COLUMN: An open letter to Speaker Phelan on casinos

We know that a new session of Texas government has begun. Thus, we are sending you this urgent letter. A train is easier stopped at slow speeds. But before I jump into the issue that is igniting this letter, let me congratulate you on the office of Speaker. Our prayer is that you represent the State well and then our district as well. (We fondly enjoyed the years of working with Representative James White.)

Here is the issue: “Destination Casinos.” The paper is quoting you as having spoken openly and favorably concerning this possibility. Furthermore, the same article indicated that Governor Abbott was not ‘totally’ holding a ‘no’ on the issue. We realize that millions of dollars have been and will be spent on lobbyists from Las Vegas and other points geographically who would desire to profit from ‘gambling’ in Texas. That very article state that they, the ‘gamblers,’ are already drawing potential plans for an arena/casino in the DFW area. No doubt, you have felt and will feel pressure from powerful people and sources to allow or even encourage a bill, or bills, that would give these folks their wishes concerning casinos and gambling venues. A pig in a pretty skirt is still a pig. The question is: Does ‘gambling’ truly enhance or enrich society? Does ‘money’ solve the ills of our present generation? Does it really better anyone or any segment of society except primarily those investors in such companies? Yes, the argument can be made for all the ‘peripheral’ benefits of restaurants, hotels, travel, etc. being blessed by this ‘new casino destination.’ However, the basic cost of societal ills being addressed by government programs will increase. I doubt that the lobbyists have done an honest and thorough research into that cost and perhaps it is too nebulous to put hard facts and figures to. I am NOT proposing that hte government’s job is to morally police society. That is Christianity’s job and we must be about the ‘Master’s’ business. However, your job is to ‘represent’ our views AND govern accordingly to what is truly the best interest of society. At the end of the day, you have to decide what to support and speak positively for and about. We do pray for you in that matter. You ARE our representative.

In preparing to write this letter, I prayed and had these questions: While government is NOT to preach of police morals, should they do the opposite and make laws that give greater possibility and even encouragement to questionable activities? What do I mean: Make certain drugs ‘recreational’ and publicly available? Would a ‘destination brothel’ someday in the not too distant future be a consideration or a ‘destination drug users resort’? I know that those sound ‘radical’ and/or smart-alecky, but the only requirement for evil to triumph is for good men to remain silent. Praying for you and this issue, plus making our stand known to OUR representative.

Your friend and servant,

Pastor Danny Lewis

Kirbyville