By Plain Truth

October 5, 2009 7:52 PM | Link to this

No one is stopping you from going to any state that gambling is legally immorraly to go to, so why don’t you pick yourself out a state that you can go gambling and go there, cause it ain’t gonna happen here!!!

By Jerry Clore

October 5, 2009 7:10 AM | Link to this

You religious fanatics put G.Bush and his leader, Cheney in Washington for 8 years. They have stolen billions from us to fill the pockets of gov’t contractors and foreign gov’ts, not to mention the human carnage.They let Wall Street steel trillions from not only Americans, but the world of hard working people. You put Rush Limbaugh on a pedestal and think he is brillant even though he’s high on prescription drugs…I think you’ve done enough damage for one generation….let someone else have a shot at raping us, but with the choice of whether to go into a casino or not to. At least you have some fun losing your money, rather than the one’s who control our 401k money and don’t let us take it out until their good and ready after they have lost it all for us. Being so self righteous is really a bad character trait. Let’s hear it for the Easter Bunny and Jesus used in the same sentence and ask him how come he, who is not suppose to be like the Easter Bunny, is not helping all those innocent people of all ages who die in world disasters. I’ll bet each one asked him and not the Easter Bunny for help just before they stopped breathing. Didn’t work…DID IT????? Explain that specifically so everyone can understand it. Let people decide where they want to go and what they want to do when they get there. If they hurt someone else in the process or themselves….compare it to the confusing state of mind the shooters have right before they open fire in a high school or college campus…..You think you can keep us all from hurting ourselves??? Look at all the cigarette butts around the SMOKE FREE CAMPUS SIGNS…..That should tell you that you ain’t going to save us all from ourselves…..

By guess who

October 3, 2009 9:39 PM | Link to this

It readssperation of the state from the church not visa-versa maybe you need a history class!!! Then again we nays have just as much to say about this subject than all the yays that sling mud, call names, and act like the imature babies that they are. Go to Indiana, Michigan, or whereever they are losing money on casinos and shipping most of the money out of state to Las Vegas, Pennsylvania or for that matter over seas just like the jobs you are working at now will be shipped out of State. Then Ohio can turn their empty factories, the new unneeded schools and the state house for gambling casinos and whore houses, which they are turned into prostitues for they sell out the people of ohio to highest bidder. By the way the highest bidder is the casino backers!!

By PLAIN TRUTH

October 3, 2009 9:23 PM | Link to this

What about the unprotected two guys at the indians games that were wrongfully accosted and arested by the cleveland’ boys in blue and consequently lost their jobs over being in jail for four days for something they did not do. Is that protection? Maybe we need protection from the FOP and some of the people they get greased from!!

By Yes to Casinos!

October 2, 2009 10:37 AM | Link to this

Judge not, lest ye be judged, Rev. Edgar. What right do you have to sling mud at those who protect and serve us without citing any proof whatsoever? This isn’t your place. Until you renounce all forms of gambling in your church, start contributing to society via taxes and provide some means to employ parishioners, you have no right to tell the rest of us what’s right and what might be best for our city.

By Joshlang

October 2, 2009 9:51 AM | Link to this

I don’t understand why the police union, which has always been against casinos because of the crime that comes with it, is suddenly supporting the building of the new casinos in Ohio. What did issue three promise the police union that would make them change their mind.

By John

October 2, 2009 9:10 AM | Link to this

We need to get Sheriff Plummer to put his name on the endorsement line too. Him and Drum are big buds now since he has kowtowed to the union.

By zal8923

October 2, 2009 3:20 AM | Link to this

It doesn’t make sense that union groups and organizations are supporting a company that is known for their anti union work. Issue three is pushing a dishonest and shady campaign.

By thomas

October 2, 2009 12:34 AM | Link to this

Wow - what a hot button! Hey all you people from out of state, dont bother ever planning to come to Ohio. We have a bunch of pruds here who dont want to allow anybody to have any fun.

By B

October 2, 2009 12:15 AM | Link to this

it’s a sad state of affairs when a Methodist bishop resorts to name calling and making judgements about other people’s motives. Yet, I don’t hear one idea from him as how this state should go about raising more revenue.

By Retired Sgt.

October 1, 2009 10:55 PM | Link to this

All anyone has to do is research union Drum’s previous law enforcemnt career to discover his level of credability. The only reason the FOP backed this measure was an effort to garner “security” work at these locations. NO GAMBLING.

