[TheEngineer]

Here's my letter to Sen. Reid, (a Democrat). Please feel free to borrow from as required, but let's try to not copy letters verbatim...form letters aren't nearly as effective as individually-written letters.


111 Main Street
Anytown, XX 00000
(xxx) 555-5555

February 25, 2007

528 Hart Senate Office Bldg
Washington, DC 20510

Dear Senator Reid:

I'm writing to express my strong displeasure over the banning of online poker by the last Congress. This is big government nanny-statism at its worst. I believe the outrage of my fellow poker players contributed strongly to the Democratic win in the last election. In fact, I think the Republican Party has temporarily lost the vote of Generation Y and a good percentage of Gen X as a result of this and other freedom-restricting measures. I believe the Democratic Party has a historic opportunity to make this support permanent.

Additionally, have you considered the impact of this legislation on the state of Nevada? While banning Internet gaming may help large casinos in the short term by reducing competition, it could harm Nevadans long-term in a number of ways:

· It could start a process where Americans’ acceptance of gaming drops. As you know, acceptance of gaming ebbs and flows in America. Right now, it’s at an all-time high. You should wish to keep it that way. After all, if Middle America believes gaming to be a vice, they won't take their families (and their money) to Nevada. Please don't sell out Nevadans for the short-term profits of large corporations.

· Internet poker has fueled the poker boom. The advertising associated with it has funded the many poker television shows. This has all worked to draw record numbers of tourists to Nevada.

· Large casino companies are at risk of being completely shut out of the Internet gaming market. Existing Internet companies have already developed business models that don't rely on American players. Nevada is losing a lot of potential revenue.

· The U.S. should desire a regulated market. That way, the U.S. can set and enforce age and other limits an can collect taxes. Also, money-laundering issues can be monitored. Nevada-based companies could lead the way with this.

I urge you to support the repeal of the UIGEA. It’s good for the Democratic Party, it’s good for Nevada, and it’s good for America. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Mr. and Mrs. Engineer