Being told "professional poker doesn't contribute to society."

[KRPI2k05]

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you're missing the whole point of the argument, and so is your mom.

and i don't understand why you all equate paying taxes with contributing to society. americans seem to think there's something patriotic about paying taxes. is that what you guys are taught in school or what?

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I'm not American, I'm English and thus don't pay taxes. Also I started by saying poker does not contribute to society. And, I don't believe one needs to be concerned with contributing to society as a whole as the masses are just looking out for themselves, not those around them. That was my point/opinion.

EDIT: If I am completely missing the point somehow then I apologise, I'm just trying so say that I don't see the need to justify playing poker instead of being doctor/soldier etc.