By Chistopher

October 1, 2009 10:14 PM | Link to this

What I don’t understand is why are these unions supporting a known union BUSTING company getting a monopoly on casinos in Ohio? it just makes no sense and once you read the fine print issue 3 is a bad deal!

By FOP = Union Thugs

October 1, 2009 10:06 PM | Link to this

gee, didn’t the FOP come out AGAINST gambling last election? Think they did and now since their ranks are thinning because of budget cuts, now they are for it. What a bunch of hypocrites. They are one of the worst unions around. They just hide behind their badge and do nothing like Randy Beane, and get paid for it. The FOP ad has the VP of union that can barely but a sentence together.

By A Secular No vote

October 1, 2009 9:48 PM | Link to this

I just don’t understnad why we would want Casino’s in Ohio. From a pure economic view what long term benefits will casino’s bring to Ohio. If we used this energy to find a real sustainable competitive advantage we might dig ourselves out of this death spiral.

By justsayno

October 1, 2009 9:18 PM | Link to this

its simple…just say no to gambling…nothing positive will come from it…thats why its a “gamble”….

By dude

October 1, 2009 8:32 PM | Link to this

BTW, I’m voting NO on the casino. It’s BS that theyll build it everywhere BUT Dayton. Lord knows we could use the revenue. NO to Dayton? NO to Issue 3!

By ohplease

October 1, 2009 8:32 PM | Link to this

Dude have you been living under a rock, the FOP does plenty of political endorsements. The only thing amiss is your overactive imagination.

By dude

October 1, 2009 8:26 PM | Link to this

Church & State does not apply here. They are permitted to support/oppose issues. I find it odd the FOP endorsing this issue. The FOP has rarely ever endorsed an issue or gotten involved politically. Something is amiss.

By Jimmy

October 1, 2009 8:23 PM | Link to this

Lets see here, crime up = more cops paid from old training money they don’t need any more because they get new money. The Casinos have lots of cash and will need someone to protect them and their guests. So they will go through the local FOP and hire off duty and part time cops for security only after the FOP takes their “cut” of the action (employment services).

By Mannix

October 1, 2009 7:52 PM | Link to this

This explains why the FOP has flip-flopped their view on casinos from last fall. It is shame the FOP has turned in to nothing but a bunch of shills and hacks.

By null

October 1, 2009 7:06 PM | Link to this

Maybe the FOP would like to approve some brothels as well, this could increase the tax take for ohio

By mwm

October 1, 2009 6:52 PM | Link to this

Nevada has about 30 legal Brothels. State licensed and all. Some states have what amounts to legalized marijuana. Most states have some form of gambling. Either by lottery, casinos, racetracks and other things. Many native american tribes have casinos. It is up to the individual to set boundaries. And, as stated, morality begins at home. There is not a “mad dash” to Nevada to take in a Brothel. Legalized marijuana may exist in some locations but, not everyone lights up. And, most people do not gamble. Those that do gamble, will continue; with or without casinos in Ohio.

By justin michaels

October 1, 2009 6:50 PM | Link to this

when studies predict that crime will go up if issue 3 goes through then why are the police officers supporting issue 3? the police union has always been against casinos and now they want issue 3 to pass. what has the issue 3 people promised the police union.

By Grandma Sue

October 1, 2009 6:34 PM | Link to this

The police lie? Heaven forbid! Let’s face it, training seminars for law enforcement, (which frequently occur out-of-state), means getting a paycheck to drive to the “school,” sit in a classroom and not be in the local community proactively protecting the citizens. It’s a paycheck to attend the “good old boy club.” How is that “not taking a single penny?” If the FOP membership had to drive to the training seminars at their own expense and without compensation, would they support casinos then? Of course not. It’s simply overtime.

By NoUse4aName

October 1, 2009 6:16 PM | Link to this

Please show me any biblical premise for gambling being forbidden. And if you can find such a thing(would be a stretch), why the hell it should matter regarding state law.

By Jake

October 1, 2009 6:06 PM | Link to this

First of all never trust a union official even if he is a cop. The money allowed for training of police is to train them to deal with increased crime the casinos will bring. It will nnot be for training throughout the state.

By WOW!

