I've taken out the politico-self-serving, slimeball stuff, and left the meat of where this party stands on internet gambling.
Say what you will about the potential for a third party, but if you ARE going to vote based on this issue, this is the ONLY party on your side.
FROM THE LIBERTARIAN PARTY:
Dear Libertarian,
You'll have to excuse my tone in this message, but I'm not in a good mood at all at the moment. As a matter of fact, I'm damned angry.
This past weekend, the U.S. Senate, led by Republican politician Bill Frist, slipped last-minute legislation into a port security bill that essentially bans Internet gambling.
I'm not much a gambler myself and am only brave enough to hit the slots when in Vegas or Atlantic City . I've never gambled on the Internet NOT because I find it morally objectionable, but because I'm smart enough to know that I'll probably lose my shirt.
So if this doesn't affect my life, why am I so upset?
. . . Because Congress is, without question, restricting my freedom by telling me that I cannot spend my money a certain way or engage in a simple hobby within the privacy of my own home!
I am sick of Republicans and Democrats trying to set MY moral compass based upon THEIR interests.
Allow me to elaborate.
I am sick of corrupt politicians . . .
who take bribes from corrupt lobbyists for votes on Indian casinos;
...
To publicize our stance on this new gambling law, we just put out a press release and here are a few key points:
Supporters of the legislation accuse online gaming companies of being involved in money laundering operations and, according to the Washington Post, even fronts for terrorist groups.
"This goes beyond the absurd," exclaimed Shane Cory, executive director of the Libertarian National Committee. "Using the supposed War on Terror in defense of this legislation designed to legislate morality is sickening. Using this same reasoning, Congress should close Vegas as 9/11 hijacker Mohamed Atta made a least two trips to the ' Sin City ' before setting out to murder thousands of Americans."
In addition to citing money laundering and terrorism as excuses for the new Internet restrictions championed by Republican politicians, proponents also state that online gambling targets children and gambling addicts.
"Once again, we see politicians in Washington attempting to protect us from what they see as wrong in this world. I have news for them: Americans are smart people who can take care of themselves AND their children," continued Cory. "In restricting Internet activities, I think it would make much more sense to ban instant messaging within Congressional offices rather than ban the online hobbies of millions of tax-paying citizens."
Since I can be more candid with you, I didn't "exclaim" the quote above. It was more like a hands-shaking, red-faced, no-children-within-earshot, verbal rant.
As a Libertarian, I am furious and you should be as well.
...
I also want you to do something else. Our new GOTV (get-out-the-vote) tool is ready to take registrations. Go to www.BallotBase.org today and register and then set aside time for our 100 Hour Push before Election Day. If you can schedule a few vacation days or plan ahead to make the time, we need your help. Click the link above for more information.
...
I appreciate all that you do.
Best Regards,
Shane Cory
Executive Director
Libertarian National Committee
Say what you will about the potential for a third party, but if you ARE going to vote based on this issue, this is the ONLY party on your side.
FROM THE LIBERTARIAN PARTY:
Dear Libertarian,
You'll have to excuse my tone in this message, but I'm not in a good mood at all at the moment. As a matter of fact, I'm damned angry.
This past weekend, the U.S. Senate, led by Republican politician Bill Frist, slipped last-minute legislation into a port security bill that essentially bans Internet gambling.
I'm not much a gambler myself and am only brave enough to hit the slots when in Vegas or Atlantic City . I've never gambled on the Internet NOT because I find it morally objectionable, but because I'm smart enough to know that I'll probably lose my shirt.
So if this doesn't affect my life, why am I so upset?
. . . Because Congress is, without question, restricting my freedom by telling me that I cannot spend my money a certain way or engage in a simple hobby within the privacy of my own home!
I am sick of Republicans and Democrats trying to set MY moral compass based upon THEIR interests.
Allow me to elaborate.
I am sick of corrupt politicians . . .
who take bribes from corrupt lobbyists for votes on Indian casinos;
...
To publicize our stance on this new gambling law, we just put out a press release and here are a few key points:
Supporters of the legislation accuse online gaming companies of being involved in money laundering operations and, according to the Washington Post, even fronts for terrorist groups.
"This goes beyond the absurd," exclaimed Shane Cory, executive director of the Libertarian National Committee. "Using the supposed War on Terror in defense of this legislation designed to legislate morality is sickening. Using this same reasoning, Congress should close Vegas as 9/11 hijacker Mohamed Atta made a least two trips to the ' Sin City ' before setting out to murder thousands of Americans."
In addition to citing money laundering and terrorism as excuses for the new Internet restrictions championed by Republican politicians, proponents also state that online gambling targets children and gambling addicts.
"Once again, we see politicians in Washington attempting to protect us from what they see as wrong in this world. I have news for them: Americans are smart people who can take care of themselves AND their children," continued Cory. "In restricting Internet activities, I think it would make much more sense to ban instant messaging within Congressional offices rather than ban the online hobbies of millions of tax-paying citizens."
Since I can be more candid with you, I didn't "exclaim" the quote above. It was more like a hands-shaking, red-faced, no-children-within-earshot, verbal rant.
As a Libertarian, I am furious and you should be as well.
...
I also want you to do something else. Our new GOTV (get-out-the-vote) tool is ready to take registrations. Go to www.BallotBase.org today and register and then set aside time for our 100 Hour Push before Election Day. If you can schedule a few vacation days or plan ahead to make the time, we need your help. Click the link above for more information.
...
I appreciate all that you do.
Best Regards,
Shane Cory
Executive Director
Libertarian National Committee