Wider View @ Third Way Cafe (Third Way Media)

Forgive Us Our Debts - Washington Comment

Fri, 6 Nov 2009 07:00:00 EST

“Pray then in this way… forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” These words, recorded by Matthew in his Gospel (6:9a, 12), are so familiar to many of us that we recite them almost without thinking.

Too often the U.S. has pressured governments in the South to accept economic conditions which benefit our own country.

We often think of the “debts” referred to here as sins, which is the word that Luke uses in his Gospel. While including the idea of sin, debt is also a literal economic term.

Ethicist Allen Verhey argues that the Lord’s prayer is full of economic implications. “To pray this prayer is to want to be part of the economy of mercy and the society of forgiveness that is like the kingdom of God.”

Later in Matthew, Jesus responds to Peter’s question about how often to forgive with a parable (18:21-35). A king forgives the debt of someone who owes him a huge sum of money. That same man then goes out and refuses to forgive the much smaller sum owed to him by another. The point is clear: we who have been given much grace and forgiveness should extend it to others.

In the international financial system, a scenario, not too unlike the parable’s, has played itself out, as wealthy countries and international financial institutions have profited from loans made to developing countries.

Often these monies have not brought about any benefits for those living in poverty. Rather, they were pocketed by corrupt leaders or spent on the military. Now, countries are caught in the trap of paying back these loans with interest.

Those of us in the United States must confess our own complicity in what has happened. We have put our trust in a free market system, believing that it would generate wealth that would benefit everyone. This has clearly not been the case. Self-interest and greed have instead driven our economic system.

Nor have we taken into account the stark difference in power between countries and institutions in the global North and those in the global South. Too often the U.S. has pressured governments in the South to accept economic conditions which benefit our own country.

We in the United States have debts to confess and stand in need of forgiveness. There is no better way to acknowledge our mistakes of the past than to be willing to extend “a new beginning”–literal debt forgiveness–to heavily indebted poor countries.

Soon the Jubilee Act will be re-introduced in Congress. The bill, which passed the House of Representatives last year, would extend debt cancellation to countries who have not yet received debt relief, and prohibits harmful conditions from being attached to debt cancellation. To send an email in support of the Jubilee Act, click here.

As Jesus proclaimed in his opening sermon at Nazareth (Luke 4:19), the year of Jubilee—God’s reign, full of justice, grace and peace—has arrived. Let us celebrate by forgiving the debts of others, even as we ourselves are forgiven.

For MCC Washington Office advocacy materials and worship resources on international debt relief, click here.

Interested in more analysis from the MCC Washington Office? Contact us at mccwash@mcc.orgmccwash@mcc.org to order a subscription to our bimonthly publication, the Washington Memo. First time subscribers receive the first year free!

by Rachelle Lyndaker Schlabach
Mennonite Central Committee Washington Office

Rachelle Lyndaker Schlabach is the Director of the MCC Washington Office.

Cheap Energy, Hidden Costs - Washington Comment

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 07:00:00 EST

I had the opportunity to visit eastern Kentucky last week, up in the beautiful Appalachian mountains. While there, I met a man named Elmer, who had been a coal miner most of his life. Elmer had always dreamed of having a fish pond. So, over the course of several months, he did the research, built his pond, and brought in fish. Originally, he thought that his family would eat some of the fish they raised. But, in the end, he found that he couldn’t bear to eat the fish he and his kids had played with.

One day, Elmer returned home to find that most of his fish were dead. Mining operations on a nearby mountain had poisoned the water leading to the pond. The coal company wouldn’t take responsibility. Local and federal authorities did little to help. Even legal action has thus far not resulted in any compensation for his loss. And the water quality continues to be too poor to sustain fish.

Elmer spoke with a sadness and resignation that is all too common in this region. The ecological damage caused by mountaintop removal coal mining is obvious – forests destroyed, valleys and streams buried, mountain contours permanently changed, wildlife habitat lost. But there is also a significant toll on human communities.

Yet many who have faced injustices similar to Elmer are afraid to speak up for fear they (or family members) will lose their jobs, as unemployment is high and coal companies control most of the jobs in the region. And, with the unions long gone from this area, there is little protection or recourse.

This issue is often portrayed as a battle between coal miners and environmentalists. The irony is that, if environmental and public health regulations were stronger (and if the regulations that exist were more strongly enforced), there would be more jobs for coal miners and more protection for coal mining communities. Mountaintop removal costs less, leading to bigger profits for coal company owners. But such strip mining operations also require significantly fewer miners than traditional underground mines and result in more private property confiscations, property damage, and water and soil contamination.

