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Dear
Mr. President;
We The People of the United States of America are
hereby petitioning against the Anti-Online Gambling Enforcement Act Of 2006 that
you signed on the back of the Port Security Bill on Friday October 13, 2006.
During the signing you focused (rightfully so), on how this bill will
tighten security and close a loophole in anti-terror defenses, especially at
ports. You failed to make any mention to the Anti-Online Gambling bill during
the signing. This
bill, as you know, was back doored by Republican Senate Majority Leader Bill
Frist who has opposed online gaming for years. This same person who has opposed
online gambling stated on May 4th, 2006 which was National Prayer Day to the
Senate Floor, that "They (American people) will thank the Creator for
blessing us with a nation that recognizes the God-given dignity and worth of
each and every person, and our fundamental right to be free." Mr. President
this is quite a contradiction. It seems that fundamental right is being
stripped away from the American people.
The bill that Senator Frist was
responsible for attaching to the Port Security Bill had no relevance to port
security. It is obvious to
the American People that Senator Frist attached his anti-online gambling measure
to ANY "must-pass" legislation available, regardless of what the
relevancy was. Senator Frist also
seems to be giving the American People two different stories. He was responsible
for this bill that takes a freedom from the American People yet his
own words state that he believes in "Government as a helping hand vs.
government as holding your hand." He also states he believes in
"Innovation vs. regulation." These quotes are in his
political platform of 2006.
Mr. President, the people of the
United States are in disbelief by the recent passing of this bill. We feel you
are taking away one of Americas favorite pastimes. Even as President of the
United States you must spend some time switching channels on the TV. While doing
so it would be impossible for you not to notice some form of Poker on TV. Poker
is now the 3rd watched sport on TV with only auto racing and football ahead of
it.
By signing the Port Security Bill
you also authorized approximately $7.4 billion in spending to enforce it. While
necessary to protect the American people of this country it adds yet another
strain to our economy. It was estimated that in 2005 worldwide wagering on
online poker sites was around $60 billion with commission revenues close to $3
billion. If this internet poker industry was incorporated into our economy
it could be regulated and taxed. The majority of American People are for this
regulation. Estimates show that if regulated and taxed it could bring in as much
as $3 billion in new taxes. This $3 billion could certainly help offset the $7.4
billion you just authorized.
There are other ways the
regulation of online poker can help the economy of the U.S. If legal, many of
these now off-shore companies would relocate to the U.S. Think of how much money
the income taxes on corporate profits would bring. As it stands now the
government is making millions of dollars on the revenues generated throughout
many industries as a direct result of online poker. A simple example is this
years 2006 World Series Of Poker. This year was the largest turnout ever. There
were more than 8,000 entrants many of which would never of had the opportunity
to participate had it not been for online poker. Many millionaires were made all
of which now pay a healthy income tax to the government. Also from this
tournament alone think of the millions of dollars in advertising revenue,
traveling revenues, hotel revenues, etc... were generated. The boom of
online poker has also been a boom for the U.S. government.
We, The Undersigned, are asking for the immediate repeal of the Anti-Online Gambling
Enforcement Act of 2006. We strongly believe our government should not prohibit adults from enjoying an American pastime in the comfort of our homes. We are in favor of legalization, regulation and taxation of the internet gaming industry by the U.S. Government. Do not make the same mistakes that were made in the early days
of Prohibition. Alcohol, while regulated, is still legal. We are asking for the
same in online Poker, a favorite pastime of million of Americans.
Sincerely,
The Undersigned
Click To Sign
Update
: I want to thank everyone who is signing and leaving comments!! Keep
spreading the word about this site and have everyone you know sign the
petition!!! We will be heard! Check out the store for our new logo wear!
Hal
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