This is a copy of an e-mail I just sent to my Congressman.
Like he really cares....
Sir,
When we elect representatives to go to Washington, we send them to represent our will, not to impose their will on us. No legislation should be passed that inhibits the freedom of the people, unless that freedom directly infringes on the rights of others.
By that criteria, your vote on HR4411 was absolutely wrong.
The Constitution empowers Congress to protect the citizenry from enemies foreign and domestic, not themselves. Every law you pass that attempts to protect us from our own actions chips away at our personal autonomy. The justifications for this bill, that some people have a gambling problem, that gambling is immoral, can be used to ban or regulate nearly every facet of human behavior.
Sugar is deadly to diabetics; should we ban it?
Aspartame is deadly to those suffering PKU; should we ban Diet Coke?
Fast food is unhealthy; should we ban it?
If your answer to these questions is "No," then you realize the logic behind your vote is deeply flawed.
But it gets worse.
If gambling is so corrosive to our society that it must be banned on the internet, then why were exceptions made for horse racing and lotteries? It seems a bit hypocritical to allow the States to promote internet gambling, but not private companies.
This bill was garbage, and you supported it, and that will be remembered come election time.
Posted by Rich at July 13, 2006 2:35 AM | TrackBack