I’ve never thought of it as a moral issue, unless you’re bankrupting your family. Here are two unimpeachable sources on the morality of gambling. First, Dr Johnson:
I mentioned a new gaming-club, of which Mr. Beauclerk had given me an account, where the members played to a desperate extent. Johnson: “Depend upon it, Sir, this is mere talk. Who is ruined by gaming? You will not find six instances in an age. There is a strange rout made about deep play: whereas you have many more people ruined by adventurous trade, and yet we do not hear such an outcry against it.” Thrale: “There may be few people absolutely ruined by deep play; but very many are much hurt in their circumstances by it.” Johnson: “Yes, Sir, and so are very many by other kinds of expence.”
My feelings entirely. Then there’s the issue of the glee with which some poor sinners have embraced the news that Bill Bennett is, in some respects, Mr. Vice:
Homer: You know, Marge, for the first time in our marriage I can finally look down my nose at you. You have a gambling problem!
Marge: That’s true. Will you forgive me?
Homer: Oh, sure. Remember when I got caught stealing all those watches from Sears?
Marge: Hmm.
Homer: Well, that’s nothing, because you have a gambling problem! And remember when I let that escaped lunatic in the house ’cause he was dressed like Santa Claus?
Marge: Hmm.
Homer: Well you have a gambling problem!
That’s enough gambling wisdom for one day.
MUSIC STORE: I spent this afternoon procrastinating on a column by browsing through Apple’s new downloadable Music Store. Apart from the beagle, I think my iPod is my most treasured possession right now (although, of course, no one ever really possesses a beagle; you’re lucky if you get to associate with one). Basic review: kinda slow my end and limited choice. No Madonna? Barely any Mozart. Palestrina scarcely present. Only very old Pet Shop Boys. I guess it can’t accommodate everyone’s taste. But I did download a lovely piano version of Faure’s requiem. iTunes is a godsend, of course, and I’m sure the system will only get smoother and more comprehensive. I also feel far more, er, virtuous, actually paying for the stuff. A B+, I’d say. Worth a try. (And, no, I didn’t get payola for the plug.)
The Dish 