Letter from Walter Cuthbert to President Harry S. Truman

WALTER R. CUTHBERT 1010 NORTH GARFIELD AVENUE ALHAMBRA, CALIFORNIA ATLANTIC 2-4536 Cove August 3, 1950 Mr. Harry S. Truman, President U. S. of America, Washington, D.C. Dear Mr. Truman: What a wonderful opportunity you have to win the respect of Christians, your fellow Baptisits, as well as of the gamblers of the country. I know it is hard to take an outright and unusual stand against unrighteousness while in the midst of unrighteousness. I know from experience how glad you will be if and after you will have taken the stand that you are quitting poker. When I first left home to be in a student boarding house in a college town, the boys asked me to join them in a night spree. I immediately said "I'm a Christian and can't do that". They never asked me again and showed the utmost respect for me. One of them told me he was sorry he had not taken such a stand. You hold the most influential position in the world. People copy the costumes and furniture of their king and queen. A leader leads. How can our law enforcement officers and ministers of the gospel effectively stop gambling of every sort, the wasting of money, the placing of SO many millions of dollars, badly needed for the saving of lives, in the hands of the scum of the earth, when our president indulges even in small gambling? Where should the line be drawn between harmful and harmless gambling? Be not anxious for the morrow. Care less about reelection than doing what is pleasing in the sight of God, and leave reelcetion with Him. You'll be reelected if He wants it SO. The entry upon the third world war has already made you more serious. I noticed quite a change in your demeanor yesterday at the newsreel. I think you are about ready to announce your leader- ship in Christian living. I would like to be the fellow on the bank who gives the push into the invigorating water. May God bless you and keep you. Sincerely, Wath