Lunacy Isn't Only for The Insane

The British Government has patently taken leave of its few remaining senses and plans to give carte blanche to the nationwide imposition of Gambling Dens. It claims to be bringing to the masses what the rich already have!
You will pardon me for mislaying my humour with this asinine, and clearly corrupt, example of the failures of uncontrolled government. A little flutter or daily pound (couple of dollars, couple of euros, a large number but low value of yen) risked at the high street bookie (or turf accountant - early spin, no?) is quite different from having a Las Vegas style casino "in every city".
So don't get me wrong; what people, intent on supporting the high living of the makers of odds, do with their money is not something I object to. But, frankly, I can find no case for these temples of temptation outside clearly demarked areas. They have a tone that does not belong in the daily lives of any of us.
I use the term 'temple' advisedly. For they are about the worship of money and physical sensation. Both the latter are important, but neither should be worshipped.
Of course, such an ethics-free idea is quickly copied by those who do worhip at the temple of mammon. Step forward Cheap Executive Michael O'Leary of Ryanair.
With Ryanair you can fly for next to nothing - only the seat is supplied, though. I am not sure if even use of the toilet is free.
Perhaps their slogan is "With Ryanair You Wish You Were Already There".
There is to be an in-flight entertainment system, which is now being tested. And, lo and behold, it is just the thing to have in-flight gambling on. "With Credit Cards," says O'Leary in capitals.
Out of Capitals, he points out, land based government restrictions "were unlikely to apply... ...you are in international waters."
So what's another pirate here or there?
Well, yes, I do feel pretty strongly about it. Though I am no Evangelist on this (or any other matter). I would not, for example, do what anti-gambling vandals did in Melbourne, Australia at the beginning of this month.
They poured superglue into the locks of 25 betting shops the night before the country's biggest horse race, The Melbourne Cup - 'the race that stops the nation'. But six locksmiths were equal to the task, racing round the city to ensure the punters were not prevented from losing their shirts.
No one has claimed responsibility and the police seem unable to make a breakthrough. What you might call a sticky case.