Do we need the IRs?

Do we need the IRs?
04:45 AM Aug 01, 2011
Letter from Jedidiah Tan
I READ with great interest the apparent divide between Ms Grace Fu's and Mr Tan Kin Lian's thoughts on the issue of gambling.

While the Senior Minister of State is now expressing her concern about the social backlash from the integrated resorts (IRs), the presidential hopeful described his company's Toto and 4D apps as "some distraction from the busy and hectic life".
We may benefit from heeding ancient wisdom that reminds us of how little foxes can spoil a vine. If we, as a society, do not make a clear and conceivably hard-line stand about dealing with what we know to be morally compromising - regardless of the astronomical profits that the IRs are bringing in - we would have to eventually suffer the potential backlash.
What we, in this present generation, allow in moderation, our children will excuse in excess. Is that the future we envisage for our children? Could they do with a little less money today and in return be given a safer tomorrow? It is a question that begs answering.
There would be advocates who argue along the lines of economic progress as justification for the IRs and their value in job creation.
On the other hand, the presence of such institutions can potentially be a Pandora's box. Does an economically vibrant country really need an IR to boost or fortify its stature? How highly do we value social impact vis-à-vis the dollars and cents such decisions bring?
Admittedly, there may not be quick-fix answers to these questions, and there would be a divide in opinions relating to such an issue.
But considering that Samaritans of Singapore are telling us of the spikes in loan-sharking and distress calls related to problem gambling, is it wise to turn a deaf ear on the tremors from the ground? There is perhaps much to learn from the behaviour of animals when an impending natural disaster is about to strike.
We need to make a decisive stand. Perhaps it is not too late to reconsider how things could be done moving forward. I certainly do not think raising the casino entrance levy would help.
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