The Man of Virtues Has a Vice (Bill Bennett gambles)

Newsweek ^ | 1/2/03 | Jonathan Alter and Joshua Green

[Callahan]

May 2 — In his best-selling anthology, “The Book of Virtues,” William J. Bennett writes: “We should know that too much of anything, even a good thing, may prove to be our undoing…[We] need to set definite boundaries on our appetites.”

DOES BENNETT? The popular author, lecturer and Republican Party activist speaks out, often indignantly, about almost every moral issue except one-gambling. It’s not hard to see why. According to casino documents, Bennett is a “preferred customer” in at least four venues in Atlantic City and Las Vegas, betting millions of dollars over the last decade. His games of choice: video poker and slot machines, some at $500 a pull. With a revolving line of credit of at least $200,000 at each casino, Bennett, former drug czar and Secretary of Education under Presidents Reagan and Bush, doesn’t have to bring money when he shows up at a casino.

(link for full article)

[toothseaquer]

Eating M&M's isn't immoral. Gambling is immoral.

Trying to achieve money by chance is a very immoral activity. It shows that those who preach always have some vice to hide. I have always admired William Bennett, but, now I will look at him in a different light. I have done the same with Newt and Livingstone and some other prominent Republicans. We expect Democrats to be morally weak, but, not conservatives.

I think maybe, we put too high a standard on our politicians. After all, they are only human and not divine. Those who preach morals to others had better not have skeletons in their closets.

[GunRunner]

Can you explain what is sad and why he needs help?

I suppose you wouldn't complain if he spent his free time collecting multi-million dollar pieces of artwork or automobiles. Just because people have hobbies different from yourself, doesn't mean that those hobbies are wrong or are "a problem".

[optik_b]

Wow he's getting huge, he doesn't quite look as though he'd set many boundaries on his appetite either.

Very pathetic story. Video poker and slot machines are some of the worst odds in the house. This guy went to my high school and I assume he passed math class without cheating at that since he writes books about virtues. If he passed math he should know that basically the odds are completely stacked against you.

[eastsider]

"If everybody behaved like me, what would the world look like and would I want to live in it?"

Sounds a lot like Kant's Formula of Universal Law:

Act only on that maxim through which you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law.

[n.y.muggs]

Mr Bennett must be doing something right to have a $200 grand line of credit at 4 casinos. Good for him.

[Ursus arctos horribilis]

Then every democRAT (along with the repubs) governor and media outlet of every state where the lottery, casinos, horse and dog racing betting is allowed, are to be held up to careful scrutiny?

It is the states and the media that are preying upon the most vulnerable, uneducated, and poorest of the poor with their scratch offs and lotto schemes.

They know the odds are 10's of millions to one against wining. Yet TV and print media are paid huge sums by the states to encourage dumb suckers to buy dem tickets. This all the while knowing they are doing little more than assisting, and abating blatant thievery and skullduggery of the lowest sort upon the ignorant masses.

[Paulus Invictus]

My one vice (recognized) has to do with FR addiction. Is there a support group where I can get help? Pills? Diets? Massage therapy might work. I'm willing to try it.

[bedolido]

"I suppose you wouldn't complain if he spent his free time collecting multi-million dollar pieces of artwork or automobiles. Just because people have hobbies different from yourself, doesn't mean that those hobbies are wrong or are "a problem"."

just my personal opinion. Everyone has one. however, if he purchased art, he'd have a better chance at a return on his investment (ROI). Gambling is fine if you want to... for fun. foolish if you're addicted. then you need help.

[joesnuffy]

I like Bennett..but I always found it amusing to see the conservative big wigs clinking martini glasses toasting the new drug czar and his crack down ...on pot heads..

[GunRunner]

Different guy. Bill Bennett is the man who started Circus Circus and expanded it to Circus Circus Enterprises, which recently changed its name to Mandaley Resort Group. They own CC, Manadaly Bay, Excalibur, the Luxor, and a few others.

He died recently, and is credited as the man who helped Vegas become more "family friendly" by catering to middle class families and parents with children.

[Mr. Mojo]

Who cares? It's *his* money.

I could care less if he gambles. What I object to is his telling me that smoking a joint in the privacy of my own home or having sex before marriage is somehow "immoral." The hypocrisy reeks off that schmuck.

[Trailerpark Badass]

If you like gambling occasionally, I don't see it as being a vice. On the other hand if it becomes an obssession and you lose your shirt along with the stakes, that's a whole 'nother story.

Gambling would appear to be as much a vice as the use of illegal drugs, once the question of legality is set aside. Though Mr. Bennett has managed to avoid financial difficulty because of his recreational activity, the fact remains that thousands of people gamble past their means and create problems for their families.

To many people, a vice is not just sin directly, but activities which put one in greater danger of commiting grave sins. Thus, the fact that a majority of states consider (non-state sponsored) gambling not just a vice, but a crime.

[petitfour]

The hit piece goes further: Bennett has long been known to be part of a small-stakes poker game in Washington with Chief Justice William Rehnquist, Associate Justice Antonin Scalia and lawyer Robert Bork. But his high-stakes gaming comes as a surprise to many friends. “We knew he went out there [to Las Vegas] sometimes, but at that level? Wow!” says one longtime associate. They're searching for dirt on ANYone. I've read an Isikoff piece today and now Alter. Next we'll hear from Carville, the Forehead, and Sid BLumenthal.

[truthandlife]

It is a "hit piece" but it sure doesn't help Bennett's cause. I don't have a problem with people gambling but to me it sounds like his gambling habit is a little out of control. I know he makes a lot of money but throwing your money away in Las Vegas isn't the smartest thing in the world.

[toothseaquer]

I think this is a different William Bennett than the one who wrote ''The Book of Virtues''.

[hchutch]

So Bill Bennett hits the casinos. Big deal.

It's not causing him any financial trouble, and he is still able to support his family. What's the fuss?

[Porterville]

If he is going to bring up morality, judging others, he better be ready to get his own, especially if he is unable to control his appetites. He's alright, but he is a bit abnoxious especially if he wants to be a moral leader and fall short. I'll never be so vain as to preach about morality unless I commited myself to a virtuous life...I like beer, chicks, and cussing too much.

[GunRunner]

If everybody behaved like Bill Bennett, Republicans would rule the world. And we'd all have $200,000 credit lines at the Mirage.

[bedolido]

also... why is it if someone expresses a "moral" response it needs to be attacked? Liberals attack morals. But like I said: gamble if you want. Drink too. who cares. BUT, DON'T STOP MORAL RESPONSES.

[widowithfoursons]

It's just stupid to do the slots. And his reputation is based upon not being stupid.