88Orange
07-17-2006, 12:44 PM
I drafted the following letter to the editor of my local newspaper. For those interested in continuing to play poker on line, may I suggest your write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper? You may use my leter verbatim or any language contained therein. I used some of the language from the Poker Players Alliance letter.
Dear Editor:
Many people are not aware of Representative Bob Goodlatte’s crusade to tread on our freedom. His proposed ban passed the House of Representatives and now must only pass the Senate to become law. I would like to help spread awareness of what this bill means for Americans and urge everyone who cares about civil liberties to make his or her voice heard. Even if one is not an avid poker player, all Americans should feel strongly that his bill to prohibit Americans from playing poker on the internet violates every citizen’s personal freedoms.
Poker is a uniquely American game enjoyed by more than seventy million people in this country. Recently, the popularity of poker has exploded. The game has extended to be played on the internet allowing people from all over the country and the world to match wits and intellect. The possibility of the government stripping this activity away from millions of Americans is an unmerited breach of individual liberties and freedoms.
From average citizens to presidents, generals, members of congress, and Supreme Court justices, Americans have been playing poker since the time of expansion into the western frontier, making it a rich part of our cultural heritage. Moreover, unlike other forms of gambling where the ‘house’ or casino has a built-in edge, poker is a skill game played where the ‘house’ has no interest. Poker is simply man against man matching wits and judgment. The evolution of the game being played on the internet should not be restricted by overarching government interference. Instead of embracing poker’s legacy of tradition and freedom, Representative Goodlatte’s bill is transmogrifying it into something of George Orwell's 1984.
I urge you to take these concerns into consideration and be aware that the government is invading our lives – indeed our homes – to dictate what acceptable recreation is for its citizens. Big Brother is dictating that an American tradition will be illegal if it is not played in person and instead is played via the internet.
Dear Editor:
Many people are not aware of Representative Bob Goodlatte’s crusade to tread on our freedom. His proposed ban passed the House of Representatives and now must only pass the Senate to become law. I would like to help spread awareness of what this bill means for Americans and urge everyone who cares about civil liberties to make his or her voice heard. Even if one is not an avid poker player, all Americans should feel strongly that his bill to prohibit Americans from playing poker on the internet violates every citizen’s personal freedoms.
Poker is a uniquely American game enjoyed by more than seventy million people in this country. Recently, the popularity of poker has exploded. The game has extended to be played on the internet allowing people from all over the country and the world to match wits and intellect. The possibility of the government stripping this activity away from millions of Americans is an unmerited breach of individual liberties and freedoms.
From average citizens to presidents, generals, members of congress, and Supreme Court justices, Americans have been playing poker since the time of expansion into the western frontier, making it a rich part of our cultural heritage. Moreover, unlike other forms of gambling where the ‘house’ or casino has a built-in edge, poker is a skill game played where the ‘house’ has no interest. Poker is simply man against man matching wits and judgment. The evolution of the game being played on the internet should not be restricted by overarching government interference. Instead of embracing poker’s legacy of tradition and freedom, Representative Goodlatte’s bill is transmogrifying it into something of George Orwell's 1984.
I urge you to take these concerns into consideration and be aware that the government is invading our lives – indeed our homes – to dictate what acceptable recreation is for its citizens. Big Brother is dictating that an American tradition will be illegal if it is not played in person and instead is played via the internet.