On Friday, I endorsed Oklahoma State Question 712, which would allow folks going to casinos in this state to play card games and slots, instead of whatever they play now. (I’ve never been to one, but I think they play bingo.) In advocating a “Yes” vote on 712, I took a contrary position to the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma and their marvelous Gambling Mouse cartoon.

But on this Sabbath Day, the Vigil of the Feast of All Saints, I will even up the score a bit by agreeing with the Baptists on State Questions 705 and 706, which would institute a state lottery. They’re against them. So am I, although for different reasons.

The BGCO lumps questions 705 and 706 with question 712, seeing them all as “expanding gambling.” I see them as very different issues.

The BGCO is opposed to the lottery because they think gambling is immoral, and it would somehow harm children. I don’t think games of chance are immoral; I just don’t think they are among the state’s proper functions.

But never mind the reasoning. The bottom line is, we agree: No on 705 and 706. With the combined political clout of the BGCO and blog.gleeson.us, the lottery is consigned to flames of woe.

In a move which might have surprised somebody, somewhere, terrorist mastermind Osama bin Laden has endorsed war hero gentleman senator John Kerry in the upcoming U.S. presidential election.

In his first public appearance since not being killed, America’s number one enemy made his endorsement at a “Vote or Die!” concert in Heinz Auditorium. Bin Laden will be touring with the band of other anti-American geezers, including Eddie Vedder, Bruce Springsteen, and Korean dictator Kim Jong-il, from now until Nov. 2, if they all live so long.

Sen. Kerry, who has previously voiced a desire to “hunt down and kill” bin Laden, expressed gratitude and enthusiasm at the concert. “I may have said some things in an insensitive manner, but tolerance of differences is what made this country great,” said the Massachusetts liberal. “And Osama and I share one goal, and that’s the defeat of George Bush. His endorsement of me today proves what I’ve said many times, that America needs to be more respected abroad.”

In his own remarks, bin Laden said, “Vote for John Kerry. Vote or die, this is your choice as your placards proclaim truthfully. Americans will vote for John Kerry, because you are weak, and you wish to surrender, ha ha.” He then joined Kerry and Springsteen in an off-key rendition of “Fortunate Son.”

At one point, Mr. bin Laden drew laughter from the audience of Democratic music lovers, when he referred to candidates Kerry and Edwards as “twin towers of praiseworthiness.” When the audience groaned, he realized his embarrassing reference. “Oooops, did I say that? Is Karl Rove wrote my speech, ha ha.”