smallchou.com/blog

1. Chris 1.18.07 / 11pm

   The libertarian part of me is not a big fan of the legislation either (although, in principle, it’s the right thing to synch up physical and online laws), but note that this is something a large portion of the country is agreement with (majority of Democrats voted for this as well).

   http://www.govtrack.us/congress/vote.xpd?vote=h2006-363&sort=party

   The gripe shouldn’t necessarily be with Republicans, but with the anti-gambling mentality in the United States. There’s a good portion of this country, left and right, that believe gambling, like drugs, is a detrimental form of recreation that is easily addictive and life-ruining.
2. smallchou 1.19.07 / 12am

   let’s not get into this argument, because i’m just going to get pissed, but sometimes numbers don’t tell the whole story. for a recap, as i was following this particular issue rather closely, let me paraphrase the actual history of this act:

   =============

   Republicans: “we need another “issue” to hang our hat on that average Americans can’t help but back us on. i mean, we could actually try to solve something meaningful, but that would take real work. let’s go against gambling, that’ll make us look good.”

   Horseracing Lobbyists: “hey, but we gave you guys so much money! you’re just gonna screw us? damn republicans.”

   Republicans: “oh. oh yeah. well, let’s put in a specific section that protects horse-racing. there, that’ll do it. let’s ban all gambling BESIDES online horse-racing, because THAT’S not gambling.

   note Section 105, http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?tab=summary&bill=h109-4411

   hey democrats, we’re going to pass this online gambling act, and you guys will look un-american if you don’t vote for it. actually, just to hammer this home, let’s stick it in the PORT SECURITY bill

   note: http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/show/109_PL_109-347.html

   so you’d be crazy to vote against it. how could you ever win a re-election voting against that?”

   Democrats: “oh. we’re such pansies. let’s roll over and vote for it so we don’t look like bitches.”

   ========

   so, as i said: thanks, republicans.
3. smallchou 1.19.07 / 12am

   oh, and as for this being more of a problem with the anti-gambling mentality of america, that’s bullshit. america has an anti-smoking ‘mentality’ and we haven’t stopped people from doing that in their homes.

   of course there’s an anti-gambling mentality. every civilized nation should have that type of mentality. it doesn’t mean you ban people from doing it.

   this is about politics and money. it’s not about morals.

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