Resist relying on slots to generate funds

Neither the governor nor the General Assembly has explained why slot machines and/or casinos will make Maryland a better place to live, work and do business in a new, knowledge-based economy. To the assertion that if Maryland does not approve slots, our compulsive gamblers will drop their money in surrounding states, we should consider the comparative advantage we will provide to citizens and firms that value an environment and economy free of the pernicious influence of an industry that preys on greed, desperation and fantasy.

Even with heavy taxation of gambling enterprises, the obscene profits it produces will be recycled into corruption of the political system through campaign contributions and lobbying in efforts to further expand franchises. We had enough experience with slots years ago in Southern Maryland and enough intimation of influence peddling and pressure from the current gambling advocates to know this is a business that can stoke its insatiable greed only with the active connivance of government officials.

Further, since the success of gambling as an enterprise and as a revenue source depends upon the sponsorship of the state, it corrupts basic democratic ideals. State-sponsored gambling undermines our ideals by making the government party to promoting a vice that relies on irrationality, greed and human weakness. Moreover, gambling as a source of revenue runs contrary to the principle of shared public responsibility for the provision of services. It offers something for nothing, allowing us to shift responsibility for financing services we want from the public through sharing the burden of taxes, onto a population vulnerable to exploitation.

Oppose slot machine gambling in November. Ultimately it addicts us all.

Rebecca Wagner, Rockville

The writer is executive director of Interfaith Works.