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From: Averthan D'Souza [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Sent: 14 April 2008 19:16
To: Herald Goa; Gomantak Times ([EMAIL PROTECTED]); Goan Observer; Goa
Today
Subject: On the slippepry slope.
Dear Editor,
An important member of the Board of Control for Cricket in India
(BCCI), Mr. Inderjit Bindra is reported to have made a plea to legalise
betting in cricket. The arguments he advances are two-fold: one that it
is not possible for the Government to control the gambling which is
associated with this game; and two that gambling is legal in many other
parts of the cricket-playing world. He justifies this plea on the ground
that it will eliminate match fixing.
This is very curious thinking indeed, to say the least. If
match-fixing can be eliminated by merely legalising gambling, why should
the government not legalise performance enhancing drugs? After all, drugs
and other substances are being used in all sports, including cricket. The
number of cases which are detected and players who are punished are a
miniscule part of the entire problem. Countries all over the world spend
millions of dollars to test players for drug intake, which, according to
them makes the player guilty of criminal activity. Bindras argument
that because the Government cannot control gambling it should therefore
legalise it, is too naïve for a person holding such a responsible position.
If the argument is pushed to its logical limits, the government should also
legalize the sale, consumption, transport and use of all drugs, because the
Government cannot control it. If we accept Bindras (il)logic, the
government should also legalise wife beating, domestic violence against
children, burning of women by their husbands because they do not bring
sufficient dowry etc. etc. If the law declaring an action criminal or
anti-social is justified only on the grounds of the governments ability to
control it, then all criminal actions should be legalized, because no
government in the world can control such activities.
It is time that people in positions of prestige think carefully
before they make outlandish statements and support them with illogical
arguments.
Yours truly,
Averthanus L. DSouza,
D-13, La Marvel Colony,
Dona Paula, Goa 403 004.
Tel: 2453628.
