New laws will encourage old vices

Most laws have an impact, one way or another, on a person’s job or his pocketbook.

The new laws in Illinois, expanding legal gambling and the legal use of marijuana, will do the same. But they also will threaten our health and physical well-being.

The new laws have been touted as answers to our state’s fiscal crisis, creating many jobs, but at what cost?

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History has shown that the proliferation of gambling and marijuana can have a deleterious effect on one’s health. Both are addictive in nature.

Most forms of gambling are stacked against the participant; the odds are bad. Legalized gambling generally is a waste of time and money.

Marijuana alters a person’s mood and introduces harmful substances into the lungs and body that can lead to dependency and the use of more powerful drugs.

These two laws will do nothing to uplift society. They will be of harm to future generations.

Ned L. McCray, Tinley Park

Alter SNAP benefits

I live in a poor town in downstate Illinois and can honestly say that I am fair and partial to everyone. I’m not a big fan of President Donald Trump, but I can tell you with absolute certainty that SNAP benefits should at least be altered.

As a previous SNAP benefits user, I worked hard to stretch that money to make it last a month to feed my family. But I would go to the convenience store and see adults buying energy drinks at $2.50 a crack, $3.50 Starbucks iced coffees and junk food with their children’s SNAP benefits.

My family and I ate macaroni and cheese, hot dogs, homemade french bread pizzas and homemade jello and puddings. We made our benefits last and are extremely grateful for what was given to us.

Once I got on my feet I canceled my SNAP benefits.

I totally believe in the program, but it should be limited to certain foods. Wasting $20 in the morning on your way to work is inexcusable. These people are totally in for the free ride.

Robert Shaffer, Carmi