And, if protecting the health, economic security, and rights of the people of Appalachia isn’t reason enough to care, think about this: 25% of the water in this country starts out in the headwaters of the Appalachian mountains. On my last day in Kentucky, I saw the evidence of water contamination firsthand. A small stream coming down the mountain was bright orange in color – likely due to iron sulfides released by mining operations. The water ran behind a firehouse and then past a quiet neighborhood before dumping into a larger stream.

We all want cheap energy. But we have to realize that cheap energy comes with hidden costs. The people of Appalachia are losing their land, their sovereignty and their way of life. We are all losing an important source of clean water. Let your legislators and the Obama administration know that this is not acceptable and cannot continue. Visit Mennonite Central Committee partner Kentuckians for the Commonwealth or iLoveMountains.org for their latest action alerts and let your voice be heard.

by Tammy Alexander
Mennonite Central Committee Washington Office

Tammy Alexander is Legislative Associate for Domestic Affairs in the MCC Washington office.

Such as these... - Washington Comment

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 07:00:00 EST

Over 13 million children in the U.S. are impoverished. Often, a child’s face is not what we picture when we think of U.S. poverty. Adults – worn, tired, discouraged – are usually what we think of. The reality, however, is that a vast number of children are living in poverty and lack access to regular services like health insurance, adequate education or assistance in neglectful situations.

A vast number of children are living in poverty and lack access to regular services like health insurance, adequate education or assistance in neglectful situations.

Poor children of all ages represent a disproportionate amount of the impoverished community. The statistics are telling and disturbing:

Although only 24.6% of the entire population, children represent 35.3% of the impoverished community
43% of children raised by single mothers are living in poverty, as opposed to 9.9% of children raised by married couples
One child is reported abused or neglected every 40 seconds, and 40% of these reports receive no services after the initial investigation
Only 14% of African American children, 15% of Latino children, and 42% of white children in the 4^th grade read at their current grade level.

The impact of this early poverty and lack of access can last throughout a lifetime, especially for children of color who experience intensified racial discrimination as they get older. For example, African American boys born in 2001 have a one in three chance of going to prison during their lifetime. For Latino boys born in 2001, their chances only increase to a one in six chance.

In Matthew 19:13 and 14, children come to Jesus so that he might lay hands on them and pray. The disciples stop the children from receiving the service which Jesus offers them; they “spoke sternly to those who brought them.” In the same way today, families are unable to obtain the services they seek. If children raised in two-parent homes are less likely to suffer from poverty, then aid to children must necessarily mean aid to parents and whole families. Adults who are consistently unable to receive care become discouraged from seeking aid, which will likely translate into fewer services for their children as well.

Jesus’ response to the disciples, and to us, is clear: “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.”

As this scripture guides us, children become our example and our ideal. We turn to them for learning, and in return might give them the care that they so badly need but cannot obtain for themselves. We cannot turn our backs on their poverty.

Each year, the Children’s Defense Fund encourages participation in a Children’s Sabbath weekend, designed to educate interfaith groups about children’s poverty and facilitate action on children’s behalf. This year, October 16^th-18^th is that weekend. Visit www.childrensdefense.org to learn more about the programming and opportunities to help, and look for a Children’s Sabbath event any religious organization in your area.

by Christina Warner
Mennonite Central Committee Washington Office

Christina Warner works for the MCC Washington Office as the Legislative Assistant for Domestic Affairs. Her main issues are U.S. Economic Justice, Civil Rights, Crime and Justice and Native American concerns.

More Than Withdrawal - Washington Comment

Fri, 2 Oct 2009 07:00:00 EST

The U.S. invasion of Iraq ran counter to the well-tested and deeply-held Anabaptist convictions of nonviolence and peacemaking—acts of genuine love embodied by Christ. Starting an illegal war over the protests of most of the world was the opposite of acting justly, loving kindness, and walking humbly (Micah 6:8).

photo © Melissa Engle/MCC

And it’s clear the war has wrought disastrous consequences for millions of ordinary Iraqis, Americans, and others. It’s no wonder the call from peace communities since 2003 has been for a complete pullout of U.S. troops. This remains true. The United States must continue the withdrawal of all troops, bases, and operations in a manner that best supports peace and recovery in Iraq. But withdrawal alone is not enough.

