posted this in poker legislation, but i know it doesnt get the same views as PD

<span>Meh to this response. It doesnt seem like its a standard from letter, but is this real? I cant tell what he thinks but seems to me he is more against this than for it, and at the same time doesnt have a clue about any of the current legislation brought by Frank. from a democrat and one of the leaders of the senate...
</span>

<span>Dear Mr. xxx:</span>

<span>Thank you for your message regarding Internet gambling. I appreciate hearing from you on this issue.

The debate over Internet gambling has generated strong public interest. While most types of Internet gambling operations are prohibited under federal law, many Internet gambling operations are based in foreign countries and have fallen outside the jurisdiction of American enforcement agencies. Americans spend roughly $4 to $6 billion a year on Internet gambling. Because of the largely unregulated nature of this business, Internet gambling sites fail to block access to gambling by children and often lack effective safeguards against fraud. Internet gambling also can be addictive and this addiction has had a harmful effect on some individuals and communities.

The Internet gambling law prohibits those who are in the business of gambling from knowingly accepting credit cards, checks, electronic fund transfers or similar financial instruments in connection with most forms of Internet gambling. The Act imposes fines and/or prison sentences on violators. The legislation further requires the Treasury Department and the Federal Reserve Board to issue regulations directing banks and other financial transaction providers to adopt practices that will enable them to identify and prevent restricted transactions that support Internet gambling.

Some gambling proponents have argued that poker should be exempt from this law. I am not aware of any current legislation in the Senate addressing the issue of Internet poker. I will keep your views in mind in case the Senate considers such legislation in the future.</span>

<span> </span>

<span>Sincerely, <span><img width="240" height="60"></span></span>

<span> Richard J. Durbin</span>

<span> United States Senator</span>

I got essientially the same reply from my congressman about a month or so ago. I was like, "WTF is this?" It was completely non-committal about anything.

This is what I just sent him after seeing your post.

Senator Durbin,

I am a constituent and professional online poker player asking for your support. The state of online poker is in limbo; recently the federal government tried to stop banks from processing my hard earned money. I am asking you to introduce Representative Frank's bill concerning online gambling and poker in the Senate.

What people do in their own house, with their own money is no business of the federal government. While sites already work hard to keep minors from playing, the bill will help guarantee that only adults will be able to play. And yes poker and gambling may bring out the worst in some addicts, but throughout history prohibition has proven to be ineffective in stopping addicts.

Supporting Representative Frank's bill will not only uphold my right and other poker player's right to play the game that they love, but it will also show the people of Illinois that you are not a part of a government who legislates what people can do in their own house. Above all though, it is the right thing to do.

Thank you for your consideration,
Fly44

 

Originally Posted by Adam

 

Originally Posted by fly44

This is what I just sent him after seeing your post.

Senator Durbin,

I am a constituent and professional online poker player asking for your support. The state of online poker is in limbo; recently the federal government tried to stop banks from processing my hard earned money. I am asking you to introduce Representative Frank's bill concerning online gambling and poker in the Senate.

What people do in their own house, with their own money is no business of the federal government. While sites already work hard to keep minors from playing, the bill will help guarantee that only adults will be able to play. And yes poker and gambling may bring out the worst in some addicts, but throughout history prohibition has proven to be ineffective in stopping addicts.

Supporting Representative Frank's bill will not only uphold my right and other poker player's right to play the game that they love, but it will also show the people of Illinois that you are not a part of a government who legislates what people can do in their own house. Above all though, it is the right thing to do.

Thank you for your consideration,
Fly44

Good letter. Dick Durbin was actually a really good friend of both my grandparents on my mom's side, and I'm certain he's a reasonable guy. Unfortunately these letters almost never actually reach senators, and of course they would never have time to read every letter they receive. But they do get read by someone, and it's important for these Senators' offices to constantly be getting reminders of what they could and should be doing to handle this issue better.

I have no doubt that Senator Durbin is a reasonable individual. Most politicians are. But 99% of politicians suspend reason for party lines, contributions, elections, etc. This is why I'm extremely pessimistic about anything actually coming from this. Not to mention the health care debacle is no doubt taking up everyone's time in the Senate right now. I'm not here to piss on your parade and I think it's great to take the time to write your Senator and all and who knows, maybe he'll actually listen. I just don't think anything will come of this unless they get something in return. And I don't mean taxes for the Federal Gov't.