The Rotary Balita no. 671 (May 17, 1951)

Do you buy sweepstake tickets, or are you a conscientious objector? Do you object to the use of "tainted money" for purposes of charity; or are you anxious to relieve suffering and help the needy, regardless of the source of the funds contributed for that purpose? Do you oppose every form of gambling on the ground that it is wicked and demoralizing? What do you think about legalized sweepstake races to raise money for organized charities? What would be your view of a proposition to license slot machines, raffles, cockpits, etc., and give all the profits to the Community Chest? Raising funds by high-pressure-begging campaigns and solicitations is most distasteful, both to the solicitors and their victims. We all hate to be forced to contribute to every campaign that comes along, and dislike still more to be forced to be one of the thankless solicitors. What a difficult task it is to raise enough funds to cover the goals of all of the worthy charities! Only those who serve on the various begging teams realize how distasteful the task really is, and what a small fraction of the public makes any contribution whatsoever for any charitable purpose. On the other hand, what a kick and satisfaction is realized by the thousands who give their pesos for sweepstake tickets and for bingo cards; and what a thrill they get from dropping a handful of coins in slot-machines, fully conscious of the fact that their chances of reaping any reward is extremely remote. Would the good realized from such painless extraction of money from the masses justify the use of such means fully to support our organized charities? Many religious people would protest that every form of gambling is a vice which should be suppressed and not legalized; but we all gamble everyday of our lives. So, where shall we draw the line? Life itself is a gamble. We pay insurance premiums on a gambling chance. These questions are being seriously considered at the present time. Public opinion should be expressed. You should not forget that, "You have two chances One of getting the germ And one of not. And if you get the germ And if you get the disease You have two chances You have two chances One of getting the disease And one of not. One of dying And one of not. And if you die- Well, you still have two chances." ----- The daughter was concerned about the amount of money her boyfriend was spending on her each time he took her out. "Mother," she said, "what is the best way to stop Tom from spending so much money on me?" "Marry him," was the mother's curt reply.