[GGrey]

WAY too long, but I think the content's good.

Senator,

The purpose of this message is to inform you that as a voting member of your state, I am against Senator Frist's attempt to attach provisions against online gambling to the Department of Defense Authorization bill that is to be reviewed next week.

Altruistically, the goal of this provision may be to cut down on gambling degeneracy, or to prevent the youth of America from squandering what little funds they may have acquired, but the passing of the bill will not fulfill it. The ban of online gambling will only force pathological addicts to find other means of throwing their money away. There are still home games, casinos, even liquor store lottery tickets and scratchcards. Or what about alcohol, cigarettes, and adult entertainment? Where are the bans and restrictions on these means of degeneracy? I am not comparing apples to oranges, and by no means should a government be responsible for policing the individual's morality when he can't hurt anyone but himself.

The ready availability of online gambling does not equate to a mass proliferation of degenerates. Money management is the responsibility of each citizen, NOT the government. Failure by overspending is at the fault of the user. If Congress feels the need to have an active role in citizens' accounting, then why isn't the government doing our taxes? Just because the means of gambling addiction is available does not mean every John Smith will succumb to it. If that were the case, the ownership of any sort of weaponry would come with an immediate arrest, and every alcohol bottle would come with an AA membership card.

Now, I'd imagine the true, compelling argument of the bill is money. Money is going offshore. The state is not a recipient of the booming online gambling industry's profits. Reasonable at this juncture, yes, however take into account the mass array of aforementioned, currently taxable, even regulated vices readily available. Are we ready to concede that the foundation of the righteous crusade against online gambling is based on the dollar bill? That a blind eye, or even the acceptance of a myriad of vices can indeed be purchased?

I believe such are the implications behind the attachment to the DoD bill. I hope you take it into consideration.

Much appreciation,
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