Republicans & Democrats Who Discriminate 2011 Complete List

[We_The_People]

Why Federal Legislation Could Be Good

(Cliffs at bottom)

The Glory Days: I know like many others I am pretty disappointed my Pokerstars is gone. Their support was the best in the business. I wish I could remember the thread we had in BBV4L where we were writing the craziest questions: ITT we email Pokerstars Support. Sniff sniff. Those days are gone for us Americans, and here we are. Understandably we are upset with our government A) For doing it and B) For not having the new solution to fill the void in place. It is what it is though. I’d say the 2 biggest reasons I am upset is because I loved my poker site, and I feel my freedom of choice has been violated. However, if they hurry up and pass H.R. 1174 I’m sure the majority of Americans will be flowing onto whichever sites offer us the best incentives to join. So I started wondering what the difference would be between a federally regulated site, and a non-regulated site.

What are we in for: I would say the majority of winning players were already paying taxes on their poker income before Black Friday, so this probably isn’t a big deal to the majority. I mean how else would they explain a huge check cashed in their bank account if they were audited? I’ve never actually been to a casino as I enjoyed playing poker in my boxers. I was a casual player just playing for fun mostly in MTT’s. This allowed me to watch a movie and eat take out while relaxing in the comfort of my home on a weekend night (maybe throw some Crown and coke into the equation). Itt though, from what I understand, any big cash at a casino is taxed before the player leaves (someone correct me if I’m wrong please). So this could be a possibility of a federally regulated site. I’m just brainstorming here. There’s been all sorts of speculation on rake size, foreign players (I would think if the U.S. is smart they would allow foreign players to play), incentives etc. Other than that, I’m sure most of the rules that apply at a casino will apply online.

What Could Be a Pro for having federal regulation: I would say one of the biggest safeguards would be the fact that super users like the UB scandal would be prosecutable now, federally. I think one of the biggest upsets to the poker community was the fact that Russ Hamilton and others involved are still walking around today unscathed after having cheated his fellow poker players and the integrity of poker itself. I think to most of the poker community that is by far the biggest slap in the face of it all. A federally regulated system would make any future would be’s weary, and criminally indictable by the federal government.

So aside from the fact that I lost my favorite site, the safety and integrity of the game should outweigh the unknown variables (unless the rake is just retarded).

Which leads me to another point: I have seen a lot of users complaining about the PPA. Let me start off by saying I am not employed by PPA, looking to be employed by PPA, nor was I asked to vouch here for them, or even do this post at all. However, I know we need them. Otherwise we’re just a big jumble of voices with no real voice. That’s the reason I became a member, to help grow our numbers. Every single person in this fight counts. I’ve only had the pleasure of talking with Rich Muny on several occasions. I, as I’m sure many here on 2+2 the biggest poker community on the web, can attest to his integrity and character. I know he would not be with an organization if he didn’t feel they were not fighting with all of their ability. I don’t think some of these people understand the huge need for how much any special interest needs a lobby when it comes to Congress. Many have asked what the PPA has done for us after Black Friday hit. I would ask how many people were fighting PPA members before Black Friday. How many did more than write a letter and sign a petition and then kept doing the business as usual? I think like myself, the majority kind of felt like we did our part and just kept playing our poker as if UIGEA never even happened. Then once Black Friday hits everyone was up in arms ranting and pointing fingers at PPA saying they were useless. Aside from Skallagrim's Post in this thread, it’s important to note that a lobby is only as powerful as its base. We’re making progress now because many people’s hobby/extra change/livelihood’s are now at stake and it has lit a fire under us to take up action. This is the biggest reason for the current surge in progress within the PPA. Before that, PPA was basically its staff pushing with just their phone calls, letters, and plans of action, and a tiny % of support from our poker community. Now that we have begun to fight through everything we are doing from letters, phone calls, meeting our reps, facebooking etc., we are showing our government we mean business. They are paying attention to the bee’s nest they have stirred up. They recognize PPA as our lobby. Their D.C. Fly In was a huge success generating politically voiced backing, over 150 congressional meetings, and media exposure of our fight. They can see membership is growing more now. The bigger we grow, the more voice we have in congress. The window of opportunity is short here with legislation, and people become complacent as time passes. Let’s grow our membership and show congress we do have a voice and that we’re serious about what we want. Freedom of Choice. Your $20 goes a long way. So become a member today. Join here.