October 1, 2009 6:00 PM | Link to this

Its amazing that people are so against this because it is “evil”! I go to fish fries at Churches and drink beer and gamble, but thats not considered evil because the money goes to a church and not a Casino? Give me a break with this stuff, when there are Preachers and Ministers here in ohio that have huge houses with lots of land because of the church and they are not corrupt?!!? This is rediculious! I will vote NO for the Casino’s if the churches agree to be taxed on there revenue, which won’t happen! So create job’s! People are going to gamble regardless, lets keep the money in Ohio!!!

By null

October 1, 2009 5:47 PM | Link to this

NIMBY !!

By JESUS??

October 1, 2009 5:08 PM | Link to this

Jesus warned us about this?? Was that right after he talked to Easter Bunny. (if one is real, they both are) Maybe we should all just pray about this…that always seems to work for you people.

By kurt

October 1, 2009 4:38 PM | Link to this

Gambling IS wrong —-the state EVEN says it’s illegal [ unless they’re involved] At least the reverend isn’t speaking through both sides of his mouth.Believe you me,if the state could tax it,prostitution and and drugs would be legal.Legalities,nowadays are based on $$$$ and JESUS warned us it would happen

By mwm

October 1, 2009 4:23 PM | Link to this

Not all “methodists” are against gambling. Just as not all Baptists refrain from drinking or dancing. Not all Catholics are against the concept of married priests or birth control. The Bishop Ough may speak for some methodists but, not all methodists. Although, he does have the ability to force the individual churches he commands to send out fliers and post comments in the Sunday Bulletin. But really, he has no other control over his congregations. The poor people that gamble usually use the state run lottery. It’s as simple as a trip to a convenience store. This does more damage than any casino would do. People that choose to gamble at casinos have to make an effort to do so. Morality begins at home and not because of some man made church doctrine. Or, some distortions of scripture. My family does not gamble. This is by choice. Not because of the rantings of some church or religion. But, we do not impose our standards on others. People that choose to gamble will do so with or without casinos.

By -Remember When-

October 1, 2009 4:07 PM | Link to this

-Remember When- When they were pushing the Ohio Lottery for the good of the Schools and said it may reduce or do away with property taxes did it happen? NO. Only about eight cents of every Lottery dollar goes to the Schools. The rest is administration and greed! If a casino is the only way our Government can balance the budget, then they may as well legalize prostitution and drugs, then tax the Hell out of it. This will not be the quick fix for the Economy. It will pray on the poor and the greedy. Will the Casino’s bring jobs to Ohio? I think I have named the jobs Casino’s will bring to Ohio above. Are you all ready to sell your souls? For the people who think this will not affect them because they do not gamble at the Casino’s, think again when someone robs you to support their habit. Remember, The House always wins!

By Rational Point of View

October 1, 2009 4:02 PM | Link to this

The debate over “casinos good or evil” is irrelevant - what is relevant is looking at this deal and seeing if it’s a fair deal for Ohio. Reading the fine print, you realize that we’re giving ONE company a private monopoly on casinos, with NO written promises of what the end casinos will look like, or if they’ll ever get finished. We have no promises on jobs, and no guarantees on taxes. Heck, they even get to have cash bets untaxed! As written, this is a bad deal for Ohio. We can do better, send this to the ash heap of history and let’s move on a real proposal, one that isn’t about giving away our state to a union busting company.

By Samantha

October 1, 2009 3:59 PM | Link to this

Petey boy - You speak the truth! Though I’m sure the average cop on the street doesn’t know what happens behind close doors at the top. I don’t blame them for something they were forced to support.

By Jeff

October 1, 2009 3:57 PM | Link to this

Rob, You’ve hit it right on the head. It’s another pooly written Constituional Amendment. Maybe not as poorly written at the Wilmington debacle, but still poor. I have no issue with allowing casinos, but the way recent issues have been written, they drip of special interest influence. I do not want our state constitution ammended to allow 4 casinos any more than I do to establish a board to determine how cows should be raised (Issue 2). Why only 4? Why can’t someone in Dayton open a casino? If a casino is going to be legal in Ohio, let them be legal anywhere in the state and let the market decide where they are successful. I’m not voting NO to gambling. I’m voting NO to a badly conceived proposal. BTW: I am Catholic and Bingo revenues have fallen as the economy has slumped.

