I submitted the article to digg, at http://digg.com/politics/Minn_orders_telecoms_to_block_online_access_to_pok er_sites

I meant ACLU and will me wearing a scarlet M on my forehead for the rest of the day;-)

PPA pulled together a good pro-freedom group for the KY case (including EFF). It should be easier this go-around.

wurd!

dugg

Time to get to work fighting this!

Dugg.... Front page = many people seeing this...get digging

Marginally.

Im sure, I figure the more people they hear from, the better

I shot a message to Dick Armey's FreedomWorks group too and emailed the Governor's office expressing my displeasure

Start sending Tim Pawlenty emails, he has the executive power over his directors of different agencies. Tell him your displeasure. Tell him you are a long-time Republican supporter (if you are i guess), which includes individual freedoms. Tell him this new legislation restricts your freedom. Tell him you won't support him in the future in the primary elections. Let's get on this!

tim.pawlenty@state.mn.us

e-mailed the Gov... I think those of us in the metro should engage in some type of civil disobedience to protest this.

"U.S. Code, Title 18, Section 1084, (d)"

What exactly does this say, as it's being cited as the justification for this move?

This state pisses me off sometimes. I will be calling, faxing, emailing, sending letters, etc! This is complete BS, if they have so many issues then build state run casinos like Iowa did to filter in more money. I think Iowa built 5 in the last few years. Ughhh a sad day for Poker in MN.

New article on the Star Tribune about the attempting blocking:

http://www.startribune.com/local/440...nDaycUiacyKUUr

I live in MN and have some questions to clarify the direct impact on us poker players:

1. What is a VPN and has anyone used one to get around a block like this? What is the legality of something like this?

2. Will my account get sized if I try to play?

3. Can I still connect to FTP/Stars without getting frozen access? Is this only for xxxxx.com which means I still can play and access the client to play on?

4. What does this mean for me?

i would love to know when online poker was deemed illegal but other than that its a pretty decent article for us imo

From Chicago sun times.

http://www.suntimes.com/news/nation/...042909.article

http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/18/1084.html

Transmission of wagering information; penalties
(a) Whoever being engaged in the business of betting or wagering knowingly uses a wire communication facility for the transmission in interstate or foreign commerce of bets or wagers or information assisting in the placing of bets or wagers on any sporting event or contest, or for the transmission of a wire communication which entitles the recipient to receive money or credit as a result of bets or wagers, or for information assisting in the placing of bets or wagers, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than two years, or both.

(b) Nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent the transmission in interstate or foreign commerce of information for use in news reporting of sporting events or contests, or for the transmission of information assisting in the placing of bets or wagers on a sporting event or contest from a State or foreign country where betting on that sporting event or contest is legal into a State or foreign country in which such betting is legal.

(c) Nothing contained in this section shall create immunity from criminal prosecution under any laws of any State.

(d) When any common carrier, subject to the jurisdiction of the Federal Communications Commission, is notified in writing by a Federal, State, or local law enforcement agency, acting within its jurisdiction, that any facility furnished by it is being used or will be used for the purpose of transmitting or receiving gambling information in interstate or foreign commerce in violation of Federal, State or local law, it shall discontinue or refuse, the leasing, furnishing, or maintaining of such facility, after reasonable notice to the subscriber, but no damages, penalty or forfeiture, civil or criminal, shall be found against any common carrier for any act done in compliance with any notice received from a law enforcement agency. Nothing in this section shall be deemed to prejudice the right of any person affected thereby to secure an appropriate determination, as otherwise provided by law, in a Federal court or in a State or local tribunal or agency, that such facility should not be discontinued or removed, or should be restored.

(e) As used in this section, the term “State” means a State of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or a commonwealth, territory or possession of the United States.

If this is not a level then it is just plain selfish.
Nothing has happened yet, it is what they plan for the future.
Instead of worrying about whether YOU are going to be able to get around this particular attack on your rights, YOU should be doing everything possible to STOP this attack on your rights.

Also, to answer a few questions. The US statute cited is part of the Wire Act. Whether it can be used in this circumstance will be the subject of a lawsuit; as will (limited) free speech issues, Federalism/Commerce Clause issues, and whether poker is legally gambling under Minnesota law. The lawyers are already gearing up, but if I was a Minnesota resident I wouldnt want to simply trust that us lawyers will prevail in Court. GET ACTIVE. The PPA, as TE has posted, as made it as simple as possible for you.

Skallagrim

PS - here is the full text of the statute they are relying on:
"When any common carrier, subject to the jurisdiction of the Federal Communications Commission, is notified in writing by a Federal, State, or local law enforcement agency, acting within its jurisdiction, that any facility furnished by it is being used or will be used for the purpose of transmitting or receiving gambling information in interstate or foreign commerce in violation of Federal, State or local law, it shall discontinue or refuse, the leasing, furnishing, or maintaining of such facility, after reasonable notice to the subscriber, but no damages, penalty or forfeiture, civil or criminal, shall be found against any common carrier for any act done in compliance with any notice received from a law enforcement agency. Nothing in this section shall be deemed to prejudice the right of any person affected thereby to secure an appropriate determination, as otherwise provided by law, in a Federal court or in a State or local tribunal or agency, that such facility should not be discontinued or removed, or should be restored. "

glad i bought a house in st paul last year...

White Bear Lake for the governor's fishing opener should do the trick.

hey everyone spread the word, make sure to cross post this in forums you usually post in and if u live here, make sure to tell ur friends about this bs and what can be done to help.

It was an attempt at a FAQ for poker players in MN. "...impact on us poker players "

This story just came to my attention today and I, as well as many other people, have questions. How dare you stand on your high chair telling me that I am being selfish to ask questions that directly impact my life and family.

Gas up the jetski!!!

Same team Farva!

I have to agree with cheer here. This approach is not going to win any converts to the PPA or motivate players to get involved. In fact you are going to turn a lot of people off.