Gambling for Education

Here's the problem with our political debate about gambling - ethics.

The argument for gambling, generally made by Democrats and led by Governor Sebelius, is couched not on the fact that it is perfectly legal in this country, but rather that we need gambling to fund schools. In other words, the ends justify the means. Gambling may be inherently bad, but the money is really good. If allowed in Kansas, the state banks $200 million for education. So it is okay for that reason alone.

But you see that puts us in a nasty ethical dilemma, doesn't it? We won't fix the cost/revenue equation, because it's an election year. So we minimize the debate about the right and wrong of gambling in favor of, "Well, everyone else does it. And we need the revenue for schools."

And that's partially true. We do need the money. And we do have gambling here already. Native Americans operate casinos in Kansas. Bus loads of citizens leave Manhattan on a regular basis to play there. Kansans also flock to Kansas City, Missouri's glitzy playgrounds for entertainment. And hey, isn't the Kansas Lottery gambling? Sure it is.

As for me, I personally detest the joints. However, my parents and most of the Strawn family love them.

Conservatives often abhor gaming for religious reasons. While liberals rationalize it away - like many other issues - as a personal right of choice.

But whatever the gaming argument, let's not make law based on flawed ethical arguments. The ends never justify the means. And school funding should not be the basis for approving gambling here in Kansas.

The correct question to ask is straightforward: Is gambling right for a good society? Make that assessment and you'll have the ethical answer.

First published in the Manhattan Free Press March 23, 2006.