House Committee to Hold Internet Gambling Hearing 6/8 - Page 4

Skallagrim · #31 06-05-2007, 11:47 AM

As both a matter of tactics and ethics, frommagio and uglyowl are right. Politics is ultimately about compromise, about finding a solution that most people will accept. Its been said that true compromise pleases no one, but satisfies all.

Thats the correct approach here. We must recognize our obligation to minimize the harm that some people will do to themselves with legal gambling. We must convince the folks who care about the harm that the better way to address this harm is through a legal and regulated market.

The fact that prohibition was an utter failure does not mean that alcohol does not contribute to harm in society. And the fact that alcohol contributes to harm does not mean it would be wise to go back to prohibition.

Skallagrim

whaahhahahah · #32 06-05-2007, 12:05 PM

I like that Barney Frank is hosting this.

AlanF1 · #33 06-05-2007, 12:54 PM

someone record this and upload it afterwards please

Fold 4 Value · #34 06-05-2007, 01:26 PM

[ QUOTE ]
As both a matter of tactics and ethics, frommagio and uglyowl are right. Politics is ultimately about compromise, about finding a solution that most people will accept. Its been said that true compromise pleases no one, but satisfies all.

Thats the correct approach here. We must recognize our obligation to minimize the harm that some people will do to themselves with legal gambling. We must convince the folks who care about the harm that the better way to address this harm is through a legal and regulated market.

The fact that prohibition was an utter failure does not mean that alcohol does not contribute to harm in society. And the fact that alcohol contributes to harm does not mean it would be wise to go back to prohibition.

Skallagrim

[/ QUOTE ]

QFT

Seems the people that have a issue with the pastors testimony should also have a problem with scottyy's plea for "feel good" stories.

kickabuck · #35 06-05-2007, 04:10 PM

[ QUOTE ]
We are looking for "feel-good" stories that may be referenced during this hearing. For example a disabled person that plays online poker for their entertainment, or a soldier in Iraq? We are interested in telling the story of a few players in which online poker is a positive in their life (not just making money). If you know a person that fits what we are looking for please PM me today.

Scotty

[/ QUOTE ]

Probably a good idea for this to be its own thread, many more will see it. It is imperative to counter the real world sob stories with some reality of our own.

Uglyowl · #36 06-05-2007, 04:57 PM

Here is my story about the good of online poker, I am sure some are better, but it at least adds to it.

Hi Scotty,

In February 2004, I was diagnosed with Stage 3 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, a form of cancer. Due to fatigue for a week after each treatment and a supressed immune system, I was unable to make it to casinos to play a game I love, poker.

During this scary time in my life and 6 months of treatment there was lots of being alone and unable to do much of anything. Online poker allowed me to play when I wanted, where I wanted (laying down in bed resting), and how ever long I wanted. If I could only play for a half hour and then it worked.

While playing online poker, I met many great people and had a sense of being “normal”. Further online poker was a great distraction from a very serious illness. Unlike television, poker is a game which makes you think and engages your mind. While playing I forgot about my illness.

Thanks and good luck during the hearing, I am sure you will get a lot of good stories, but here is mine if you feel like using it.

-Joe

ChrisAJ · #37 06-05-2007, 05:39 PM

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Thanks for the heads-up.

Everyone, PLEASE email, snail mail (email it as well so it's there in time) fax or call your congressman over the next few days. Our opponents definitely will.

[/ QUOTE ]

Many of them will be at home over this weekend, so stalking them while they're out kissing babies probably will work too. Shake their hand and give them a well-reasoned argument.

[/ QUOTE ]

I would suggest that people focus their efforts re: this hearing to those members who actually serve on the committee.

Grasshopp3r · #38 06-05-2007, 05:41 PM

Perhaps the pastor is there to support the need to restrict access to those above the age of 21. In that respect, he may very well be an ally.

Uglyowl · #39 06-05-2007, 06:46 PM

We will be able to watch!

Webcast of the "Can Internet Gambling Be Effectively Regulated to Protect Consumers and the Payments System?" hearing:

http://www.house.gov/apps/list/heari...ht060807.shtml

Please voice your opinion to as many committee members as possible:

http://financialservices.house.gov/members.html

whangarei · #40 06-05-2007, 07:17 PM

[ QUOTE ]
Perhaps the pastor is there to support the need to restrict access to those above the age of 21. In that respect, he may very well be an ally.

[/ QUOTE ]

I'll give you 10-1 on that proposition. It was clear from the start that the tilted bank robber dude was gonna be a poster boy for the "click your mouse" crowd. I'd be shocked if the pastor has anything positive to say about gambling, though in the new political climate hopefully his views will be met with some degree of reason.