FoF has an updated action plan out. I guess these busybodies have nothing better to do than to worry about what WE do in OUR OWN HOMES! I guess this makes them feel morally superior.
Internet Gambling Take Action
3-29-2007
by Chad Hills
In 2005, U.S. citizens illegally exported $6 billion dollars to unknown, unaccountable foreign online casinos. Congress passed legislation to stop Internet gambling in the U.S., but the Department of Treasury needs to hear your voice to keep this legislation strong. Representative Barney Frank recently introduced dangerous legislation that would legalize Internet gambling. The fight is on and we need your help to defend the family!
Updated: 8-3-2007
Pro-Family Coalitions and Sports Associations Write Congress to Uphold Intergrity of UIGEA
Read letters faxed to Congress Members concerning recent bills that would legalize Internet gambling and reverse the Unlawful Internet Gamblnig Enforcement Act of 2006.
Sports Associations' letter to Congress (7-30-2007)
Coalition sign-on letter to House Members (8-1-2007)
Coalition sign-on letter to Senators (8-1-2007)
We encourage citizens to contact their Members of Congress by phone, fax or e-mail and share why the Unlawful Internet Gamblnig Enforcement Act of 2006 (UIGEA) is so important for families and homeland security. Recent bills have been introduced that threaten to reverse UIGEA (bill mentioned specifically in above letters).
When Congressmen promote the interests and profits of foreign lobbyists at the expense of American families and our national security, we've got a problem on our hands. People must be the common denominator in any decision.
Desperate Foreign, Online Casino Lobby Travels to D.C.
This July, a Canadian-based organization called Casino Gambling Web plans to march on Washington, D.C. and flood Congressmen's desks with reasons to "regulate Internet gambling for the benefit of society," or at least for the benefit of their foreign online casino operations.1 They have collected nearly 5,000 American signatures on their Repeal the Internet Gambling Ban petition, a relatively small number of citizens when compared to an estimated 15 million or more people afflicted with a problem or pathological gambling addictions in the U.S. Nonetheless, this is America and we all have the freedom to speak out.
The loudest and most desperate voices, however, seem to be coming from abroad: the United Kingdom, Costa Rica and the Caribbean Islands, amidst continuing U.N. pressure from the European Union on the World Trade Organization. Signs of desperation are popping up in other places, as well.
During the past three consecutive days, Focus on the Family has received a "list fax" from Vega Promotions encouraging investors to sink money into their sharply declining online gambling market. See fax and hi-lighted areas (PDF).
Back in Washington, D.C., these foreign "voices" plan to "enlighten" U.S. Congressmen about the "impending ramifications" concerning trade violations by not allowing the European Union to dictate U.S. foreign policy. The voices "will arm each representative with a new found understanding" of the safeguards "to prevent" problem and underage gambling. Is this why online gambling addiction and underage Internet gambling grew so rapidly while these foreign gambling operators mocked U.S. laws and ran illegal casino sites within the United States for nearly a decade? What safeguards?
"We will show them the tax revenue that can be realized," say the voices. This "revenue" will come from the losses of millions of people by deceiving them and exploiting their weaknesses. Is Congress elected to protect special foreign interests or to represent and defend the people of America? Should foreign special interest groups, particularly predatory industries like online gambling, be dictating policy for the United States?
Congress passed legislation to protect American families from online gambling predators and to prevent potential threats to our national security. Congress intentionally chose not to legalize or "regulate" online gambling, but rather to enforce existing federal laws that prohibit online gambling. In spite of the mounting desperation and pressure from foreign gambling interests, Congress must be encouraged to stick to their guns. Encourage your members of Congress to uphold the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 for the safety of our children, families and our national security.
NEWS FLASH: Barney Frank Bill Threatens Families, National Security
Representative Barney Frank, Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, sponsored a bill (H.R. 2046) that would legalize Internet gambling in the United States. His bill, if passed, will undo nearly a decade of Congressional efforts to protect children and families from gambling predators on the Internet. It also threatens homeland security in the midst of terrorist threats.
Before the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 was signed into law, children were being assaulted by Internet pop-ups and advertisements for more than 2,000 instant, online casinos. More than $6 billion left the U.S. economy and poured into questionable off-shore gambling operations. Barney Frank's bill must be defeated for the sake of children, families and homeland security.
On June 8, 2007, the House Financial Services Committee held a hearing on Rep. Barney Frank's legislation, H.R. 2046, the "Internet Gambling Regulation and Enforcement Act of 2007." H.R 2046 has 19 Co-Sponsors.
H.R. 2046 sets up a scheme for legalizing, licensing and regulating Internet gambling operations. Rep. Barney Frank's bill excuses Internet gambling operators from prosecution or enforcement action under any Federal or State law, if they simply obtain a license and follow the bill's requirements. Thus, H.R. 2046 effectively overrides all other gambling regulations or limitations under Federal or State law.
