Women’s Rally Against Expanded Gambling

This year gambling and all of the attending problems that it brings could be expanded in Kentucky.  Our new governor campaigned on the promise to amend the state constitution to allow for casino gambling in Kentucky.  At the same time that proponents of expanded gambling are promoting their cause, we know that compulsive gambling is a great problem.  We as women must oppose expanded gambling in our state.  Study after study shows the havoc that gambling wrecks on families and communities.

The Illinois Center for Addiction Recovery says on their web site (www.addictionrecov.org) that “video poker and slot machines have been referred to as the ‘crack cocaine of gambling.’”  Where other forms of problem gambling often take 15-20 years to move to the desperation stage, those addicted to these forms of gambling often progress to the desperation stage in a mere 2-3 years.  This form of gambling will be legalized in Kentucky if our Legislature passes a constitutional amendment for expanded gambling.

Say No to Casinos is a Kentucky based organization leading an effort to defeat expanded gambling in Kentucky.  Visit their web site (www.saynocasinos.com) and read about the lies being told in support of expanded gambling:
   Casinos Will Help Other Businesses
   Casinos are a Source of Free Money for Our State
   Casinos will Make a Valuable Contribution to Communities
   Casinos will Save the Horse Industry
   Casinos will Stay at Racetracks

I urge you to contact your state representative and express opposition to expanded gambling in Kentucky.  It’s not good for our economy or for our families.  The cost of the problems that gambling creates far outweighs the income generated.  We can find better ways to finance needed programs in our state.

Above all, I want to challenge you to join us for a women’s rally against expanded gambling on Tuesday morning, February 12, 2008 from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. in Frankfort as we gather in the Capitol Rotunda.  This event will be a combination press conference and rally.  The presence of a rotunda filled with women in opposition to expanded gambling will send a powerful message to our state legislators. This rally is being organized by Say No to Casinos and I will be one of the speakers.

You are invited to be present and also bring personal notes to deliver to your state senator and representative.  You are also encouraged to write a personal note to Governor Beshear, as well as to the President of the Senate, David Williams, and the Speaker of the House, Jody Richards.

The timing of this rally has been set to maximize media coverage and to time our presence early in the work day of legislators.  Some will be able to get up early and drive in that morning for the rally.  I suggest that you arrive by 8:30 a.m. to allow time to park and make your way to the Rotunda.  Others may need to travel the day before.  We need women from all across Kentucky to increase our impact.  Dr. Bill Mackey, KBC Executive Director, has said that we need to have 500 women show up to help our lawmakers understand how important this issue is to us.

If you know of a woman who would be an effective speaker for this rally, please contact me.  We will be using several different women to speak against expanded gambling.

Opposition to gambling is an issue for WMU.  We minister in Christ’s name when we take positive and practical steps to meet needs and correct social and moral problems which victimize people.    I urge you to study the issue, arm yourself with facts, and speak up against expanded gambling. Read more about the impact of gambling on women and web resources on our Kentucky WMU web site.

Please share this with women from your church as well as neighboring churches (all denominations).  We want to have a strong presence in Frankfort.  I believe that a large women’s rally against expanded gambling will have an impact.  Can I count on you? Let's make our voices heard!.

 0 Comments posted by: Joy Bolton on January 14th, 2008