By thinkaboutit-again

October 1, 2009 3:54 PM | Link to this

There are high costs to embracing gambling. Those costs are paid in shattered marriages and families, debt and other societal ills that will not benefit Ohio. Are we trading our future for money? Studies have proven the presence of casinos increases the prevalence of addictions. Will tax payers pay for those addictions? This plan would not generate wealth; it would shift wealth from the poor to a small group of affluent. We do need more jobs Ohio; but not these.

By Petey boy

October 1, 2009 3:50 PM | Link to this

Of course this preacher is right - the cops NEVER endorsed casinos the four previous times it was voted. They always said - no crime study was done, so we cannot support a possible hike in crime. Well, the study is done now - 2009 by Harvard and MIT - and they say casinos hike crime by 10% annually. FACT. But, suddenly, the Ohio FOP endorses casinos anyway? What’s different in this proposal, besides a study NOW done which PROVES casinos spike crime? The $$$ to the police. And, don’t forget Issue 3 is offering $100,000 to city chambers of commerce and visitors bureaus if they endorse the casinos. Wonder what the police sold the union endorsement for to these billionaires? Shame on you Cops!

By Thinkaboutit

October 1, 2009 3:40 PM | Link to this

First let me say hello to all you hypocrites!!! Second this minister is the biggest one and I appreciate you putting your foot in your mouth on this issue. Where were they on the lottery, bingo in churches, and all the illegal gambling going on right now in Ohio, yea nothing no fight on those issues. This casino issue is a win win for Ohio, this will not increase gambling in Ohio, this will keep current gamblers from going to other states. Look Ohio we need something to boost our economy, something quick we cannot wait for delusional dreams for fuel technology to come and save us we need to act now!!! I’m not even going to waste my time arguing all the other stupid issues brought up this web post. Just take a look at the Indiana communities that have a casino, great roads, great business districts that were not there previously, great police service, and no increase in crime reported these are the facts people. Don’t give in to special interest groups like the ones who killed the lottery machines in race tracks, they stated they were looking out for Ohio citizens, now because they stuck their noses where they don’t belong because of their own agenda, the state is going to raise taxes to accommodate the state budget, well thanks but no thanks, I’m voting “YES,YES,YES,YES, for the casino issue and yes I’m a proud dues paying member of the FOP!!!!!!!

By Keep it Real

October 1, 2009 3:34 PM | Link to this

I just thought of something - how is bingo and other church picnic chance games not considered “gambling”? I guess since the money goes to the church God says it is OK?

By Rob

October 1, 2009 3:28 PM | Link to this

Permit approved types of casino gaming authorized by Michigan, West Virginia, Indiana, and Pennsylvania as of January 1, 2009 or games subsequently authorized by those states. right out of the Amendment. Ohio cannot limit, in any way, the operation of any game as long as it is played elsewhere. PLEASE make your legislators do their job…not this end run contitutional stuff. Do we really want a gambling amendment in our Constitution?

By Thump this

October 1, 2009 3:27 PM | Link to this

I don’t care what the “Bible” says about gambling… or any other storybooks.

By Tired

October 1, 2009 3:17 PM | Link to this

Here’s the deal. Do you research. Read the proposal before you cast your vote. Gambling in and of itself is not “bad” nor is it a sin. It’s the role it plays in one’s life that that makes the action bad or sinful. Last year’s was worded so poorly that it was doomed to fail. If you had read the whole thing you would have seen that there was indeed a no-tax clause BUT it could only go into effect IF the state voted in another casino. So, theoretically, an Indian casino could have been built and then no one would ever pay taxes BUT (big BUT) we would have had to VOTE for approval for the Indian Casino. Last time I looked, we don’t have an Indian casino in Ohio - also, they can only be built on “reservations” is there one of those in Ohio? honestly not sure, but I don’t think so. Also, a YES vote on that bill meant “yes, I do NOT want a casino built in Wilmington” technically, I think the people spoke loud and clear that we really did want the casino - people just didn’t pay attention to what they were doing. Bottom line: Yes - it’s all about money.DUH! Why else would anyone care? America is about money. is that greed? maybe…but the fact of life is, you do need at least some money to live. Companies don’t do much for free. and if they do something for fee, you can bet they’re getting a tax break for it!

By Rob

October 1, 2009 3:14 PM | Link to this

Have you actually read the proposed amendment? A complete and utter forfeiture of State sovereignty over the grounds and actions of these casinos. They are not subject to any zoning and any game played anywhere in the US would be legal here. Read the ding-dang amendment. PLEASE!

