4 ms·

This isn't exactly a fair comparison. Bartenders are bound by law not to give drunks more alcohol because they could go drive a car and kill someone. A gambler

This isn't exactly a fair comparison. Bartenders are bound by law not to give drunks more alcohol because they could go drive a car and kill someone. A gambler is only hurting himself when he loses his money.

idbehold 11y ago
That is not the reason bartenders are not supposed to give drunks more alcohol. If the person is already drunk and the bartender refuses to give them more, do you think that would encourage the person to remain at the bar or leave? Why do you think heroin or meth are illegal? Those substances are only hurting the person using them, right?
Vaskivo 11y ago
Well, he could also be hurting his family. Imagine a gambler betting the children's college fund. The damage is not as impactful and severe, but it is still damage. But I'm still not convinced about your parents first sentence.
- legulere 11y ago
  Or they might lend some money without being able to pay it back. Or they might steal money. But in my opinion the harm an addict can do to others isn't even the only problem. Addiction is a sickness that needs treatment and help. Addicts are victims first (at least partly of themselves) and only then can also be perpetrators. Living off the problems of other people (by enabling them in their addiction, not by helping them) to me personally is morally questionable. It might be a bit of a cultural thing though, as here in Europe there isn't as much emphasis on the idea that everyone needs to take their luck in their own hands as there is in the US.
  - Vaskivo 11y ago
    Sure, I agree. I also think gambling is a health problem. I find your last paragraph interesting. I too, am European. But there are lots of cultures in Europe. To me, the word "responsability" struck me as being very strong. As a portuguese, we are sociably incentivised to help each other out but it usually goes as far as helping a "friend of a friend". We have almost a "helping out" economy, that I believe comes from the hardships from our parents and grandparents during the middle of the century. And it's how we make bonds with each other. But when someone can't or doesn't want to help, it's OK. The way you phrased it turned a "could do" and "might do" to a "must do".

idbehold 11y ago

That is not the reason bartenders are not supposed to give drunks more alcohol. If the person is already drunk and the bartender refuses to give them more, do you think that would encourage the person to remain at the bar or leave? Why do you think heroin or meth are illegal? Those substances are only hurting the person using them, right?

Vaskivo 11y ago

Well, he could also be hurting his family. Imagine a gambler betting the children's college fund. The damage is not as impactful and severe, but it is still damage. But I'm still not convinced about your parents first sentence.

legulere 11y ago
Or they might lend some money without being able to pay it back. Or they might steal money. But in my opinion the harm an addict can do to others isn't even the only problem. Addiction is a sickness that needs treatment and help. Addicts are victims first (at least partly of themselves) and only then can also be perpetrators. Living off the problems of other people (by enabling them in their addiction, not by helping them) to me personally is morally questionable. It might be a bit of a cultural thing though, as here in Europe there isn't as much emphasis on the idea that everyone needs to take their luck in their own hands as there is in the US.
- Vaskivo 11y ago
  Sure, I agree. I also think gambling is a health problem. I find your last paragraph interesting. I too, am European. But there are lots of cultures in Europe. To me, the word "responsability" struck me as being very strong. As a portuguese, we are sociably incentivised to help each other out but it usually goes as far as helping a "friend of a friend". We have almost a "helping out" economy, that I believe comes from the hardships from our parents and grandparents during the middle of the century. And it's how we make bonds with each other. But when someone can't or doesn't want to help, it's OK. The way you phrased it turned a "could do" and "might do" to a "must do".