Focus on the Family wants to force their morals on us...again. Their latest cause is an Internet poker prohibition!
Anyone ever notice how these people scream "limited government" when they don't support something government should do, let support seemingly unlimited government for things they want? Well, it's time to show Dobson and his ilk that we won't sit back and let him take our liberties!
Several progressive congressmen, including Barney Frank [D-MA], Robert Wexler [D-FL], and Shelley Berkley [D-NV], have proposed and endorsed various legislative solutions to problems associated with Internet poker, including age verification and funding for treatment of compulsive gamblers. This would bring the industry onshore, enabling tax collection and regulation for the betterment of everyone. Unfortunately for the American people, FoF is putting their support behind a "feel-good" federal prohibition on Internet poker. This will not end Internet gaming in America, however, as there is no support for a formal ban. What it does stop is regulation, taxation, and funding for treatment of the occasional compulsive gambler (estimated at less than 1% of all Internet gamblers in the UK Gambling Prevalence Study). However, THEY will feel like they did something good, so I guess that's good enough for them.
FoF doesn't even have a legitimate rationale for their position. This position has created some controversy within the Christian community, as gambling is not prohibited in the Bible. This schism is evidenced by the fact that many churches hold gambling contests, especially bingo, to raise funds. Focus’ insistence on this position, as a result, has been interpreted as "extra-Biblical doctrine" that was created by some within the Christian Right who are personally opposed to gambling. At the November 14, 2007 House Judiciary Committee hearing entitled "Hearing on Establishing Consistent Enforcement Policies in the Context of Online Wagers", Family Research Council Vice President Tom McClusky testified that his organization favored banning Internet poker in the United States. When questioned further by Rep. Steven Cohen [D-TN] on how much gambling FRC advocated banning, McClusky testified that FRC wished to ban all gambling in America, including even poker! Upon hearing this, Rep. Cohen incredulously asked "is there any fun you are for?", leading many in the blogosphere to nickname FoF "Foes of Fun".
This exchange can be viewed at http://judiciary.house.gov/... . Click "video webcast. It's at around 3:33:45 of the video.
Fortunately, we can fight back this time! Let's all support Rep. Frank against FoF. Please go to http://capwiz.com/... to send letters to Congress. Let's all tell them we don't endorse FoF's morality crusade. What we do in our own homes is our own business. Thanks.
