Friday, Aug. 15, 2008

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Poker players flood Republican Web site

John Pappas and Greg Raymer are two of the many poker players who feel strongly about regulating online poker in the U.S.

By Arthur Crowson

Over 160 poker players ran rampant on the Republican Platform Committee's official message board yesterday, posting comments that urged the GOP to protect individuals' rights to play poker online.

Now the Poker Players Alliance is suggesting more players go to the site and comment on online poker's situation in the U.S.

"My point is simple," posted PPA member and 2004 WSOP champion Greg Raymer. "Is the Republican Party no longer the party of personal freedom and individual responsibility? Why has this party, that used to protect my rights, now become the party that wants to create a Nanny-state? Stay away from issues of personal liberty, except to remove old laws that restrict these liberties."

The PPA was created as an organization that would protect poker players' rights in the U.S., and has played an integral role in defending the game since the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act that was passed in October 2006.

Here is a sampling of the comments left on the Republican Web site:

• Allow Americans the freedom to play poker on the internet. It's embarrassing that certain segments of the Republican Party are imposing their morality on the country. If I choose to play poker or another game of skill on the internet, what business is it of the government's? Please take us back to the Republican Party of limited government. This issue will be the deciding factor in who I vote for in the upcoming election. Please support bills like HR 5657. "In this present crisis, government is not the solution to our problem; government is the problem." - Ronald Reagan, 1981. - Dean, Newark, Del.

• I want you to support my right to play online poker. This is a billion dollar industry and there is no reason why it cannot be regulated. - William, New Britain, Conn.

• I find it deplorable that we have legalized lotteries, horse & dog race betting, bingo lotto, casinos everywhere but we can't have legalized online poker. All we've done is drive the online poker sites offshore. Foreign countries are reaping the tax & business revenues [as a result] of this flawed policy. - Dennis, Framingham, Mass.

• I have never been a single issue voter but if the Republican Party continues its opposition to the regulation of online gambling, I will vote for someone other than senator McCain. Clearly regulation and taxation is the correct position on this issue. - Tim, Dexter, Mich.

As of yet, no one has commented on the message board in support of banning online poker.

Related Articles:

• PPA fighting to get poker classified as a skill game
• PPA and eCOGRA speak to legislature about online gaming
• Alliance hopes government shift brings fresh look at online poker
• PPA offers plan of attack

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