My Meandering Mind

A chronicle of the daily minutia that weaves together our daily lives

Tuesday, January 18, 2005

Out of Work? Try Gambling...

Am I the only one who finds the mass marketing of gaming opportunities like Texas Hold 'Em, or the proliferation of "Get Rich Quick by Gambling" tapes, CD's and DVD's a tad bit irresponsible?

Let me start by saying I like to gamble. It's an enjoyable recreation, and sometimes if you get lucky you might leave a little heavier in the pockets than when you arrived. I've played craps blind drunk at Caesar's Palace until four in the morning and won a lot of money. I've also lost a couple hundred dollars in the matter of minutes. It didn't matter, it's entertainment. I didn't NEED the money.

But it's those who DO need the money that these "Get Rich Quick" schemers have in their crosshairs. I am very fortunate. I have a great career and earn a healthy living. My good fortune doesn't end there. I also have the ability to employ rational thought and act responsibly. But unfortunately it's the hourly wage earners that aren't equipped with the same thinking mechanisms and are not only buying these expensive CD's that claim to "turn you from beginner to pro overnight", but are taking the little money they earn to the casino on the weekends. Never mind the fact that your daughter hasn't had a meal outside of Taco Bell for three weeks, or that your refridgerator's contents are government cheese and stale bread, you know you can make it big in the poker world and maybe you'll be featured on one of the seemingly endless poker shows on television. Some people never learn. I suppose it's a lesson in capitalism. If one person's got a pile of steaming dog shit in their hand, someone else will be willing to buy it.

I think it's irresponsible on the part of the person gambling, but it doesn't end there. Casinos employ some despicable tactics as well. I have a good friend that works in the charitable field, and his agency runs a senior meals program. These people have nothing. They don't have bread, they don't have milk, and alot of them don't have heat or A/C in their homes. After feeding them three times a week, the agency sends them home with food to hold them over until the next meal at the agency. Get the point? THEY'RE POOR! DOWNTRODDEN! POVERTY STRIKEN! RELIANT ON SOCIAL WELFARE! In spite of their circumstances, the local casino sends a shuttle quite frequently to pick them up to take them gambling. Now, who's really to blame? The casino, or the irresponsible gamblers? Guilty on both counts your honor!

New shooter comin' out!

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