... Paul. As you know, I generally have very Libertarian views about government telling people how to live their lives.

Specifically:

>> ... surely you are jesting when you say you
>> see nothing wrong with allowing a parent to
>> encourage a child to gamble.

Not at all. Do you think it is wrong for Little Leaguers, Boy/Girl Scouts, elementary school students, etc., to sell raffle tickets? Heck, even churches run raffles and frequently allow and encourage children to participate by selling the tickets.

>> Although I pay cards every morning, I would
>> never, ever let my grandchildren know what I
>> do. Even my grown children are unaware of my
>> gambling doings.

Well, that's a personal choice, Paul. I respect your right to make that choice for yourself. I see nothing wrong with you playing cards; nor do I see anything wrong with my doing so and I do on occasion. I have no problem letting my children know and never have. In fact, we've played penny ante poker in my family, including the children, since I was no more than 5 or 6 myself.

>> That is the very last thing I would want any
>> of my family other than my wife know about me.

That's a value judgement, Paul. Once again, I respect your right to make that decision for yourself. It's just not one I would make for myself. I wouldn't expect to impose my standard on you and I certainly wouldn't expect you (or anyone else) to impose their standard on me.

>> I believe in the hypocritical philosophy of,
>> "Do as I say, not as I do."

Sometimes, of course, parents do have to follow that philosophy, even if it is hypocritical. I do not see the specific example of a father allowing a 12-year-old to drop slot tokens into a machine as falling into that category.

>> To date, I am very lucky and proud to say that
>> none of my family, other than myself, gamble.

I guess my family is more decadent than yours. #2 son just got back from Reno, where he won $400 playing blackjack this weekend. Everyone in my family has gone to Vegas, Reno or Tahoe (or Indian casinos in California) at one time or another. I do not consider myself unlucky or "unproud" (if that's a word). I DO think it is important for most people to gamble with the attitude that they have a certain amount of money with which to entertain themselves and limit their losses, if any, to that amount.

>> I cannot see anything gambling related
>> that contributes in any way to society.

I wouldn't begin to try to justify the economics of the gambling industry. I'll leave that to someone who knows the facts and figures. I DO know this, however. If there was no gambling, there would be no casino chips. And we wouldn't be having this conversation!

Glenda & I are looking forward to seeing you & Peggy in "Sin City"! ----- jim o\-S