When are the Democrats going to reverse the UIGEA?

[Westland Bowl]

I don't know if the Democrats even have internet casino gambling on their agenda but they ought to! The current climate against online gambling is so oppressive, it feels like we're in old gray-sky Communist USSR.

[Pinababy69]

I don't know if the Democrats even have internet casino gambling on their agenda but they ought to! The current climate against online gambling is so oppressive, it feels like we're in old gray-sky Communist USSR.

I wouldn't count on that happening anytime soon Westland Bowl. However, in May of 2006 (R) Jon Porter introduced Bill HR5474 into the House. This bill is to commission a study on Internet Gaming (Internet Gambling Study Commission/Act). At last check, the bill had 50 co-sponsors...and if I lived in the US I would be writing to my representative (now that the Dems have the House), and asking him/her to get behind this bill 100% and get it passed. Your hope lies not in getting the UIGEA overturned, but in getting new legislation on the table. JMO.

[Pinababy69]

I can't find all my info right now and all the links I had, but here is one link to HR5474 which outlines the full details. I really think that all of you US citizens need to get behind this, and more importantly get your Congressmen/women behind it. The proper wording of the intent of the bill is "To create a commission to study the proper response of the United States to the growth of Internet gambling." Here's the link if you want to educate yourself on it.

http://www.theorator.com/bills109/hr5474.html

[Slugo]

That sounds like what should have been done in the first place.

Imagine that...a bunch of polliticians putting the cart before the horse.

Good luck
Slugo

[Johnny Empire]

I don't know if the Democrats even have internet casino gambling on their agenda but they ought to! The current climate against online gambling is so oppressive, it feels like we're in old gray-sky Communist USSR.

They aren't going to do anything. Why should they? Is Intercasino sending campaign contributions to Pelosi? I'm pretty sure the Indian Casinos in her district are.

[Addisyn]

The problem right now in the US Congress for the Dems is they are being so closely scrutinized they can't do anything which could be perceived as frivolous.

The only thing that should be on their agenda IMHO is to keep BushCo from escalating the Iraq conflict. We are in danger of 200,500 more troops being sent into this quagmire. Internet gambling simply isn't on their radar.

[Pinababy69]

The problem right now in the US Congress for the Dems is they are being so closely scrutinized they can't do anything which could be perceived as frivolous.

The only thing that should be on their agenda IMHO is to keep BushCo from escalating the Iraq conflict. We are in danger of 200,500 more troops being sent into this quagmire. Internet gambling simply isn't on their radar.

Sad but true Addy. I think if Bush had his way, he'd be drafting 18 yr olds to go over there and fight. For what? If anyone knows, please enlighten me.

[Addisyn]

Well first off it was for WMDs, then for democracy, then for stability in the region or some such nonsense. We all know it is because Hussein tried to assassinate daddy, oil and war profiteering.

This whole pile of crap is just that! Stop the world I want to get off!

[Pinababy69]

Stop the world I want to get off!

Yeah, I have many days like that as well.

[Keyser]

Well first off it was for WMDs, then for democracy, then for stability in the region or some such nonsense. We all know it is because Hussein tried to assassinate daddy, oil and war profiteering.

This whole pile of crap is just that! Stop the world I want to get off!

OK, Ill bite. But first, this was the house vote on the bill
http://www.govtrack.us/congress/vote.xpd?vote=h2006-363
Republicans 201-17 (12 abstentions) Democrats 115-76 (10 abstentions). So the idea that now that the Democrats in power, thing will change on this issue is fanciful at best.

Now for the bite. 9/11 caused a fundamental shift in US foreign policy. The US was not going to just sit back and twiddle its thumbs waiting for the next strike. Saddam Husseins Iraq was the sorest thumb on the map. They had already shown a proclivity for invading other countries (Iran, Kuwait). They had a butcher as leader (Kurds, mass graves which have been found). And they were widely thought to be developing chemical, biological, and possibly nuclear weapons. This wasnt just Bush "lying". This was Clinton and Gore and Kerry and Edwards and Blair in Britain and other Congressional leaders, Republican and Democrat, including those who sat on the Intelligence committees both when Clinton and Bush were president. This was every Western intelligence agency, including those from countries who were vehemnetly against the war. He had in fact used chemical weapons in the past on his own people. Furthermore, they had kicked the UN inspectors out, hampered them at every turn when they were there, and had no intention of letting them back until 100-200K US troops showed up at the door in Saudi Arabia. Do you think he kicked them out because they were trampling his rosegardens? There were reams of UN resolutioins that Saddam thumbed his nose at. And yes, there is also the oil, and that is a factor, but for another reason. Iraq's oil wealth gave Saddam the means to fuel his war machine.

In retrospect, was his weapons program anywhere near as developed as was thought? No. In retrospect, was invading Iraq therefore the right thing? Probably not, especially since Iran is a much greater threat. Am I shedding a tear for Saddam and his henchmen? No.

Im sure this might generate a few reponses :-) Enjoy!