An Internet gambling news site exposed an interesting statistic, indicating that "probably more than 70%" of Internet gambling operators have a prior arrest record ["Barney Frank Will Have Few Online Gambling Luminaries at Friday's Hearing," Gambling911.com, 6 June 2007].
"The industry [foreign Internet gambling] in general is skeptical of Frank's proposed legislation since it restricts those with prior arrest records (including bookmaking) from operating an online casino, poker room or sportsbook. That's probably more than 70% of the industry. The sports betting side in particular was started off shore mostly by individuals who left the States because they tired of having law enforcement bust their doors down every couple of months."
Still want to place a bet online with your bank account number or credit card? Again, this emphasizes our concern about the potential for Internet gambling to fund money laundering operations and organized crime through predatory, unscrupulous operations.
Jack Abramoff and Barney Frank have something in common: they both want to expand gambling. One man's in jail, the other man's still in Congress. We know who was behind Abramoff, but we're curious to know who's behind Barney Frank's legislation? Frank says he doesn't gamble, so why is he suddenly online gambling's mascot?
Are you tired of being assaulted by thousands of online gambling pop-up ads? Are you worried about your children, a spouse or an extended family member becoming "hooked" on highly addictive Internet gambling? Barney Frank seems more concerned about a handful of disgruntled poker players and the special interests of foreign casino operators.
Oppose Barney Frank's bill (H.R. 2046) and support strong regulations for the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006. Take action now!
Take Action - Barney Frank Bill
Oppose Barney Frank's legislation (H.R. 2046), because it jeopardizes the safety of our families and our nation.
The House of Representatives, specifically those who serve on the Financial Services Committee, need to hear an outcry from families and pro-family groups by this Thursday (6-7-07).
Fax, call or e-mail your Representative. Urge your House Representative to oppose HR 2046. If your state has a Representative on the House Financial Services Committee, contact them as well (see Committee members). This Committee held a hearing on Barney Frank's bill June 8, 2007.
Be sure to contact House Judiciary Committee members (202-225-3951) from your state and urge their opposition to Barney Frank's bill (HR 2046).
Other Things You Can Do:
Submit testimony (your experience, your thoughts) about Internet gambling for the Congressional record (by 6-8-07).
Send out e-mails to friends to call their Representatives.
Mention this issue in your church, to radio programs or other pro-family organizations
Write to the local newspaper editor with your concerns.
Background on the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act
The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) was attached to the SAFE Port Act (H.R. 4954) and passed in 2006. This legislation delegated authority to the U.S. Department of the Treasury to determine the details and regulations pertaining to the Internet gambling portion of this legislation (Title VIII).
Needless to say, the foreign online gambling industry hired a number of lobbyists to influence this legislation and ultimately weaken the UIGEA. Foreign Internet casino operators lost an estimated $6 billion when Congress passed this legislation in 2006. They are intent on lobbying to reclaim their lost business by advocating porous Internet legislation and regulation.
The U.S. Department of Treasury is expected to release their regulations very soon, so voice your concerns today (see talking points listed below). Read the letter written by professional and amateur sports organizations that encourages strong regulations against Internet gambling.
Take Action - Unlawful Internet Gambling
Send a message to President Bush:
Comments: 202-456-1111
Switchboard: 202-456-1414
FAX: 202-456-2461 (most effective)
E-mail:
comments@whitehouse.gov
Emphasize these points:
The Department of the Treasury is tasked with drafting strong and thorough regulations. Word from legislators working closely with this bill is that the regulations are too weak, and the law will may be undermined by the rules and regulations. A handful of federal agents could create and maintain a list of unlawful Internet gambling operations to existing Pro-family organizations and citizens must contact the White House and urge President Bush to direct the Treasury to create strong regulations to uphold this legislation.
A second concern is Rep. Barney Frank's (D-MA) bill, HR 2046. His bill would effectively repeal the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006, reversing nearly a decade of Congressional efforts to keep families safe from the predatory online gambling industry. Citizens need to voice their opposition to the dangerous bill that would open the gates wide for Internet casinos.
Citizens should also be aware that Rep. Shelley Berkley (D-NV) sponsored a bill that seeks to "study" the option of Internet gambling in the United States and ultimately justify its legalization. Oppose HR 2140, because more than 230 million Americans access the Internet, including children. We do not want thousands of virtual casinos tempting adults and children to gamble, nor can we verify whether these sites are funding criminals or terrorists. We don't have to study Internet gambling to know that risks are too great.
You can also contact Secretary Paulson, of the Department of Treasury. Express your concern for the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act regulations to remain strong.
The Honorable Henry M. Paulson
Secretary of the Department of the Treasury
1500 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, D.C. 20220
Phone - 202-622-1100
Phone - Department of the Treasury Main Switchboard - 202-622-1100
Fax - 202-622-6415
Web site:
http://www.ustreas.gov/