Cliffs – Black Friday sucked. At least we know super users won’t get a free walk counting $20 million if federally legislated. PPA had little support from poker community after UIGEA. Post BF everyone complains to PPA. Little support = Little progress pre BF < Huge Support from Poker Community Post BF = huge Progress within 2 months. PPA membership (like that of NRA paid membership) shows Congress we’re growing and gives us more voice and power in Congress. $20 = small pot in micros (easy loss with variance). $20 from you = More people, more power, more strength, more resources, greater voice. Help PPA grow here.

[We_The_People]

Ok sorry about the delayed responses everyone. I just went back and editted the OP to remove and add the edits everyone told me of. TY 4flush and Drew for the help with those.

Originally Posted by DrewOnTilt

If I understand that right, then links TO government sites, congressional sites, or even pro-poker articles from WITHIN this thread will increase this thread's SEO? Just curious...

BTW this thread is now the first Google result for the phrase "Republicans discriminate," and it is the last result on the first page of results for the phrase "Democrats discriminate."

Yes. This helps Google further narrow down how relevant your page would be to someones search. However, remember linking from one site and then from here linking back to them does little to help your ranking. Google sees that as an attempt to move up, but not concrete why you really get no points added or lost for most part.

The news about moving up higher is great. Let's keep at it and hopefully others in the 2+2 community will get involved.

Quassi, thank you for posting the letter. Also thank you for sending out letters and helping in the fight.

Originally Posted by nizzwsop

I just posted a link to this thread in NVG, I figure the more people who come across this thread the better. NVG obv has the most traffic and hopefully having a link to this thread there will help.

Thanks Nizzwsop for helping get the word out. The more the merrier



As soon as I talk to Rich the new OP will be editted to reflect your current changes you sent me. thanks for all of your help 2+2

[brainfreeze0]

Originally Posted by We_The_People

Their support was the best in the business. I wish I could remember the thread we had in BBV4L where we were writing the craziest questions: ITT we email Pokerstars Support. Sniff sniff.

Ohhhhhhh what a gem I found. I loved the one in BBV better. Can't believe I found it and my 3 year old post on who would win in a duel between Neo vs Yoda. It was great, they're good sports

http://forumserver.twoplustwo.com/54...0/index27.html

Originally Posted by brainfreeze0

Hello John,

Thank you for emailing us.

Allow me to explain that we do run reload bonus promotions from time to

time, however you are not eligible for any deposit bonus at the moment.

Please be aware that we will notify our players when they are eligible
for
such promotions via email, and our promotion website, which can be
found
here:

http://www.pokerstars.com/poker/promotions/

In regards to rakeback, we strive to give all players the lowest rake -
"rakeback" promotions only serve to charge players more rake, and then
give it back at some later date. If you compare the rake schedules
across
sites, I suspect you will find PokerStars is among the lowest, if not
the lowest, in terms of percentage for rake.

In regards to the duel, you need to consider a few extremely important
aspects;

Firstly, we never saw Yoda in his prime. While we saw him perform some
amazing feats against Count Dooku, he could have easily been three or
four
times faster and more powerful in his 30's, when he first became a Jedi

Master, and completed his Padawan apprenticeship (my assumption; not a
fact). He may have been reckless with his powers in his youth, which
caused sheer-less aggression, that even the likes of Neo could not
stop.
(Again, assumption, not a fact. His wisdom in the movie's suggest he
has
made some mistakes in the past, and has learnt from them).

You would also need to keep in mind that Neo's fighting powers really
only
worked in the Matrix. While at the end of the third movie it showed he
had
some powers outside of it, all his fighting powers occurred inside the
Matrix against Agents, specifically Agent Smith.

So let's take the assumption that they duelled in the Matrix. The whole

point of the Matrix, as Morpheus explains to Neo in the first movie of
the
trilogy is you can do anything you want, as long as your mind will let
you. Now factor in the fact that Yoda could move objects, even large
ones,
and fire lightning from his hands in the real world. How do you think
he
would hold up in a virtual one?

I think considering the fact we have never seen the full extent of
Yoda's
power, and the fact that the force surrounds everything (including the
Matrix), it would only be reasonable to conclude that Yoda would win
the
fight, and dare I say, possibly even destroy the Matrix.

Answer your question, I hope this does.

May the force be with you.


