Interent Gambling Update: Leach and Frist in Cedar Rapids 8/31

PPA President · #1 08-30-2006, 11:15 AM

Representative Jim Leach and Senator Bill Frist will he holding a rally/hearing on Internet Gambling in Cedar Rapids on 8/31. It is vital that poker players are there to voice their opposition to this bill. They need to see that this is no "cake walk" and that there is passionate opposition to this bill, and that this is a controversial bill in the Senate. The Poker Players Alliance is asking all of their Iowa members to attend, but 2+2 forum members should also get involved if they can.

Attached is the release. If you plan on attending or have additional questions please contact michaelb@pokerplayersalliance.org. We are hoping to get a count of poker players that will be there.
Regards,
Michael Bolcerek

Congressman James A. Leach
For Immediate Release Contact: Gary Grant

August 29, 2006 Phone: 319.363.4773

Webpage: www.house.gov/leach

MEDIA ADVISORY

CONGRESSMAN JIM LEACH AND SENATE MAJORITY LEADER BILL FRIST TO HOLD FIELDHEARING ON INTERNET GAMBLING THURSDAY, AUGUST 31st

SUBJECT: Congressman Jim Leach and Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist Will hold an informal field hearing to review problems attendant to internet gambling and legislative approaches to curb it.

BACKGROUND: A bill introduced by Congressman Leach, the Internet Gambling Prohibition and Enforcement Act (H.R. 4411), passed the House of Representatives on July 11, 2006. It is currently pending in the Senate where Senator Jon Kyl of Arizona has introduced companion legislation.

Under federal and state statute, internet gambling is currently illegal, but unenforceable. What the Leach-Kyle approach does is make it unlawful to Use financial instruments such as credit cards, checks, or fund transfers to settle online wagers. By blocking the payment system, tools are provided federal and state law enforcement authorities to help them enforce existing prohibitions on internet gambling.

Supporters of the legislation include the National Football League, Major League Baseball, National Basketball Association, National Hockey League, and National Collegiate Athletic Association; a spectrum of family and church organizations; and 48 of the 50 state attorneys general.

WITNESSES: Representing the NFL will be former University of Iowa stand-out, Merton Hanks, who was a five-time All-NFL defensive back for the San Francisco 49ers and the Seattle Seahawks. Hanks is currently Senior Manager of Football Operations at the National Football League headquarters in New York City. The Iowa Department of Health will be represented by Mark Vander Linden, Director of the Iowa Gambling Treatment Program. The Iowa Attorney General's office will be represented by Jeff Peterzalek, Deputy Attorney General for Litigation.
In addition, there will be representation from religious groups and individuals affected by gambling.

TIME & PLACE: The field hearing will take place Thursday, August 31st at 1:30 pm at the Clark Alumni House on the Coe College campus, 1220 First Avenue SE in Cedar Rapids.

PPA President · #2 08-30-2006, 11:37 AM

You should push the fact that this is an unnecessary intrusion into your personal liberties, that poker is an american tradition and a skill game and that Congress should do the right thing and affirmatively legalize and regulate on-line poker instead of trying to prohibit our game. If you attend I encourage you to bring signs, etc. We cannot go quitely.
Michael

otctrader · #3 08-30-2006, 11:50 AM

Iowa! What a nice neutral location for a referendum on gambling. Make sure to bring your Bible and Christian Coalition ID card to fit in with the crowd.

Are you and PPA leadership going to be in attendance?

Lawman007 · #4 08-30-2006, 11:59 AM

[ QUOTE ]
Are you and PPA leadership going to be in attendance?

[/ QUOTE ]

ChipsAhoya · #5 08-30-2006, 11:59 AM

[ QUOTE ]
Iowa! What a nice neutral location for a referendum on gambling. Make sure to bring your Bible and Christian Coalition ID card to fit in with the crowd.

[/ QUOTE ]

You are an idiot who obviously knows nothing about Iowa. What the [censored] do you even think your point is?

-ChipsAhoya

PPA President · #6 08-30-2006, 12:04 PM

I am focusing on getting the word out today, and working with the media. Unfortunately due to the last minute announcement of this hearing, I will not be able to work with members and the media and be on a plane from the West Coast at the same time. We are relying on our Iowa members and others to represent the PPA as constituents have the greatest impact in an Iowa debate.
Michael

TruePoker CEO · #7 08-30-2006, 12:05 PM

Michael, come on .... "We cannot go quietly" .... sounds like you are resigned to defeat.

How about YOU spend some of the 75,000 memebers dues and go arrange for a demonstration or turnout.

Make a public showing that the "hearings" are a joke and have no representative from the industry. Send Allyn Jaffrey Shulman or get another Board member to appear.

You took on the mantle, now fulfill the responsibility of leadership.

DING-DONG YO · #8 08-30-2006, 12:06 PM

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Iowa! What a nice neutral location for a referendum on gambling. Make sure to bring your Bible and Christian Coalition ID card to fit in with the crowd.

[/ QUOTE ]

You are an idiot who obviously knows nothing about Iowa. What the [censored] do you even think your point is?

-ChipsAhoya

[/ QUOTE ]

I think he is disappointed that the rally isn't in a hotbed of liberalism like Frisco, NYC, LA. But as has been said numerous times on here, this issue isn't a republican/democrat issue. The dems are against online gambling as well. Just for different reasons.

Stupid comment indeed.

Lawman007 · #9 08-30-2006, 12:12 PM

[ QUOTE ]
Michael, come on .... "We cannot go quietly" .... sounds like you are resigned to defeat.

How about YOU spend some of the 75,000 memebers dues and go arrange for a demonstration or turnout.

Make a public showing that the "hearings" are a joke and have no representative from the industry. Send Allyn Jaffrey Shulman or get another Board member to appear.

You took on the mantle, now fulfill the responsibility of leadership.

[/ QUOTE ]

I agree 100%. In my opinion, the PPA is really letting down the entire poker community with its "do nothing" approach to fighting this legislation.

Michael, you should get your butt on a plane and go there and do your job, instead of "working with members and the media." What a joke!

otctrader · #10 08-30-2006, 12:19 PM

[ QUOTE ]
You are an idiot who obviously knows nothing about Iowa. What the [censored] do you even think your point is?

[/ QUOTE ]

Spent almost three years in Iowa City; great people, lovely state. And I didn't make any point - just a facetious comment that drew your invective; sorry for getting this thread off topic.

Go out and support the PPA.