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THURSDAY & FRIDAY POKER ACTION PLAN: Tell MI lawmakers to support online poker THURSDAY & FRIDAY POKER ACTION PLAN: Tell MI lawmakers to support online poker

06-01-2011 , 09:12 PM
I'm happy to see that you posted in this forum, please keep up the good work.

Keep posting here too.

You have a Gift and you're making a big difference. Thanks!
THURSDAY & FRIDAY POKER ACTION PLAN: Tell MI lawmakers to support online poker Quote
06-02-2011 , 05:07 AM
Fight for Poker Rights: Thursday, June 2nd:

I just updated the PPA pre-written letters to Congress and other lawmakers. They will be there only until Rep. Barton's poker bill is introduced to the House (in other words, not very long), so let's all get this new letter out. As always, they are at www.theppa.org/takeaction.

Recurring actions we can take:
  • Let's continue to own a lot of Facebook pages (senators, Congressmen, Congressional committees, etc.):
    • The House Financial Services Committee's Facebook page is here.
    • Let's get some posts on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce page (here)
    • The Dept. of Justice's page is here.
    • Senators' FB pages: Senator Facebook Listing
    • We need lots of posts on the issue of poker and lots of "liking" of pro-poker comments.
Thanks!

Last edited by Rich Muny; 06-02-2011 at 05:19 AM.
THURSDAY & FRIDAY POKER ACTION PLAN: Tell MI lawmakers to support online poker Quote
06-02-2011 , 07:34 AM
I'm pretty happy with the email(s) I just wrote to my state representatives. I also wrote Holder and congress, but take extra solace in the one's fired off to my local rep's.

I would encourage using the PPA's letter's as a base template, but to add your own words and even take out some. Adding link's of relevance may be helpful as well.

Quote:
Hello,

In regards to RCW 9.46.240, http://www.wsgc.wa.gov/faq/internet_gambling.pdf

It is very important to me that you read this letter I'm writing to you in it's entirety and respond to it. I am personally taking my time and efforts to write you this. I also took my time and efforts to vote for you to represent me and will keep in mind your response, or even worse your lack of response (should you choose so) when deciding whom to vote for in the future.

I will take into great consideration, AND share the results of your response (or lack of) stating your feelings on this to my immediate Family, my extended Family, my Friends, co-workers, acquaintances and my fellow members of the Poker Players Alliance, a grass organization that has over 1,200,000 members and represents and estimated 300,000 recreational and professional poker players in this state alone all of whom a good portion of are active voters.

I would like to discuss this law referenced above that makes it a Class C felony for a person who chooses to play poker online in the state of Washington. For example as to how absolutely absurd this law is, other Class C felonies under Washington State law include, but are not limited to, acts of child molestation, stalking, drive by shootings, threatening the governor, family abandonment, heroin possession and unauthorized abortion.

This takes the cake as one of the most ridiculous laws ever created and enacted. Playing the great game poker, a game that has such a rich American history and I personally have fond memories of playing with my Grandmother on our kitchen counter, has been deemed a heinous act by current and previous lawmakers in this state.

It is 100% legal to play poker in my home, or at many brick and mortar establishments scattered throughout the landscape of this the state, yet even though I can legally play from my home, I somehow am a felonious criminal if I play from home on my home computer. I'd like you to think about that for a second, something I question weather lawmakers did when they attached this law to a "must pass" bill in 2006.

Further research has shown that our Governor, Christine Gregoire is benefiting from more than $650,000 in campaign contributions from Indian tribes in 2005 alone and I can't help but wonder who's interests are being represented when in the months following this ridiculous law that makes it a class c felony then comes to fruition, no matter how misguided it seems. I'm appalled at the weak arguments by supporters of it, almost all of whom are elected representatives. How they could possibly create, vote for, and enact a law that is so far from the wishes of the people they represent is something that I will leave to you to decide if it is corruption that is to blame here. It surely isn't public interest. A recent poll was conducted that said 80% of the general population disagreed with this terrible law.

