrupt officials. Furthermore, vices such as prostitution and illegal money lending might increase in numbers, further creating opportunities for crime and corruption. While these facts are undeniable, they are not entirely unpreventable. Like the mosquito, crime and corruption requires a proper breeding environment before it could occur. A strong and rigid infrastructure in place prior to the introduction of casinos would significantly help reduce the effects of crime and corruption. Proper social education could also help alleviate the probability of criminals creating instability. Most importantly, it must be emphasized that gambling as a vice or addiction results from an individual’s inability to withstand temptation, personal responsibility takes precedence in decision making.

While gambling offers recreational excitement, many other activities offer similar heart pulsing and sweaty palmed thrills. Sports of almost any calibre usually stand as the greatest example of such activities. In conclusion, while ethical and social issues have a tendency to increase along with the introduction of casinos and gambling activities, there are various factors propelling an opposing viewpoint. Firstly, the individual’s decision to indulge in vices such as gambling. Secondly, a social ‘safety net’ created to educate, guide and help gamblers; this is usually a governmental initiative. Thirdly, the economic-stimulation offered by casinos in job-creation opportunities, as well as revenue and charity. The government’s ability to work openly and consistently with casino corporations and social communities also serve as a crucial factor in the maintaining and balancing of gambling activities. Personal decisions and personal choices are each and everyone’s individual responsibility.

Beauty of religion (SENSITIVE POST)

The Greatest Weakness stems from the Weakest Greatness humans have indoctrinated themselves to believe. From issues ranging from political ideology, to zealous religious faiths, and from inter-human relationships to the paranoia of possessive ownership, the human mind offers both the cause and effect explanation for justification.

The creation of things on earth draws both religious belief and empirical scientific proof into a never ending debate, a feud that could never end, notwithstanding the extinction of this self-annihilating species, commonly known to us ‘homo sapiens’.

Religion and beliefs offer many similar traits, the preaching of positive and good deeds versus those with evil intent. However, over the centuries, various cultures, traditions and practices (in certain areas, malpractices) develop their individually localized strands of these beliefs, thus creating a consistently polarizing world. These differences offer the greatest rift between men.
While this may seem controversial, it is in my opinion that human weakness accounts for the imagination of religions. This imagination and recreation of what was reality turned into myth and legend is more than purely a way of human control, but also the excuse needed for human survival. Human survival does not purely stem from the necessity of procreation, but also from the simple basic desire for knowledge. When that knowledge could not be satisfied with naturally accepted reality, then the power of imagination comes into play. Great Moses parted a sea, enlightenment occurred under a Bodi tree, and while some gods chose jackals for heads, others preferred elephants. I love religion, because all religions preach good things, and while there are those that choose to denounce others and maintain a staunch belief in their own, I offer my humble three words: “frogs in wells”.

I am not lost, at least I do not deem myself lost. I deem myself rational and pragmatic, while some may argue, I beg to differ. Firstly, religion is a faith and belief a person chooses, preferably based upon personal preferences. These preferences differ between individuals, and should be respected, however, a parent’s belief in his or her child, and the faith they put into their child(ren) shares many similar traits. Secondly, religion preaches the positive, be that of good deeds or charity. The fundamentals of Catholicism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism etc all share those qualities; these religions condemn looting and theft, adultery and innocent killings. Are nations’ judiciary laws not based upon similar grounds?

I am mere mortal. By saying that, I am acknowledging my personal belief in higher beings. I am not contradicting myself, because hope, faith and belief permits continuity, and without continuity, humans as a race would have ceased to exist eons ago. But then again, do we not kill ourselves with vices, wars over territory, ideology and religion?

Regardless of our skin colour, language and location, we all look different. Regardless of religion, beliefs and traditions, we are all different. Our differences make us individually special, accept it, adapt to it and embrace it.