The U.S. has a moral opportunity to help Iraqi society heal and gather momentum toward the same safety and prosperity it desires for itself. If requested and directed by Iraqis, the U.S. must offer its resources in a way that safeguards Iraqi values and choices as they respond to the formidable challenges facing their country:

Deep wounds, fear, and anger between Iraq’s many ethnic and religious groups.
The plight of uprooted families both in and outside Iraq.
Unemployment and an economic capacity severely damaged by war and sanctions.
A struggling and distrusted political system.
Lack of access to basic needs such as education, health care, legal protection, water, electricity, and food.
The growing belief among Iraqis that Iraq is not a viable place to seek a better future for their children.

This objective alone must determine U.S. policy towards Iraq for the next two decades. But it requires a policy shift away from seeking power over the politics, economics, and resources in the region. Experienced politicians would call that unrealistic. Is it? More than simply propping up a strong allied Iraqi government, safety and prosperity for the common people in Iraq is actually in the interest of the United States, as:

More peaceful sectarian relations in Iraq will improve them elsewhere in the region.
Prosperous citizens and a fair political system in Iraq will help win back social capital for the United States.
The threat of terrorism will be greatly reduced when people no longer see U.S. actions linked to their suffering.

Anabaptist faith calls for acting out of genuine love and pursuing right relationships nonviolently. It means not only halting the potential for violence but also considering the hopes and needs of the ordinary people who suffer because of war. Making a long-term commitment to the well-being of the Iraqi people is not only the way of peace, it’s also good policy.

by John Filson
Mennonite Central Committee Washington Office

John Filson is an MCC Washington Office fellow.

Good Trade Policy - Washington Comment

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 07:00:00 EST

The stocks are looking up, investors are happier and the Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke famously said that the “recession is very likely over.” But, millions of poor people continue to suffer from the fallout of the global financial crisis and from economic threats that have existed for decades. Over the years international trade policies have threatened, displaced and devastated poor communities in the global South.

Trade policies must work to advance the common good rather than the interests of only a few.

Policies that govern international trade present a serious moral challenge for Christians in the United States. U.S. trade policy is guided by narrow national self-interest, which often translates into seeking the interests of U.S.-based capital, corporations and agribusinesses. This has a profound effect on the lives of millions of poor people around the world and on creation. Trade policies must work to advance the common good rather than the interests of only a few.

Some members of Congress are offering a way forward. On June 24 Rep. Mike Michaud (Maine), along with 105 co-sponsors, reintroduced the Trade Reform, Accountability, Development and Employment (TRADE) Act, H.R. 3012.

The TRADE Act contains significant reforms of U.S. trade policy. The TRADE Act offers the following solutions:

Evaluate existing free trade agreements (FTAs). The Act would require a public report assessing the impacts of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) on signatory countries' employment and wage levels, access to health care and water, cost of essential medicines, and compliance with labor and environmental standards, among other criteria.
Renegotiate existing FTAs to include protections for small farmers, enforcement mechanisms for fair labor, environmental and human rights practices.
The Act would require that the President submit to Congress a plan to renegotiate existing FTAs at least three months before the negotiation or implementation of any new FTA. This prerequisite of renegotiation spells an effective moratorium on further FTAs.
The Act would discard the undemocratic Fast Track provisions that currently restrict congressional debate and amendments on trade agreements. In its place, the Act prescribes a more democratic process that would bolster congressional oversight of any future trade deals.

Current U.S. trade policies are in direct opposition to biblical teachings about economic wholeness. God’s laws to the people of Israel included the right to access food for the poor (Deuteronomy 24:19-21). Scripture is filled with calls to reject the accumulation of wealth at the expense of others and to embrace a life that is centered on justice and righteousness (Amos 5:24, James 5:1-5). The TRADE Act is one step toward economic wholeness.

Click here to send a message to your member of Congress to support the TRADE Act.

by Theo Sitther
Mennonite Central Committee Washington Office

Theo Sitther is Legislative Associate for International Affairs.

Hearing an Iranian Perspective - Washington Comment

Fri, 4 Sep 2009 07:00:00 EST

This past summer Fatemeh Darabi spent six weeks in the MCC Washington Office. Fatemeh is from Iran and is a recent graduate of Eastern Mennonite University’s Center for Justice and Peacebuilding.

Clearly the U.S. relationship (or lack of one) with Iran has gotten more complicated in the wake of Iran’s presidential election. But diplomacy remains the route through which differences between our two governments will eventually need to be resolved.

Together we visited several congressional offices to talk about U.S.-Iran policy. Staffers were receptive and eager to hear her perspective. One staffer commented that he had been to many briefings on Iran but had never before spoken to an Iranian.