By Keep it real

October 1, 2009 3:12 PM | Link to this

Frank Dean - have you ever heard of separation of church and state? How about leaving the bible out of politics for once. We hear enough of it when it comes to the pro-choice/pro-life issue. But I’m sure the extremists will continue to use “God’s word” to support their political beliefs.

By frank dean

October 1, 2009 3:08 PM | Link to this

The bible on gambling and people doing as they please with their money.G-d wrote the bestselling book ever published. In it,He addresses money, risk, and financial issues more than a few times. Without a doubt, one of the most-quoted scriptures when the sin of gambling arises is John 19:24:”They said therefore among themselves,‘Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be,’ that the Scripture might be fulfilled…” (NKJV). Debated by scholars, exactly what is referred to when the Bible mentions “casting of lots” is not conclusively agreed. Nevertheless, the act certainly is related to some kind of game of chance, perhaps the tossing of dice or the drawing of sticks of various lengths. While He died on the Cross the Roman soldiers gambled for His clothing. Nothing good can be found in the soldiers’ actions. They were wrong in what they did. The question then must be asked, what comprised their sin? The stealing of Christ’s clothing was certainly a sin. Did they also sin for gambling? One would think so from the number of people who reference this passage against gambling. One way to interpret Scripture is to analyze other verses that seem to make similar points. Perhaps other verses on a subject are clearer; if so, then the context of the first verse can be clearer too. Can one find the casting of lots elsewhere in Scripture? Yes.Acts 1:26 says this:”And they cast their lots, and the lot fell on Matthias. And he was numbered with the eleven apostles.” No Roman soldiers are casting the lots here. As a matter of fact, 11 of the men who walked the earth with Jesus Himself, eleven of His very disciples, are the men casting lots here. Are they casting lots for evil? Quite the opposite, they are casting lots to determine who will become the twelfth disciple to replace Judas! To complete the twelve holy men, the first eleven disciples cast lots and chose Matthias.What admonition did God swiftly bring to these eleven? None. He seems to approve of the act by allowing its use in His book without comment. These are the twelve who will represent and spread the Gospel to His twelve tribes of Israel. If they had acted wrongly in choosing the twelfth member, He would have been the first to complain. One must conclude that the act of casting lots is not a sin in itself. One can extend that reasoning to support that games of chance are not sinful in and of themselves. Playing for Money? The question now becomes, why are games of chance for financial gain considered to be a sin by so many religions? If you gamble with your own your money, invest in the stock market, buy real estate, or simply spend too much on haircuts, showing a love for money over that of your wife and family this addiction would cause serious trouble and the consequences should be severe. Paul writes in 1 Timothy 5:8:”But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” Jesus Himself makes it very clear that(unless spending the money to commit a sin) a man can use his own money to do with as he pleases. Matthew 20:15 says clearly:”Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with my own things?…”If Jesus says that a man can do with his own money what he wants”, then why do many Christians today want to trump Jesus’ wisdom?

By Collection Plate

October 1, 2009 3:05 PM | Link to this

The Church is concerned about gambling for one reason, they feel it will cut into the money people might give them.

By Sick of the wacko right

October 1, 2009 3:03 PM | Link to this

Whatever the bible-thumping youre going to hell types oppose - I vote for. Thanks for helping me make up my mind - YES to gambling!!!

By FOP Liar

October 1, 2009 3:00 PM | Link to this

Non-gambler, The resaon the FOP did not support last years issue 6 was due to the language. Ultimately the casino in Wilmington would not pay taxes. Indian owned casinos are tax exempt.

By Cat

October 1, 2009 2:56 PM | Link to this

Any time a church wants to give up it’s tax exempt status and add money to the mix; go right ahead.

By Lance

October 1, 2009 2:55 PM | Link to this

Ministers are some of the biggest crooks there are and are involved in some of the biggest scandals. They are all about control of their followers. Believe in what you want, but don’t let the crooks that run the church control you. They are in it for themselves and their families, not yours.

By Non-gambler

October 1, 2009 2:53 PM | Link to this

When they were trying to get a casino in Wilmington, the FOP was against it. They felt it would not benefit the community. Why weren’t they “bribed” then? I voted no then because of it and I’m voting yes this time because the FOP supports it.

