More and more I am agreeing with Radley. The Republicans deserve to lose the Senate
In a move that is un-democratic, Senate Majority leader Bill First tucked a measure that would ban internet gambling into a bill enhancing port security.
"Gambling can be highly addictive, especially when its done over an unregulated environment such as the Internet" he said this year."If Congress had not acted, gamblers would soon be able to place bets not just from home computers, but from their cell phones while they drive home from work or their Blackberries as they wait in line at the movies," Leach said.
The US Treasury Department and the Federal Reserve Board will jointly develop implementing rules for the new law, while financial institutions have nine months to incorporate its provision.
Leach cited research which showed that young people who tend to spend hours of leisure time on the Internet, are particularly vulnerable.
A 2005 survey by the University of Pennsylvania's Annenberg Public Policy Center found that 26 percent of male college students gamble in online card games at least once a month, while nearly 10 percent of all college students gambled online at some point last year.
"Never has it been so easy to lose so much money so quickly at such a young age. The casino is in effect brought to the home, office and college dorm.
"Children may play without verification, and betting with a credit card can undercut a players perception of the value of cash, which too easily leads to bankruptcy and crime," Leach said.
Experts said the vast majority of bettors are placing wagers on poker.
"Everyone loses if this industry continues its remarkable growth trends," Leach said.
Republicans tucked the measure into a bill aimed at enhancing port security, which passed early Saturday.
I find it ironic that gambling is good in states like New Jersey and Nevada. Pennsylvania just passed a law allowing slot machines at race tracks and resorts. Pennsylvania also has this comercial where Gus the Groundhog tells everyone to keep scratching (PA lottery instant tickets that is).
With just a month to go before elections anyone up for reelection would not dare vote to squash the nanny law, because doing so would be voting against port security. Nice move Mr. Frist.
Of course the Republicans are salavating at a chance to further entrench their moralistic vision of America on us. The sad thing is the only alternative is the Democrats. Though they will let you live your life, they want to control the free market through taxation and regulation. Makes me not want to even vote anymore.
Posted by psugrad98 at October 3, 2006 07:48 AM | TrackBackWhile it may be true that they deserve to have their hats handed to them, I cannot join in your hope that they lose.
I do hope they lose enough seats to scare them in both houses but not enough to give the Democrats majority control.
Posted by: Stephen Macklin at October 3, 2006 08:36 AM