You can read more about the contributions that were made to our Governor by the Indian tribes, here:

Read more: http://www.seattlepi.com/local/artic...#ixzz1O758NjGY

I am asking that not only provisions and actions be made for this law to be repealed immediately, but that as a constituent, voter, and proud poker player, I am writing to ask for your support regarding specific actions our state will be required to take if legislation in the U.S. Congress becomes law. Specifically, a bill to license, regulate, and tax online gaming -- H.R. 1174, the Internet Gambling Regulation, Consumer Protection and Enforcement Act -- allows for collection of taxes that are currently going overseas instead of into our state and Federal treasuries. The revenue generated will be shared between the Federal government and the states.

If this bill passes into law, our state will have to make a choice. EVEN THOUGH THIS IS A FEDERAL BILL, THE DECISION TO PARTICIPATE WILL BE MADE BY EACH INDIVIDUAL STATE. We can either participate in the revenue-sharing program or opt out of the provisions of the bill. I respectfully ask that you support keeping our state in this important program.

This bill provides for sensible licensing, regulation, and taxation of Internet poker. It mandates rigorous, verifiable and proven safeguards against underage participation while providing consumer protections for the millions, including many in our state, who play online poker every day. It also includes dedicated funding to establish and implement programs for prevention and treatment of those with excessive gaming habits.

I believe this bill will benefit our state economically, as an estimated $60 billion can be raised over ten years through regulation and taxation of Internet gaming. For me, however, the primary issues are ones of personal freedom and consumer protection. This bill also allows American companies to participate in the world's Internet poker market, bringing needed jobs to our state.

Solutions like H.R. 1174 provide the most rational approach to controlling this industry and preserving it for adults who choose to engage in games of skill like poker. An unenforceable, unpopular prohibition provides none of these benefits. All prohibition can do is drive players underground or overseas while limiting my personal freedom.

Thank you for reading and your response. It will be in my thoughts at any and all future elections.
So you can lead into the template, add/remove some of it, use it only, or create one entirely of your own. I don't know if it matters but I personally feel stressing the importance that they read and respond to your writing is probably a good idea. I just can't see how anyone who actually reads, listens, absorbs our arguments could be in disagreement.

Anyway, I know I'm not a good writer but it's not going to prevent me from doing it. I may not get my point across in the best way or be eloquent about it, but when you have a strong argument that you believe in then that almost doesn't even matter and should shine through and be the thing that resonates, not the writing in particular.
THURSDAY & FRIDAY POKER ACTION PLAN: Tell MI lawmakers to support online poker Quote
06-02-2011 , 08:06 AM
Ouch.

Got such a fast response (maybe 15 mins) that before I opened I assumed it was auto generated. lol, I also feel like I got owned, especially because she's right that it's an important issue to me but not to the majority of citizens. I did write back thanking for the fast personal response and asked that she please just respectfully look into the distinction between poker and gambling in general. I mentioned the skill aspect and gave examples and comparisons to a Golf analogy and again, I appreciate where she is coming from but do wish we could not be lumped into the giant scheme of gambling as a whole. I promised to educate myself on the matters of greater importance that she brought up in exchange but I feel a little small ATM lol

Pretty cool to get a response that fast and from a rep's iphone though, lol
Quote:
David: I do not plan to run for re-election, so you don't have to worry about whether you should vote for me again. Further, while I understand that gambling has become Big Business in this country, I do not support it as a growth industry and would like to see it curtailed. I appreciate that there are technical and jurisdictional issues to work out concerning Internet gambling, but I don't plan to spend any time or attention on these matters. This state and country has huge fiscal challenges, including a crumbling infrastructure and a very troubled education system. I know your issue is important to you, but I want you to know that this just isn't the kind of issue that a majority of citizens would want me to spend much time on, in my opinion. Better luck with Rep. Hunter.

