Rep. Berkley said, "It was more important to the Republican leadership to keep people from playing poker on their computers in their homes, than passing a defense bill . . . [so they attached it to the port security bill.] What does a ban on Internet gaming have to do with port security? Absolutely nothing. This section was added in an attempt to fire up the far-Right anti-gamingelement of the Republican party in time for this year's election. They couldn't sneak it into the defense bill, so they put it into the port security bill. What does banning Internet gaming have to do with port security? I can't think of a single thing. They actually prevented the conferees from meeting and offering amendments. That is taking partisanship to a new low, even in this congress where partisanship is the rule, and not the exception."
(Note to RSS readers: Video of Rep. Berkley's remarks are embedded from You Tube. Click through to view.)
Rep. Berkley also writes the following at her official House website as far back as July:
"I continue to be amazed by the members of this body who constantly rail against an intrusive federal government, and yet, when it comes to gaming, they are the first to call for more government intrusion," Berkley said. "A man's home is his castle unless he chooses to participate in online gaming. Then his home becomes the province of the federal government."
"The vast majority of states allow gaming and regulate it, whether it be lotteries, racing, card rooms, or casinos. This bill would make a legal activity illegal in those same states solely because it is done online rather than in a casino. In reality the intent of this bill is to attack and undermine legal gaming in our nation," said Berkley.
1. Good for her! And nice find Wil, I didnt know if any Congress people were openly fighting this bullshit.
Posted at 12:12AM on Oct 3rd 2006 by deadmoney00