The U.S. finds itself at a difficult crossroads right now with Iran. Pressure is mounting for the Iranian government to accept an invitation to multilateral negotiations by mid-September. Later this month, President Ahmadinejad is scheduled to attend the UN General Assembly in New York. Ahmadinejad began his second term as president of Iran in August after an election marked by controversy in June.

Meanwhile, many in Congress speak of “supporting the Iranian people” but point to more sanctions as the best way to do so. The Congress looks poised to approve a gasoline embargo (H.R. 2194, S. 908) on Iran when it returns from recess.

While Iranians hold a wide array of views on their government’s policies, few are asking for the U.S. to impose sanctions. In fact, as Fatemeh pointed out to the congressional staffers, sanctions have primarily hurt the average citizen, not the Iranian government.

Mennonite Central Committee’s work in Iran has been focused on building understanding at a people-to-people level. We have done this work out of our commitment to the biblical command to love our neighbor as ourselves (Lev. 19:18, Matt. 19:19), which we understand as neighbors near and far.

Building people-to-people relationships helps to break down stereotypes and plants seeds of understanding. Fatemeh originally came to the U.S. to study peacebuilding as part of these MCC efforts. Because of that connection, several congressional staff have now talked to an Iranian for the first time. I hope that conversation is just the first of many.

by Rachelle Lyndaker Schlabach
Mennonite Central Committee Washington Office

Rachelle Lyndaker Schlabach is the Director of the MCC Washington Office.

Fragile Peace in Sudan - Washington Comment

Fri, 21 Aug 2009 07:00:00 EST

The people of Sudan are all too familiar with war. For two decades, a brutal conflict between the North and the South killed and displaced millions. Since 2003, the people of Darfur have endured targeted attacks of their villages by government supported militia.

“This peace of ours is like a sick man in the hospital. You don’t want to say for sure that he is going to be coming home because as long as he is in the hospital and sick, he might still die.” - Sudan war widow

Four years ago, the United States helped broker the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) that officially ended this conflict. Three years ago, the Darfur Peace Agreement (DPA) was signed, in hopes of ending the conflict. Despite an unprecedented effort by the international community to bring stability, a sustainable peace remains elusive for Sudan.

Sudan faces no shortage of significant challenges. The conflict in Darfur continues to drag on. The expulsion of 13 humanitarian organizations in March threatened to make an already alarming humanitarian situation even more desperate. Anxiety is increasing as the 2010 national election draws near. Recent skirmishes in the South surpass the level of violence in Darfur. Unexploded ordinances such as landmines and live ammunition linger and litter the land in the South.

These multi-faceted challenges require creative and comprehensive responses from the international community.. The United States needs to continue advocating for full implementation of the CPA. Further, preparations for the upcoming elections are floundering. If the U.S. fails to exert consistent political and diplomatic pressure on the Sudanese government, security prospects will remain grim.

Churches around the country are invited to participate in a weekend of prayer and action for peace in Sudan from August 28-30. Over the weekend, congregations are encouraged to collect and submit prayers for peace in Sudan. Prayers should include name, congregation, and address, including zip code, and can be mailed, faxed or e-mailed to the Mennonite Central Committee U.S. Washington Office. Sign up to be involved here. Click here for worship resources.

As Christians, we are called to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9) and to reach out to those in need (1 John 3:16-17). Together, we can lift our voices to advocate for peace and security for Sudan.

by Mary Stata
Mennonite Central Committee Washington Office

Mary Stata is Legislative Assistant for International Affairs, Africa, HIV/AIDS, and Militarism at the MCC Washington Office.

Messages of Hope and Fear in the Health Care Debate - Washington Comment

Fri, 14 Aug 2009 07:00:00 EST

“Protect your Family while you still have time.” That was the subject line of a message I received in my email inbox two weeks ago. The message talked about one of the health care reform bills being debated in the U.S. Congress, citing several different page numbers and explaining why I should be afraid. Problem is, most of the information was completely wrong. Politifact.com checked out several of the claims, rating most “Barely True,” “False,” or “Pants on Fire!”

In 2007, 60% of bankruptcies were the result of health care bills. Health insurance premiums have doubled in the past 8 years. In 1993, 61% of small businesses offered health insurance to their employees. Today, that number is just 38%.