By Huntyr

October 1, 2009 2:52 PM | Link to this

I’m not a fan of the “sky is falling” mentality that the anti-casino groups take. I’m for it. I think the influx of funds and jobs can do nothing but help Ohio. The casino’s hire, the local area sees an influx of traffic causing the other local shops to have to stay staffed up… sounds like jobs and money coming to our state to me.

By FOP Liar

October 1, 2009 2:51 PM | Link to this

Bigredlite, I’m a retired member of the FOP. Obviously you do not have a clue. Churches will give up the tax exempt status when all non-profits give it up.

By jonas

October 1, 2009 2:46 PM | Link to this

Half smart, the rest stupid, stupid, stupid. You actually think all of this money is going where they say. I have a lot of land in Fl for sale.

By bigredlite

October 1, 2009 2:33 PM | Link to this

Are the churches willing to give up there tax exempt to help the economy? Or is this all a one way thing, you help the churches keep out casinos and we will put a good word in with the lord. Every true christian knows, the lord does not need to bribe a person for them to go to heaven. The person needs to believe in the lord and keep the lord in there hearts. Even I know that he is always there.

By greatly concerned

October 1, 2009 2:23 PM | Link to this

Do you think the Methodists feel that some of their collection plate monies may end up on the Pass Line? Or that their unemployed church members may accept jobs building casinos, so they can make their house payments and feed their families?

By Ann

October 1, 2009 2:21 PM | Link to this

Blah Blah Blah. I am a Christian and I believe that Ohio should have a casino. So what? The state needs money especially for schools; instead of all the money going to Indiana, Michigan, etc. Ohio should get some. If a person is an out of control gambler-then that is their problem. God gave everyone a brain to use. Gamble wisely. Does my opinion make me a sinner? I don’t think so. –by the way I play the lottery once in a blue moon and I do not go to the gambling boats. But I am voting for the casino to be in Ohio.

By bigredlite

October 1, 2009 2:20 PM | Link to this

hey FOP liar, where do you get your information from? please post a link unless this is the information that your church has given you so it must be right. What are the churches going to do when the state of ohio get so far in debt that no one can even go to church? All the churches keep saying is keep out casinos and just keep raising taxes that way we can keep our monte carlo nights.

By frank dean

October 1, 2009 2:20 PM | Link to this

Hey Gramma. Here is another one just for you, Luke 12:33 Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth. That verse is really about money, it’s not about giving up whatever you put before your relationship with God and Jesus. Notice the mention of money bags in this verse. I have taken a vow of poverty and except for a meager existence I give all to the needy.

By World

October 1, 2009 2:18 PM | Link to this

Expanded gambling Bad idea last year, the year before, and so on… Hey, if it produces money then it is good for society. Let’s sell drugs???

By World

October 1, 2009 2:17 PM | Link to this

Expanded gambling Bad idea last year, the year before, and so on… Hey, if it produces money then it is good for society. Let’s sell drugs???

By FOP Liar

October 1, 2009 2:15 PM | Link to this

“We (the FOP) do not get a single penny of any of these proceeds,” said Drum.” It is called union dues. More members equal more dues. “Tenenbaum said the casino proposal would provide about $13 million a year for law enforcement training.” Has anyone been to “training” as they call it? That’s a joke in itself.

By bigredlite

October 1, 2009 2:11 PM | Link to this

There are some things I am confused about. The churches are mad because there will be more money to the FOP. Which would mean there would be more law enforcement jobs, which also means more law enforcent on the streets. Also they say that the casinos would not bring jobs to the state of OHIO. Yet even if they bring in people, those people would have to relocate to hear which means there kids would go to school here and more economy for the communities. That would also mean more people in grocery stores. Now I could be wrong but would that not be a huge boost to the communities. I am sorry but the church community needs to stop being so selfish and quit forcing your congregation to vote no. Believe it or not I believe the lord will welcome me into heaven if when I vote for the casinos. The lord is a forgiving man but it appears his churches are not so forgiving.

By truthdetector

October 1, 2009 2:09 PM | Link to this

It would be part of the IRS code, not the US Constitution, that would remove the churches that advocate for (or against) this (or any) political issue.

By Lat

October 1, 2009 2:05 PM | Link to this

Supporting something that will create tax revenue which will in turn pay for more/better police facilities or training is NOT a bribe. Thou shalt not gamble(outside of the church grounds that is)

By UrbanDweller

October 1, 2009 2:00 PM | Link to this

So, by this minister’s logic, any group/organization that would get money as a result of the taxes generated would be ‘bought’ off. Schools, social services, etc.

