Posted by Dan Ewert : 5/04/2003 08:57:00 PM (Archive Link)
It has recently been revealed that Bill Bennett, the Republican big-wig and author of The Book of Virutes actually partakes in a vice himself. He gambles. Not overly shocking. Certainly there are worse things to do. Bennett also says that he’s never bet “the milk money” and that he is perfectly solvent. How much money he actually wagers isn’t quite known, but it appears to be a great deal, possibly in the millions. While he may never have bet his bottom dollar, this behavior isn’t excusable. The scale of gambling to which is indulging is hardly insignificant and smacks of addiction. For a man of his stature and reputation to engage in it is disappointing at best. What’s really unfortunate, though, is how many conservative commentators have been coming to his defense. Most claim that it’s a private matter, he hasn’t gone broke, and gambling, where he did it, is a legal activity. This is all true, but it doesn’t excuse the man of virtues for so heavily participating in a vice that has ruined many a man and many a family. As such, his behavior shouldn’t be reflexively condoned or defended by conservatives just because he himself is a popular conservative. He deserves to be condemned and chastised. Should he be driven out of public life? No. While morally questionable, he didn’t break any laws, violate the public trust, or bet the homestead. However, conservatives should never refuse to hold one of their own to some sort of moral code. As such, it should be made clear to Bennett how many people are clearly unhappy with him. Then, if and when he apologizes for his behavior, he can be welcomed back.