Regards,

JeffreyV
PokerStars Support Team

sighhhh. memories (Sorry, not trying to derail thread. Just couldn't resist )

[brainfreeze0]

FOX News FTW

http://www.foxnews.com/sports/2011/0...oker-shutdown/

[chrisbech28]

Awesome post showing whose for and against

[4Flush]

#1 on Google search for "Congressmen Against Poker" is a post at another forum linking to here.

I hate to think that none of my Senators and Congressmen are on our side.

No position stated: Frank Guinta Jeanne Shaheen

Against: Kelly Ayotte

[We_The_People]

Originally Posted by chrisbech28

Awesome post showing whose for and against

Ty sir and welcome to 2+2

Originally Posted by 4Flush

#1 on Google search for "Congressmen Against Poker" is a post at another forum linking to here.

I hate to think that none of my Senators and Congressmen are on our side.

No position stated: Frank Guinta Jeanne Shaheen

Against: Kelly Ayotte

Good looking out 4flush! That's almost just as good as this thread being the #1 search for that keyphrase. Is that your post or did you just stumble onto that thread and see it? Just curious.


Rich was also nice enough to update the OP with everyone House and Senate changes as well as a few other add ons. Everybody doing a great job! I wrote out more letters to my reps and Senate this morning. Still haven't been replied to for my others. If they fail to reply this time they will be getting a call from me. Keep up the great work everybody!

[chrisbech28]

Thank you I never went on these forums but after April 15th been checking out a bunch of news and what people have been saying but this thread seems great for letting these congressmen and congresswomen know things from our point of view, it seems many are unaware and misinformed on this issue. I sent my emails the PPA had set up and I got a response from Dianne Feinstein,

"Thank you for writing to express your support for the "Internet Gambling Regulation, Consumer Protection, and Enforcement Act" (H.R. 1174). I respect your opinion on this matter, and I welcome the opportunity to share my point of view.

On March 17, 2011, Representative John Campbell (R-CA) introduced the "Internet Gambling Regulation, Consumer Protection, and Enforcement Act," which would legalize additional types of Internet gambling, including online poker, and establish a system for regulation. This bill has been referred to the House Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit. To date, companion legislation has not been introduced in the United States Senate.

Although I recognize that you support the "Internet Gambling Regulation, Consumer Protection, and Enforcement Act," I have generally opposed legislation that would expand Internet gambling. In my view, Internet gambling has become too easily accessible to minors, subject to fraud and criminal misuse, and too easily used as a tool to evade state gambling laws.

Again, thank you for your letter. Although we may have different perspectives on this particular issue, I appreciate hearing from you and will be mindful of your thoughts as the debate continues."

When I read this I started preparing an email to reply but I need to add some of the key things you said about job creation and tax revenue. To me it just seems like shes uninformed about online poker, from my experience with Pokerstars and what I've read they go out of their way to make sure the games are fair and that criminal activity is taken care of through their license with the Isle of Man Government. It just shows how this can easily be regulated and be a successful industry. And again great thread, I read some of your other posts and you're like a preacher for the cause keep it up!

[We_The_People]

Originally Posted by chrisbech28

Thank you I never went on these forums but after April 15th been checking out a bunch of news and what people have been saying but this thread seems great for letting these congressmen and congresswomen know things from our point of view, it seems many are unaware and misinformed on this issue. I sent my emails the PPA had set up and I got a response from Dianne Feinstein,

"Thank you for writing to express your support for the "Internet Gambling Regulation, Consumer Protection, and Enforcement Act" (H.R. 1174). I respect your opinion on this matter, and I welcome the opportunity to share my point of view.

On March 17, 2011, Representative John Campbell (R-CA) introduced the "Internet Gambling Regulation, Consumer Protection, and Enforcement Act," which would legalize additional types of Internet gambling, including online poker, and establish a system for regulation. This bill has been referred to the House Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit. To date, companion legislation has not been introduced in the United States Senate.

Although I recognize that you support the "Internet Gambling Regulation, Consumer Protection, and Enforcement Act," I have generally opposed legislation that would expand Internet gambling. In my view, Internet gambling has become too easily accessible to minors, subject to fraud and criminal misuse, and too easily used as a tool to evade state gambling laws.

Again, thank you for your letter. Although we may have different perspectives on this particular issue, I appreciate hearing from you and will be mindful of your thoughts as the debate continues."