Sent from my iPhone
Ironic that I godd a good luck wish at the end though, huh?

Last edited by Nofx Fan; 06-02-2011 at 08:19 AM.
THURSDAY & FRIDAY POKER ACTION PLAN: Tell MI lawmakers to support online poker Quote
06-02-2011 , 06:30 PM
bump for the evening crowd
THURSDAY & FRIDAY POKER ACTION PLAN: Tell MI lawmakers to support online poker Quote
06-02-2011 , 08:15 PM
I hope people are still sending out the emails and making phone calls. I read posts on 2p2 everyday about the Poker Sites that are available to US players. It takes more time creating most of these posts, then it does to send out an email or to call a representative. If you create a post complaining about the current climate then I hope your spending time fighting for legislation as well.
THURSDAY & FRIDAY POKER ACTION PLAN: Tell MI lawmakers to support online poker Quote
06-02-2011 , 08:34 PM
bump - please take some time and check out all the facebook pages and email a representative!
THURSDAY & FRIDAY POKER ACTION PLAN: Tell MI lawmakers to support online poker Quote
06-02-2011 , 08:40 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Nofx Fan
Ouch.

Got such a fast response (maybe 15 mins) that before I opened I assumed it was auto generated. lol, I also feel like I got owned, especially because she's right that it's an important issue to me but not to the majority of citizens. I did write back thanking for the fast personal response and asked that she please just respectfully look into the distinction between poker and gambling in general. I mentioned the skill aspect and gave examples and comparisons to a Golf analogy and again, I appreciate where she is coming from but do wish we could not be lumped into the giant scheme of gambling as a whole. I promised to educate myself on the matters of greater importance that she brought up in exchange but I feel a little small ATM lol
Quote:
David: I do not plan to run for re-election, so you don't have to worry about whether you should vote for me again. Further, while I understand that gambling has become Big Business in this country, I do not support it as a growth industry and would like to see it curtailed. I appreciate that there are technical and jurisdictional issues to work out concerning Internet gambling, but I don't plan to spend any time or attention on these matters. This state and country has huge fiscal challenges, including a crumbling infrastructure and a very troubled education system. I know your issue is important to you, but I want you to know that this just isn't the kind of issue that a majority of citizens would want me to spend much time on, in my opinion. Better luck with Rep. Hunter.

Sent from my iPhone
Pretty cool to get a response that fast and from a rep's iphone though, lol

Ironic that I got a good luck wish at the end though, huh?
Update on this, got a response to my reply from her original response:
Quote:
I regret the passage of that bill. I was given poor information when the bill passed and would be happy to vote for the repeal, though I believe the federal government is acting badly on this issue as well. If the proposed federal law passes I would be happy to pass enabling legislation.
Sounds pretty goot!
THURSDAY & FRIDAY POKER ACTION PLAN: Tell MI lawmakers to support online poker Quote
06-03-2011 , 04:23 AM
Fight for Poker Rights: Friday, June 3rd:

The newly updated PPA pre-written letters to Congress and other lawmakers are up. They will be there only until Rep. Barton's poker bill is introduced to the House (in other words, not very long), so let's all get these new letters out. As always, they are at www.theppa.org/takeaction.

If you sent yours in yesterday, please use today to encourage friends, relatives, coworkers, your significant other, fellow posters, coworkers, and anyone else you can find to join us in sending these letters to their lawmakers.