By Barry

October 1, 2009 1:56 PM | Link to this

Reading the article this is a Methodist minister/Bishop, not a (Catholic?) Bishop, and since I do not think that Methodist run bingo out of their churches it isn’t a hypocritical thing for him to say this.

By Just My Opinion

October 1, 2009 1:51 PM | Link to this

Unfortunately, most everything is motivated by greed and not good will. It is also unfortunate that this “good will” cannot provide thousands of jobs to the communities and people who so desperately need them. I wonder how many unemployed Methodists really care if the bricks they are laying are building a casino or a grocery store.

By anonymous

October 1, 2009 1:47 PM | Link to this

The FOP can try to make us wear their rose colored glasses on this issue, but the bottom line is that the Bishop is correct. The casinos bought the support of the FOP. Just shows that when times get tough, the wrong element jumps right in to prey on our vulnerability.

By Gramma

October 1, 2009 1:46 PM | Link to this

Hey Frank, that verse isn’t really about money, it’s about giving up whatever you put before your relationship with God and Jesus. Kept in context, Jesus goes on to talking about giving up one’s family if necessary. For some, that will be gambling, to the detriment of their families. BTW, the FOP members will clearly benefit from increased financial availability for salary increases if the casinos are voted in. There is always a financial motive.Just like there is a host of friends of Obama who will greatly benefit financially from the Olympics going to Chicago in 2016, which is why he is currently in Denmark.

By GP

October 1, 2009 1:42 PM | Link to this

Don’t think that anyone competing with the church’s bingo would have anything to do with the Bishop’s anti-Casino slant. Gotta get their money, can’t have parishoners spending at Casinos and not at the church.

By not perfect, just right!

October 1, 2009 1:39 PM | Link to this

To ‘constitution?’ If you read your namesake, you will find that it says “Congress shall make no law respecting the establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof…” it does NOT say that religion should be banned from all society, as many dream it does. There is NO such thing as separation of church and state, there is simply no established religion allowed. It is merely a liberal dream. I don’t mind casino’s BUT I do mind the scare tactics that pro-gambling forces use. As if casino’s will solve our money woes-wasn’t the lottery supposed to do that? Hmmmmmm…

By Barry

October 1, 2009 1:36 PM | Link to this

I really hope the church has some good lawyers look at the bulletin insert before they put it out. A church can say prostitution is bad, murder is bad, the death penalty is bad, abortion is bad, gambling is bad, or that any number of sinful activities is bad and that the opportunity for sin should be avoided whenever possible lest they leave a mark on the soul of the believer. In this country they can say gambling is bad; casinos are houses of sin and debauchery or whatever else. They can not say “issue 3 is bad”. They have to be very careful what they say lest Uncle Sam come and take all their stuff.

By frank dean

October 1, 2009 1:32 PM | Link to this

The preacher man should heed his book. Luke 18:22 “Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.” How many do you think could be fed if the church bldgs were sold. Physician heal thyself.

By Tadow

October 1, 2009 1:24 PM | Link to this

What is worse, buying votes or making people feel they need to buy their way into heaven and that you actually have something to do with it? Please.

By Truth Hurts

October 1, 2009 1:15 PM | Link to this

Being a chrisitan I do not push my morals on anyone.People want to gamble fine with me.It’s choice and we need to get back to where americans can make there own choices in stead of “leaders” or politicans making them for us.I since there is something wrong with this.Speration of church and state is a good place to start.Stay out off is and vote no Rev.I on the other hand will vote yes.After all catholics been gambling for years.Festivals

By hammermill

October 1, 2009 1:14 PM | Link to this

These are the same bozo’s who were up in arms about the Miller Brewery in Trenton. Stated the town, and county, would become alcoholics, knee deep beer in the streets, prostituyion etc. Same talk different day.

By constitution?

October 1, 2009 1:09 PM | Link to this

What part of separation of church and state do these morons not get? It is a very dangerous thing for organized religion to campaign on any issues of public policy — we already have too many laws on the books meant to inflict christian “morality” on everyone else. Feel free to worship all you want but keep it to yourself.

By null

October 1, 2009 12:57 PM | Link to this

Um - per the IRS, I church is not allowed to campaign on issues if they are tax exempt… They can be sued for back taxes