Big day here in Maryland, sports gambling is now being allowed! Yes, you can now place your bets on your favorite teams. The projected revenue is 15 million dollars. It's going to help with childhood education. In other news unless Congress acts quickly you may loss that 300 a month child support payment from Uncle Sam. But, don't get nervous, you can bet on football or whatever instead. Claims for unemployment are a low not seen since 1969, while there is a 11 million shortage of workers to fill the jobs. Yeah, I'd say this was a great time to allow more gambling alright, people surely must have a lot of disposable income. Well at least income they haven't earned and so don't mind just gambling away. What the heck, Uncle Sam will give me some more. If you have too, you could get a job, collect a thousand or so for a sign on bonus. Maybe even work at home! But remember, you can't place your sports bet using your phone, you have to do that in person.
The Maryland state legislature refused to consider any new crime bills designed to curb the number of homicides and violent crimes happening in the city of Balitmore. They had time to submit a gerrymandered map to the Governor, which he immediately vetoed, so they, vetoed his veto. Had plenty of time for all of that, plus passing gambling. Over three hundred people shot dead in the streets but no time to consider a new crime strategy. The two bills introduced would demand that people using guns in the commission of a crime actually be jailed! Well, can't have that. The City state's attorney issued a policy one year ago that she would no longer prosecute low level crimes like, drug possession, drug use, or attempting to sell drugs. Violent crime and homicides increased but it wasn't because of that, it's a drug problem. Not the people, the drug. In the same way guns are the problem, not the people using them.
But it's a big day in Maryland, sports gambling has begun. That'll teach those book makers hanging out in the barbershops. That should shut them down. It will also allow those decent, hardworking, law abiding citizens, to gamble without stigma! No more hiding in dark corners passing notes, keeping books. No, and the state will still maintain that gambling addiction hotline! If you have a gambling problem you can give them a call, they will offer counsel. You won't get your money back, but you will be consoled. It's not your fault, it's the money. You will be told to only bet within your means. You might even get educated on gambling and why that action is a risk. I can save you some trouble here. The state figures to increase its' revenue by at least 15 million dollars. That is based on the fact that most people will lose money betting on sports! I'll repeat the lesson in case you missed it; that is based on the fact that most people will lose money! That's how gambling works, the house wins in the end.
It rather amazing isn't it? Think about it. The government is handing out money because people need help. Many millions of jobs go unfilled, people refusing to go to work. The demand for higher wages, free medical coverage, more time off, and feeling "safe" at work all reasons for this. Don't gather in groups, get your free vaccine shots, get those free booster shots, wear a mask indoors, keep the children out of school. But, in Maryland, you can now bet on sports! Well, you do have more time to watch them on your big screen tv's and be informed on the stats. Don't concern yourself with jobs, shortages, or a sinking economy. Place those bets! Hey the Governor himself the first one. Now that, that is fiscal responsibility. Yes sir, a great lesson to learn. It took years to get that passed! But, a pandemic helped out with all of that. Well because a global pandemic is always the best time to encourage fiscal responsibility! Nothing says that better than gambling.
I know, it's nothing new. They have had lotteries and all of that in Maryland since 1973. The extent allowed has grown over the years. Casinos were allowed in 2008. Sports betting is just the latest. I have been opposed to such since the beginning. I don't feel it is a sound fiscal policy to rely on gambling revenues. That in spite of the knowledge that the revenue will be generated! I have no doubt that it will be. People always have money for vice. Alcohol, cigarettes, drugs, and other forms of vice will always exist, and always be profitable. It's just that I believe government should present a good example.
Individually we all have our vices, our shortcomings. But society creates boundaries, standards of behavior, traditions and indeed morals. Government is a reflection of that. Do we really want to be the land of gambling and vice? The land of anything goes as long as we generate revenue from that. Is that what we are going to say Freedom is?
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