I have been bothered ever since the BCC took a non vote on a non request by the Dog Track in Orange Park to expand their gambling operations to include a card room. Call it a morality hangover.

I have been bothered by the level of discrimination I witnessed toward the owner of the Dog Track by a small - yet vocal - group of people. Personally, I don't believe that great  numbers of residents in Clay County care whether the Dog Track is allowed to expand it's operations. I'd be willing to bet if it were placed on a referendum, it'd pass even with their vocal opposition.

What I don't like is how a corporate partner was crucified because their corporate mission is in conflict with a specific Christian interpretation of the Bible.

What happened to the separation of church and state in Clay County?

The people of Clay County inacted a strong Ethics Code and a strong non-interference clause for its elected officials and still, government cannot dictate morality among its constituents. That's what keeps the Sheriff employed. That's what gives parents control over Internet or cable access. Exercise your influence and there's NO problem - even if a gambling facility operates in the community.

It is not government's job to legislate morality. The question of the card room should have come down to zoning and/or the ability to enact a local option to expand the card room based on state legislation. That's the only thing GOVERNMENT has control over.

It's Reaganomics 101: Get GOVERNMENT out of the morality business. Let's stop discriminating against corporate partners who give more back to the community than most people give back in a lifetime. If it ever comes up again, let's make a decision based on the merits of its application against the law.

The BCC made a decision based on the emotion of the day - that's unfortunate. Yes, voters elect commissioners. But ultimately, once elected, these commissioners have to make decisions based on state and local statutes. Don't ask them to legislate morality. They could do something that totally dumps the values that serve you. Ask your commissioners to make decisions based on the zoning and statutes they are guided by.

Parents, churches and communities are better left to the job of instructing on morality.

The 2008 election may see the introduction of candidates who base their candidacy on these "moral" issues.

Be clear what government can and cannot do. Learn about the issues and candidates. Vote your conscience.