[robertpaulsen]

The Catechism of the Catholic Church (2413.)

"Games of chance (card games, etc.) or wagers are not in themselves contrary to justice. They become morally unacceptable when they deprive someone of what is necessary to provide for one’s needs and those of others. The passion for gambling risks becoming an enslavement. Unfair wagers and cheating at games constitute grave matter, unless the damage inflicted is so slight that the one who suffers it cannot reasonably consider it significant."

Get a grip, zoyd. If Bill Bennett's gambling fits the above (which it does), it is not immoral. And who the hell are you to tell Bill Bennett where he should spend his money. My guess is that he donates more to the needy than you ever could.

[be-baw]

The truth will out eventually, but if Bennett has lost $8 million gambling, he has a problem; or else he is incredibly stupid.

[irish_links]

"...The Catechism of the Catholic Church (2413.)

"Games of chance (card games, etc.) or wagers are not in themselves contrary to justice. They become morally unacceptable when they deprive someone of what is necessary to provide for one’s needs and those of others....

Get a grip, zoyd. If Bill Bennett's gambling fits the above (which it does), it is not immoral. And who the hell are you to tell Bill Bennett where he should spend his money. My guess is that he donates more to the needy than you ever could....."

You have made the point for those who criticize Bennett for them. Do you not recall the parable that Jesus taught regarding the Poor Old Woman and the Pharisees in the Temple? Jesus mocked the Pharisees because they made a big show of giving alms to the poor from their surplus. He praised the poor old women who gave a pittance in humility from her need.

Bennett deserves little credit for giving to the poor from his surplus (I deserve no better). But he is justly criticized for throwing away millions that could have been used to 1) capitalize a new business that employs people; 2) build a new catholic school to educate children in his faith; 3) grace the public square with art; or 4) help the poor, sick and underprivileged. If his losses were of the size alleged, he has deprived others of things that they need and has in so doing sinned in the eyes of the Church. By presenting himself as a moral avatar at the same time he has put himself in the position of a Pharisee, making a large show of his virtue while being blinded by his pride. This is the definition of hypocrisy.

Who are we to tell Bill Bennett where and how to spend his money? No one. But as a practicing Catholic, Bennett must subordinate himself to the teachings of the Church. He did not and can be criticized for it.