Another email warned that seniors were being prepped for suicide. In fact, bipartisan language in the bill would simply allow Medicare to cover doctor-patient consultations about end-of-life care and living wills. As people struggle to understand what is in these long, complex bills, rumors, innuendo, and outright lies are circulating faster than fact checkers can respond. Many are resorting to the politics of fear to make their point. In this case, it is to defend the status quo and keep our current health care system unchanged.

I have two questions in response: Do we really want to keep our current system? And, what is really in the proposals before Congress?

The current system

In our current health care system, over 47 million people are uninsured (85% of them from working families). By some estimates, over 14,000 more lose their insurance every day. In 2007, 60% of bankruptcies were the result of health care bills. Health insurance premiums have doubled in the past 8 years. In 1993, 61% of small businesses offered health insurance to their employees. Today, that number is just 38%.

Legislative proposals

In addition to expanding access to quality, affordable health insurance to many low-income individuals, there is also a lot of good stuff in the health care reform bills for middle-income households:

The ability to keep your current insurance/doctors
Removal of preexisting condition exclusions
No out-of-pocket payments for preventive care
Better ability to keep your insurance when you lose or change jobs
Subsidies for low- and middle-income individuals to purchase insurance
Measures to help bring down costs
Special provisions for small businesses

Of course, as Christians we shouldn’t merely be asking the question, “what’s in it for me”? Jesus came that we may have life, and have it abundantly (John 10:10b). The young teacher who can’t get medication for a chronic condition is not living abundantly. The family who is facing bankruptcy after their child’s stay in the hospital is not living abundantly. We should be willing to risk change and uncertainty to help others live life to its fullest. We should be willing to share of our abundance to help others meet their needs.

Be part of the message of hope

You can help to make these positive messages heard. Educate yourself about the bills in Congress (see the links below). Attend a town hall meeting, call in to a talk show, or write an op-ed in your local paper. Visit, write, or call your legislators in their home offices. And encourage your church to hold a special Sunday to reflect, pray, and act for health care for all.

In all you do, remember to lift up the voices of the poor and the sick and urge positive changes to our broken system – changes that will help bring us closer to God’s vision of abundant life for all.

Links

Abundant Life Campaign -background, worship, and advocacy resources.

Web comparison tool of proposals and topics in health care reform from Kaiser Family Foundation.

Printable PDF comparing the proposals from Kaiser Family Foundation.

by Tammy Alexander
Mennonite Central Committee Washington Office

Tammy Alexander is Legislative Associate for Domestic Affairs in the MCC Washington office.

Welcoming the Stranger? - Washington Comment

Fri, 7 Aug 2009 07:00:00 EST

Don't mistreat any foreigners who live in your land. Instead, treat them as well as you treat citizens and love them as much as you love yourself. Remember, you were once foreigners in the land of Egypt. I am the LORD your God. (Leviticus 19:33-34, Contemporary English Version)

When Jesus was asked about the commandment to ‘love your neighbor as yourself’, he chose to illustrate his point with a parable about a Samaritan - a despised and feared foreigner.

Over the past few months, both President Obama and members of Congress have been publicly discussing the need for comprehensive immigration reform (CIR). Although it is uncertain whether CIR will be passed this year, Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) has been holding hearings to lay the groundwork for this legislation. As we listen to this ongoing debate, we should remember those who will be impacted.

Sen. Schumer has introduced seven principles as goals for immigration reform. These following principles are significant because Schumer’s office is drafting the CIR legislation, likely to be introduced this fall.

Emphasize the idea that illegal immigration is wrong and must be dramatically reduced.
Control the borders through increased enforcement and border security.
Establish a mandatory biometric-based employer verification system to screen out undocumented workers.
Require all ‘illegal aliens’ to register, and create a rigorous process for them to earn citizenship.
Create more room for legal family immigration and employment-based immigration.
Welcome highly-skilled immigrants, and discourage employers from hiring cheap, low-skilled immigrant workers.
Reform employment-based immigration.

It is encouraging to see that the Senate leadership is considering pathways toward family unification and legalization but it is troubling that this reform includes proposals that could lead to more alienation and hurt local communities. The use of labels like ‘illegal aliens’ perpetuates the fear and stereotypes so often found in the immigration debate. Additionally, there is reason to be cautious about a mandatory biometric employment verification system, since these systems occasionally lead to abusive violations of privacy or erroneously reject documented persons, making it hard for them to obtain legal work.

However, Schumer’s principles of earned citizenship and reform of family-based immigration are hopeful signs that the 12 million undocumented immigrants can someday be included as fully participating members of society. Currently, there are about two million mixed-status families, where some family members are US citizens and others are undocumented. Many of these people are stuck in bureaucratic nightmares and live with the constant fear of being separated for months or years.

