So the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights which outlines federal and state powers and individual freedoms are socialist documents? If the state were to allow gambling as a measure of freedom, it would allow unregulated gambling with no taxes collected on earnings.

Justanother DesertVet,

Perhaps you would enjoy the theory of social compact or contract as your President stated in he’s comment during he’s worthless speech on April 13?

Social compact defined:

An agreement among the members of an organized society or between the governed and the government defining and limiting the rights and duties of each. “Socialism”

@ wayward....as I see it the issue is one "class" (remember the concept of a class-less society, every man being created equal) feeling themselves so "above" another as to decide to generate revenue from their "vices" of those beneath them.... in a system like this, those that do NOT pay in (yet also reap the benefits of a funded and orderly government) can actually moralize and criticize the destructive habits of those that, in truth and practice, support the system that we all rely on... it is one step away from facism, with a huge dose of good ol' Protestant moralization thrown in...plus...all you "smaller" Government fans....you know there would have to be new agencies for the governing and collection of moneys from said casinos established at local, county and state levels....look at all the baggage that the lottery commission carries around....

Justanotherdesertvet...You're missing the point. It's not a tax on anyone; it's the government returning the liberty granted us by the Creator (remember those unaileanable rights?) to the people where they belong. Now if some of the people are too stupid to handle that freedom, it's NOT my fault and not my concern. I also think that the government should legalize wacky terbaccy and tax it as well. It's called freedom; it's called liberty; it's called the right to be left alone. Too many people would prefer to have the government babysit them from the cradle to the grave. Others of us believe that we should be allowed to make our own decisions on how to live our lives even if that means we make a mistake or two along the way. If my life is gonna be screwed up, I'd rather do it myself than have the government do it to me.

No I see enough people on public aid with iPhones, new Nikes, fancy rims, using food stamps to buy Gatorade and chips, and playing bingo..but wait I guess if the money went back to the state it would be like a return.

Absolutely approve casino gambling. Us Texans have supported Louisana , Mississippi , Oklahoma , and Nevada long enough !!!Those that have a problem with gambling will still sneak to Louisana to gamble,drink, and whatever.

let me get this straight....the budget is shot because the individually wealthy and corporations can afford tax attorneys, lobbyists, political donations and accountants to keep them from actually PAYING their share of taxes, so the answer is a tax on the stupid, obsessive, and addicted via gambling.....so, explain to me just what in the world is WRONG with legalizing marijuana and collecting tax on it, again?

This discussion, especially the mention of the oldest profession, made me think of "Business Time" by Flight of the Conchords: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGOohB...

Dragenrider...What could be more consistent with conservative ideology than the government not interfering with the citizens in how they spend their disposable income? The fact that one is pro-life has NOTHING to do with enjoying a game of chance. There is nothing inconsistent in being fiscally conservative and in telling the government to stay out of my life to the greatest extent possible. Besides, if you win at the casino, the government will take a cut in taxes.

I think what dragenrider is doing is pointing out the inconsistencies and hypocrisies within the GOP/conservative movement.

As a conservative myself, I wonder how someone can say that the government has no business telling us how we can spend our money, but also think that it's ok for the government to tell us what we can or cannot do in our bedroom. Funny, huh?

I'm for less government, period. Less interference with my paycheck, less interference with my personal life.

I've said before that the GOP would probably be much better off if they would dump the religious zealots, Christian Coalitions and the like.

Not to offend anyone or make any religious statement, there is a saying I have heard a few times that just might pertain to this question.

"He/she is a bad Baptist, but a good Catholic."

You know no card playing , drinking or dancing for Baptists, while other denomination s have no problem with cards, drinking or dancing.

not really dragenrider. Though there is a huge divide within the conservative movement. If you look at what it means to be conservative (smaller government) then all conservatives should be for the legalization of gambling. The government should not be telling us what we do with our money, and in gambling..if I dont do it in Texas, I could easily drive to Louisiana.

Lamppost...Interesting question. It should never have been outlawed. The state has NO business telling its' citizens with whom they can........

Ya know, I find it rather odd that the same people who claim to be conservative, i.e. pro-life, against same sex marriage and extreme right leaning, are the same people who want to legalize casino gambling in the state. This seems really strange and inconsistent to me. Just saying....

LP...Sure, why not.

Yes! Then regulate and tax it like a golden goose. Thinking 30% off the top.

Should Texas legalize prostitution?

I'm for freedom.

I see no reason that they shouldn't. Those who are going to gamble, will just go to other states to do it, so why not keep their money in Texas and maybe draw in some money from other states?