Strange bedfellows

One of the more interesting things in the move toward expanded gambling, if that is indeed the direction the state will be headed towards, is the folks who will join together mount the fight to stop it.

That includes conservative religious groups and liberal interest groups, who just a few months ago were warring over gay marriage. Such as the League of Women Voters and the Massachusetts Family Institute.

Check out both their websites. On their front pages, both groups outline their opposition to gambling.

Also: The Pilot, which bills itself as the official newspaper of the Archdiocese of Boston, writes up an editorial declaring "no" to a gambling "invasion."

Earlier, from an AP story this week:

Beside a handful of lawmakers, opposition to casino gambling has been limited.

The Roman Catholic church, historically outspoken on matters related to family values, has taken a reserved approach.

Boston Cardinal Sean O'Malley has declined several interview requests on the subject. On his blog, however, he wrote that casino gambling "is fraught with many dangers for a community," including gambling addiction. He said the state should raise taxes rather than rely on casinos "which will result in many ruined lives, ruined businesses and ruined neighborhoods."

O'Malley didn't mention bingo, but did note that the church's position on gambling is "nuanced."