Bennett Gambles -- So What?
William Bennett, right-wing social conservative and former cabinet officer, has admitted that he likes to gamble and sees nothing wrong with doing so legally. His critics are smirking with glee as they prepare to unleash the harshest complaint in the American lexicon "hypocrite." As much as one may hate to say so, on this one, Mr. Bennett is in the right.
Mr. Bennett has made a career out of being the voice of social conservatism. His solutions to may social ills are often simplistic, and he seems interested in making the country into an giant Baptist revival meeting. It is his right to try, and it is the right of those who disagree to try to stop him.
However, the charge of hypocrisy is pointless and unfair. Even if one accepts that his gambling habit (and he's lost hundreds of thousands of dollars in casinos) undermines his position as spokesman for certain causes, it cannot undermine the position itself. Attacking the argument is fair, attacking the one making the argument is not.
Besides, hypocrisy is the very foundation of civilization. "How nice to see you" is not necessarily always true, but greater honesty may entail violence. May the gods prevent mankind from ever telling the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth -- the ensuing assaults would cut the population in half overnight.
The example of Thomas Jefferson is apt. Here is a slave owner who writes, and even believes in a way "All men are created equal." Which is preferable, to condemn the man for his weakness, or ignore his argument because he himself lacks the moral will to live up to the angels of his better nature? One piece of advice for Mr. Bennett, never split a pair of kings in blackjack.