Recurring actions we can take:
  • Let's continue to own a lot of Facebook pages (senators, Congressmen, Congressional committees, etc.):
    • The House Financial Services Committee's Facebook page is here.
    • Let's get some posts on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce page (here)
    • The Dept. of Justice's page is here.
    • Senators' FB pages: Senator Facebook Listing
    • We need lots of posts on the issue of poker and lots of "liking" of pro-poker comments.
Thanks!
THURSDAY & FRIDAY POKER ACTION PLAN: Tell MI lawmakers to support online poker Quote
06-03-2011 , 04:24 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by TiltTheTilt
I hope people are still sending out the emails and making phone calls. I read posts on 2p2 everyday about the Poker Sites that are available to US players. It takes more time creating most of these posts, then it does to send out an email or to call a representative. If you create a post complaining about the current climate then I hope your spending time fighting for legislation as well.
+1
THURSDAY & FRIDAY POKER ACTION PLAN: Tell MI lawmakers to support online poker Quote
06-03-2011 , 04:24 AM
Well done Nofx!
THURSDAY & FRIDAY POKER ACTION PLAN: Tell MI lawmakers to support online poker Quote
06-03-2011 , 04:28 AM
Link anywhere to what the pending poker bill contains?
THURSDAY & FRIDAY POKER ACTION PLAN: Tell MI lawmakers to support online poker Quote
06-03-2011 , 02:39 PM
Support from Mason and Two Plus Two Poker Strategy Magazine:

Two Plus Two Poker Strategy Magazine - June 2011 Publisher Note

by Mason Malmuth

Two Plus Two Magazine, Vol. 7, No. 6
http://www.twoplustwo.com/magazine/issue78/

As most everyone knows, the current news concerning online poker is not good. In addition to the original indictments issued on April 15, 2011, another set of indictments have been issued this last week of May. However, we at Two Plus Two don’t think that everything is lost for US players, and The Engineer has started a Daily Action Plan for those of you who are interested in bringing this cause to Congress. See the top of each forum for the “Fight for Poker Rights” announcement and we hope that many of you choose to participate in whatever The Engineer suggests....
THURSDAY & FRIDAY POKER ACTION PLAN: Tell MI lawmakers to support online poker Quote
06-03-2011 , 03:17 PM
woohoo, i sent the emails to obama nad to the attorney general, i am a political activist! hahaha.

but seriously, everyone please do this.
THURSDAY & FRIDAY POKER ACTION PLAN: Tell MI lawmakers to support online poker Quote
06-03-2011 , 03:39 PM
done, thanks
THURSDAY & FRIDAY POKER ACTION PLAN: Tell MI lawmakers to support online poker Quote
06-03-2011 , 03:59 PM
Sent, thanks for all your work.
THURSDAY & FRIDAY POKER ACTION PLAN: Tell MI lawmakers to support online poker Quote
06-03-2011 , 04:37 PM
I'm happy to see those people who are taking the time to work for the right to play poker online. However, I think the appeals should be focused exclusively on the recreational aspects of poker. In my opinion, legislators and the public in general do not support the idea of college dropouts in their underwear with pee bottles playing poker as a "job". I know it is a reality, but most people find that component of online poker to be objectionable.
THURSDAY & FRIDAY POKER ACTION PLAN: Tell MI lawmakers to support online poker Quote
06-03-2011 , 08:05 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by wharfratg
I'm happy to see those people who are taking the time to work for the right to play poker online. However, I think the appeals should be focused exclusively on the recreational aspects of poker. In my opinion, legislators and the public in general do not support the idea of college dropouts in their underwear with pee bottles playing poker as a "job". I know it is a reality, but most people find that component of online poker to be objectionable.
this is a good point. gotta play to the crowd here guys.
THURSDAY & FRIDAY POKER ACTION PLAN: Tell MI lawmakers to support online poker Quote
06-04-2011 , 01:10 PM
Fight for Poker Rights: Weekend of June 4th:

The newly updated state level PPA pre-written letter is up. As any federal bill with contain some mechanism to permit states not to participate if they don't wish, it's up to all of us to demand that they do!

So, let's all send this letter, plus send the other two if you've not yet done so. Again, these will be updated when Rep. Barton's poker bill is introduced to the House (in other words, soon), so let's all get these new letters out.

Take Action Now and Contact your Lawmaker


Click Buttons to Send Letters in less than 60 seconds:








Also, please encourage friends, relatives, coworkers, your significant other, fellow posters, coworkers, and anyone else you can find to join us in sending these letters to their lawmakers!