When I read this I started preparing an email to reply but I need to add some of the key things you said about job creation and tax revenue. To me it just seems like shes uninformed about online poker, from my experience with Pokerstars and what I've read they go out of their way to make sure the games are fair and that criminal activity is taken care of through their license with the Isle of Man Government. It just shows how this can easily be regulated and be a successful industry. And again great thread, I read some of your other posts and you're like a preacher for the cause keep it up!

Ty for posting the letter man and for the words of encouragement. I'm just another pissed off American consumer who doesn't agree with the government coming into my home and telling me what to do. I think if more people like yourself will keep getting involved then we will win this thing over.

Thank you for posting it in the other thread as well. It helps to prepare the best defense against their arguments.

I think commenting on popular media outlets such as Fox and their recent article:

http://www.foxnews.com/sports/2011/0...oker-shutdown/

will help our cause out as many people are casual readers and look at the comments board as well. There are a lot of us 2p2'ers fighting the opposition on there with well thought out arguments. The opposition appears to be uneducated in this matter and usually only fights with emotional rants which really doesn't help their cause. If you could pass the word around to your friends to help fight on these comment boards and keep an eye out for popular media outlets doing these stories it would do a world of good.

Appreciate all of your help in this and look forward to seeing you on twoplustwo

[4Flush]

Starting to really hate that crap. "In my view, Internet gambling has become too easily accessible to minors, subject to fraud and criminal misuse, and too easily used as a tool to evade state gambling laws."

Should say "In my totally uninformed view, having never logged on to a poker site, and not knowing the difference between poker and slots, I'm afraid my 5 yr old will try to play poker with play chips and that is just a gateway to a life of drinking and gambling."

And WTF does criminal misuse mean?

[brainfreeze0]

Originally Posted by 4Flush

Starting to really hate that crap. "In my view, Internet gambling has become too easily accessible to minors, subject to fraud and criminal misuse, and too easily used as a tool to evade state gambling laws."

Should say "In my totally uninformed view, having never logged on to a poker site, and not knowing the difference between poker and slots, I'm afraid my 5 yr old will try to play poker with play chips and that is just a gateway to a life of drinking and gambling."

And WTF does criminal misuse mean?

superusers like Russ Hamilton, which is the reason for a federally regulated system

[chrisbech28]

Originally Posted by 4Flush

Starting to really hate that crap. "In my view, Internet gambling has become too easily accessible to minors, subject to fraud and criminal misuse, and too easily used as a tool to evade state gambling laws."

Should say "In my totally uninformed view, having never logged on to a poker site, and not knowing the difference between poker and slots, I'm afraid my 5 yr old will try to play poker with play chips and that is just a gateway to a life of drinking and gambling."

And WTF does criminal misuse mean?

Totally uninformed view is right.

When I post on their facebook should I put something like a link to this site and let them know that everyone will know where they stand on this issue?
Also for those that already support the bill should I recommed they cosponsor the HR 1174?

[DrewOnTilt]

Originally Posted by chrisbech28

Totally uninformed view is right.

When I post on their facebook should I put something like a link to this site and let them know that everyone will know where they stand on this issue?

Yes. Post links both to the top post in this thread and to individual posts within the thread that discuss specific issues. That way we help boost the Google pagerank of this thread.

[KZMU]

I saw in the Expectations from 2011 thread post#67 TheEngineer wrote this:

It made my Fly-In visits a lot easier. In my initial remarks to each KY lawmaker with whom I met, I mentioned that TwinSpires offers services with no problems, thus showing that age verification and the other issues mentioned by some have been solved.

I have never hear of TwinSpires but I would like to know more about this. It seems it would be good to have this information in our arsenal of rebuttals when these issues are used against us. I have been getting the underage issue thrown out there a lot lately.

[brainfreeze0]

Originally Posted by KZMU

I saw in the Expectations from 2011 thread post#67 TheEngineer wrote this:

It made my Fly-In visits a lot easier. In my initial remarks to each KY lawmaker with whom I met, I mentioned that TwinSpires offers services with no problems, thus showing that age verification and the other issues mentioned by some have been solved.

I have never hear of TwinSpires but I would like to know more about this. It seems it would be good to have this information in our arsenal of rebuttals when these issues are used against us. I have been getting the underage issue thrown out there a lot lately.

dunno about twinspires but the age regulation would be solved through federal regulation and good parenting. I mean you don't see them banning online porn wtf. It saddens me how parents want the government to parent their own children. If you can't take responsibility for your children on issues like these you have no business having them at all.