There is a strange business relationship that has emerged involving gambling and bingo in Alabama.
I am sure it surprises no one in Alabama that those entities and individuals who continue to push gambling in Alabama, specifically electronic bingo, seem to have a limitless supply of cash and are being somewhat successful in using their clout to force their interest on the rest of us.
The news media has for months touched on possible conflicts of interest involving Attorney General Troy King and possibly Gov. Bob Riley, due to alleged contributions by gambling interests to their respective campaigns.
The most disappointing and troubling story, however, is the involvement as a spokesman and actual investment by Alabama singing group leader Randy Owen. We have all seen the TV ads by Owen, and now he is opening an entertainment facility bearing his name at the bingo development Country Crossing near Dothan.
For many years, we have witnessed Owen’s phenomenal singing success. Often he publicly lends credit for his talent to his Christian upbringing. Just this week I saw him appearing on the Bill Gaither Homecoming series on PBS giving his Christian testimony and performing Christian hymns. His last CD was all Christian music.
What image should we accept of one of our most famous sons? Should Owen be accepted to give witness of his Christian faith and at the same time publicly promote and invest in gambling in Alabama?
Is it not reasonable that the good Christian people should now reject Owen and his newest venture — gambling in Alabama?
This Sunday, will you join me in praying for Owen?
James W. Anderson
Talladega, Ala.
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