That was in the early 1990’s when Bishop R. Sheldon Duecker was regularly on the news exhorting Illinoisians about the evils of gambling and urging the legislature not to expand it.
So, so much more appropriate a cause to promote than his successor’s crusade to legalize homosexual marriage.
I was reminded of Duecker when I saw black ministers on TV last week urging the General Assembly not to expand gambling.
No white faces.
And, unfortunately, probably little connection to suburban viewers.
Where was the cry from the increasingly enfeebled Methodist Church?
In his February 14, 1992, column in the Northern Illinois Conference United Methodist Reporter, the weekly newspaper sent to leaders in the church, Duecker says,
“The gambling devices known as video slots are particularly attractive to teenagers who have grownup on video games. Experience counselors report they are (a) particularly addictive form of gambling.
“The message teen-agers have been receiving from our culture is that gambling is not a vice, but a normal form of entertainment.
“A ‘Time’ magazine article cites that fact, along with others for the surge in gambling fever among teen-agers. The promotion of lotteries by state governments, the marketing efforts of casinos, and the example of parents and other adults also contribute to this problem.
“I have only recently become aware of the extent of this problem. Like most people, I have sat quietly while the legislators and local community councils have approved gambling for economic reasons.
“If we care at all about the quality of life in our state and in our local communities, we will become informed on this issue and say,
‘Enough is enough!’“For the sake of the future quality of life, won’t you join me in becoming acquainted with this glamorously disguised evil and speak out against it?”
I even put together a post card that was mailed to members of the First United Methodist Church of Crystal Lake.
Unlike this past week, when McHenry County State Reps. Mike Tryon and Mark Beaubien, plus State Senator Pam Althoff voted for video slot machines at the corner convenience store and tavern, none supported similar proposals 17 years ago.
Since the bill is now at the stage of approval or disapproval by Governor Pat Quinn, those interested should direct their communications to him. The addresses are below:
Springfield
Office of the Governor
207 State House
Springfield, IL 62706
Phone: 217-782-0244
TTY: 888-261-3336
Chicago
Office of the Governor
James R. Thompson Center
100 W. Randolph, 16-100
Chicago, IL 60601
Phone: 312-814-2121
Click to enlarge any image.
That was in the early 1990’s when Bishop R. Sheldon Duecker was regularly on the news exhorting Illinoisians about the evils of gambling and urging the legislature not to expand it.
So, so much more appropriate a cause to promote than his successor’s crusade to legalize homosexual marriage.There is no more appropriate cause than the reduction and elimination of discrimination in our society. Shame on you Cal Skinner for your continued denigration of the gay community.
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Why would state governments feel the need to turn to “gambling” as a source for revenue? I’ll guess it’s because of continued pressure from comfortable suburban Republicans to repeatedly lower taxes. Well-resourced Republicans feel that there’s no need for public services and thus no need for tax collection.
So, congratulations on being well-heeled enough to call for lower taxes.
Our roles of what my church should promote obviously differ.
It’s my church too, dude.