The story is well written, but when the vice president is rolling the dice with nukes and threatening the destruction of the planet, there is a dangerous extention of gambling philosophy that is more important. What distorts perceived benefit and perceived danger to gamble recklessly?

The piece does a very good job of raising questions and providing observations of a matter that most of us don't spend a lot of time pondering. Which leads me to wonder how important it really is. People have always gambled and always will.

A provocative question. I only wish there had been more analysis of this subject--and quite possibly neurosis--worthy of a mind like Freud or Jung. Do other cultures gamble as much? It may have something to do with the American Dream, which embraces risk.

Raises good questions: Does gambling bring more to state government budgets than its costs? How did it happen that gambling is no longer considered a sin? How does it differ from playing the stock market? Is it addictive? What is its impact on families? All questions to be addressed in a conference.

Interesting opinion. I, too, am eager to hear what facts come from the upcoming conference.