speak your mind on the internet gambling bill!

[suited aces]

I added something about the coming slots parlors and edited the original version a bit. Enjoy.

Dear Congressman Fattah:

I live in Philadelphia, PA and am a proud member of your district. Since you represent my voice in Congress, I was hoping you would hear my concerns over a matter that seriously troubles me.

It has come to my attention that Reps. Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) and Rick Boucher (D-VA) are attempting to pass a piece of legislation called the Internet Gambling Prohibition Act which would update the U.S. Wire Act to cover the use of the internet to operate a gambling business. It would further allow federal, state, local, and tribal law-enforcement officials to seek help from internet service providers to remove or disable access to internet gambling sites that violate the act.

I would like to point out that the original intent of the U.S. Wire Act was to stop and allow prosecution of “bookies”, operators that were generally connected to underground crime families and rings. We have moved into a new era, however, where gambling is not only more respectable by societal standards but it is actually encouraged by our own great state. In Pennsylvania, we have scratch tickets and a lottery system. Moreover, we will soon have slots parlors made possible by legislation championed by a member of your own party, the great Ed Rendell. These all are state sponsored and the state benefits from every wager made on these games.

It seems the recent explosion in the popularity in poker is the reason this bill is being brought before congress. Online poker is extremely popular in the United States as evidenced by reported revenues from Party Gaming (publicly traded on the London Stock Exchange and most certainly not affiliated with any organized crime ring), which cited revenues in excess of $600 million in 2004. Indeed, there was recently an article in the Enquirer reporting that several prominent Wall Street investment firms had substantial holdings in Party Gaming. Further, it is estimated that 88% of Party Gaming's revenue came from U.S. customers. Obviously this company is providing a service wanted by U.S. citizens and U.S. investors are recognizing this and acquiring ownership in companies providing these services.

As one of your constituents, I can gamble in a bar, convenience store, restaurant, grocery store, drive an hour to Atlantic City, and will soon be able to visit a slot parlor in my own city. Why should I not be able to gamble in the comfort of my own home over the internet?

Finally, I note that the two representatives pushing this bill represent a state that has its own state lottery. Seems a tad hypocritical and makes me wonder if their so voiced paternalistic intent of protecting citizens from the so called dangers of gambling isn't a bald pretense to keep American dollars in America. It certainly seems like the latter, which leads me to the next question. Why not have these online gaming companies based in America? That would create a lot of revenue for the American government and also allow the U.S. government to offer protection to the consumers of these services. I think it is time we stopped living in the 18th century and started becoming proactive in creating revenue for our government so we can better respond to disasters such as hurricane Katrina, our ongoing health care issues, and the pending demise of Social Security. I understand creating laws that would allow these companies to operate in the U.S. would take time, but I don’t think stripping Americans of their right to enjoy entertainment in the privacy of their own homes is a wise step. Isn't one of the major functions of government supposed to be protecting the rights of its citizens? This bill seems like an extreme step in the opposite direction.

From conversations with my friends, family, and business associates, I know my view is not in the minority. I will be watching your vote on this matter closely as it will greatly influence my future votes. Please speak for the majority of the citizens in your district and vote against this bill.

Very truly yours,

xxxxxxx

[x2ski]

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Make sure you send this to both of your Senators as well as your Congress Rep for your district.

Sent to all 3.

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When you do this, I think it's a good idea to reply to this message in order to institute some sort of peer pressure around here, as well as keep it close to the top of this forum.

Those that don't take action on this issue shall be ridiculed, made fun of even.

[golfboy7]

sending mine now [img]/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

[Soul Rebel]

Everyone on here should be doing this. It takes less than 5 minutes. There really is no excuse not to.

[somapopper]

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I sent my letter - how porn, child porn, Nazi sites, KKK sites, NAACP , and other hate organizations can be on the net and they worry about poker. Unreal

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WTF?

[KaneKungFu123]

The World Trade Organization should be mentioned

[pretender2k]

I was trying to write something that presented a good argument this will give me a good start.

[HiddenOuts]

[ QUOTE ]
I sent an email to my legislator

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[x2ski]

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[ QUOTE ]
I sent an email to my legislator

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bump... c'mon people

[ChoicestHops]

I just e-mailed mine.

Seriously people!

Don't assume other people will do this for you. It takes five minutes of you life, if that. Copy a simple statement already posted in this thread.

Let's keep this thread bumped to the top.