Recurring actions we can take:
  • Let's continue to own a lot of Facebook pages (senators, Congressmen, Congressional committees, etc.):
    • The House Financial Services Committee's Facebook page is here.
    • Let's get some posts on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce page (here)
    • The Dept. of Justice's page is here.
    • Senators' FB pages: Senator Facebook Listing
    • We need lots of posts on the issue of poker and lots of "liking" of pro-poker comments.
Thanks!
THURSDAY & FRIDAY POKER ACTION PLAN: Tell MI lawmakers to support online poker Quote
06-04-2011 , 01:51 PM
Done
THURSDAY & FRIDAY POKER ACTION PLAN: Tell MI lawmakers to support online poker Quote
06-04-2011 , 01:58 PM
those who beg and plead for freedom that should inherently be theirs do not deserve freedom

these actions are pathetic
THURSDAY & FRIDAY POKER ACTION PLAN: Tell MI lawmakers to support online poker Quote
06-04-2011 , 02:40 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by MyTurn2Raise
those who beg and plead for freedom that should inherently be theirs do not deserve freedom

these actions are pathetic
No one is begging and pleading. Rather, we are demanding our rights. That's what this is about.

I am sympathetic to your libertarian viewpoint on this issue, which is why I always respond to you as substantively and respectfully as I can. However, the bigger picture here is unmistakable. The DoJ is going after sites and payment processors, while Congress has made it clear that they will either license this or ban it (see Federal online poker & gaming legislation history).

Also, while I also like to believe this liberty ought to be inherently ours, that's probably not really the case. While I do subscribe to principles of natural law where government only has the power the people delegate to it, I also think it's clear that we the people authorized the federal government to regulate interstate and foreign commerce via the Commerce Clause -- an enumerated power of Congress. George Washington himself enforced the whiskey tax, even putting down the Whiskey Rebellion.

So, IMO we need to fight back hard if we wish to win this. I wish to win it. I hope we'll all focus on our true opponents in this fight -- those who'd take our rights from us.
THURSDAY & FRIDAY POKER ACTION PLAN: Tell MI lawmakers to support online poker Quote
06-04-2011 , 02:47 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by twells6
Link anywhere to what the pending poker bill contains?
The bill isn't out yet. I started a thread on general expectations: Expectations from 2011 federal legislation
THURSDAY & FRIDAY POKER ACTION PLAN: Tell MI lawmakers to support online poker Quote
06-04-2011 , 03:08 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by MyTurn2Raise
those who beg and plead for freedom that should inherently be theirs do not deserve freedom

these actions are pathetic
MT2R,

The problem is not that we're not fighting for enough. The problem is that we have real opponents who want to stop us from playing.

You should read the comments at http://www.foxnews.com/sports/2011/0...oker-shutdown/ for a perspective on how our opponents think.
THURSDAY & FRIDAY POKER ACTION PLAN: Tell MI lawmakers to support online poker Quote
06-04-2011 , 03:43 PM
I am sending letters right now. Thanks for your work in this area. Thanks for making it easy for us to take action.

I still have one overwhelming concern here. Much of the dialog regarding legalization of online poker is based on the fact that poker is a game of skill. This is brought up by poker advocates constantly, the most noteworthy instance being when DOJ Chairman Holder was asked "Is Phil Ivey just lucky?" In this regard, the clear implication is that poker is being separated from other casino games of chance, in essence demonizing those other games.

How then, can we expect to pass an all encompassing Internet Gambling Regulation? This bill can still be so easily shot down by poker, but not gambling, advocates. We've made the distinction between the two quite clear at every turn - are we now just asking people, important people, to ignore it?

I'd much prefer Poker Only Legislation. One where empirical evidence can support the "skill" argument. It'd be much more difficult for lawmakers to dismiss such a bill in the face of cold, hard statistics. No one wants to go on record opposing factual truth.
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