When Jesus was asked about the commandment to ‘love your neighbor as yourself’, he chose to illustrate his point with a parable about a Samaritan - a despised and feared foreigner. This story probably shocked Jesus’ listeners, but it evoked the scriptural call to welcome strangers and treat them with respect. The theme of hospitality and tolerance is central to the biblical vision of justice, and is reflected in God’s command for authorities to “treat [resident foreigners] as well as you treat citizens” (Leviticus 19:34).

As we consider how our country will deal with immigration issues, we must keep this biblical perspective in mind. Are we mistreating migrant workers when we label them as criminals and deny them the means to a legal livelihood? Is it just to separate families through deportations and bureaucratic barriers?

Using dehumanizing language, walling off border communities, and separating families will create division and fear, not security. Instead, we need creative policies that support family unity, create pathways for citizenship, address the root causes of immigration, strengthen local communities, and protect workers’ rights. We need solutions built upon hope and mutual respect.

Contact your legislators today. For a sample letter based on the MCC U.S. Immigration Policy Principles , click here . To find contact information for your legislators, click here.

by Daniel Foxvog
Mennonite Central Committee Washington Office

Daniel Foxvog is the Domestic Affairs Intern at MCC Washington Office and a student at Goshen College.

Russian Roulette - Canadian Comment

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 07:00:00 EST

Those Russians sure are courageous! Legend has it that 19^th century Russian soldiers invented the dangerous life-gamble of Russian roulette – a “game” that could only have been concocted with the help of vodka. The “player” in Russian roulette has a 16.67% chance of cashing in all their chips – to lengthen the pathetic gambling metaphors.

The statistics say that in the United States about 3 million people are gambling addicts and up to 150 million people are low-risk gamblers.

What are the affects of gambling on a society? Government-run lotteries, casinos, and sports wagering sell themselves to the masses as the way to fulfill our dreams and good for the social construct (like a steroid-bloated rummage sale or penny auction). “Imagine the Freedom” touts a popular Canadian lottery and the ads encourage us to an ethic and “love of your neighbour” that is not-so-altruistic.

Even further, the popular social acceptance of gambling is witnessed in the growth of Poker as a television event of all things and the reality that most professional sports grow only to the extent that people bet on outcomes (even if that didn’t work so well for Pete Rose). On the other extreme of the gaming industry is the messiness of situations reflected in the lives of Michael Vick and the underground fight clubs that really do exist. Physical and financial risk seems to go hand in hand. Gambling is in many ways a form of financial pornography with many brands, brush-overs, and extremes to choose from and be sucked in by.

The statistics say that in the United States about 3 million people are gambling addicts and up to 150 million people are low-risk gamblers. In Canada where Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs) are almost as common as donut shops and pitched as a close-to-home vacation the problems are equally disturbing. The statistics say that 25% of those using VLTs are at risk or already have gambling problems. One writer called VLTs the “crack cocaine” of gambling.

Now comes word that Russia of all places has very courageously tackled the issue of gambling as a society by outlawing casinos to, quite literally, Siberia. On July 1 Russia put into affect a law that had been passed in 2006 that will cost up to 10,000 jobs in Moscow alone. The Russian Association for Gaming Business Development estimates the move will cost the state 2 billion dollars in tax revenue. Quite a gamble, isn’t it? Would other nations have such courage or would they risk shooting themselves in the foot?

The rationale for this radical Russian move was former President and current Prime Minister Putin’s contention that the social risks of gambling addiction were greater than that of alcohol. Now, either Putin’s on to something or he has a Potemkin full of Smirnoff stocks.

So, let me put my cards on the table: why have we in the West accepted gambling carte-blanche? Why are we as Christians so quiet on the subject these days? What are we afraid of? Our very public constructs and means of doing good are tied to that which ultimately destroys and yet we keep eerily silent as a troubling version of social Russian roulette spins on. The social risks are enormous for it really is an issue of the stewardship of lives, the exploitation of the poorest (those making less than $20,000 spend an average of 2.6% of income on gambling, while those making more than $80,000 average 0.6%), and a statement about that which matters most in society. Gambling’s growth and prevalence points to both the decadence and desperation of our culture. Where are the voices of those who speak of he who said, “Seek first (the Father’s) kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you…” (Matthew 6:33)?

by Phil Wagler
Independent

Phil Wagler is lead pastor of Kingsfield in southern Ontario, Canada.