Americans Right to Gamble Online: An Editorial

James Lowery, Detroit, MI (G4U News)

As an American, the right to gamble online has become noteworthy because of recent sensational actions taken by our government against its own citizens in taking part in the civil rights guaranteed in a democracy and its constitution. Its almost as if our government leaders have a type of mental disorder that splits their personalities depending on which sub-group of society they wish to engender. It is all rather bizarre.

Prohibition to Gamble Online

The Internet has provided an extraordinary growth entertainment industry giving people the opportunity to gamble online in the comfort, convenience and safety of their own homes. But the government says, "no, no," your individual rights, your freedom in your own home is now "our business." Its so bizarre, in fact, that it mirrors identically the days of prohibition of alcohol that it makes one wonder if our government has lost its collective memory (…mind). Citizens are gambling online anyway.

Online Gambling Addiction

Are we so demented to believe that allowing online gambling will lead to a nation of addicts? If so, then how do we come to the resolution of our own current President's admitted alcoholic addiction and its resolute salvation? Do we assume that to gamble online proportionately denies that same saving grace to those who choose such entertainment? Just because one enjoys a glass of wine with dinner or enjoys a hand of poker or even making sports more exciting by placing a bet, does not make one an addict. Addictive personalities do exist, not the least of which our own most famous Presidential one; however, help and/or salvation is available. God does not discriminate; nor do the various counseling programs and groups designed to help those afflicted.

The Wire Act (1961)

Another example of this governmental "split personality" is the American government's spin that online gambling is not permissible for Americans as shown in its attempt to utilize an antiquated law known as the" Wire Act" enacted by Congress in 1961. The sole purpose of this act was to ". . . suppress organized gambling activities." Wasn't Congress at that time addressing the issue commonly known as "The Mob?" I hardly think that a homebound senior citizen desiring to gamble a nickel slot machine online for her own entertainment, in the comfort and safety of her own home, that it can then be deduced that she is the spouse of the "Godfather."

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

The government's theory of an American citizen's right to provide an online gambling service to be illegal also lends itself to the bizarre dual-personality disorder as witnessed in the governments attempt to violate our basic civil rights and, specifically, to those citizens guaranteed these rights in "The Americans with Disabilities Act" of 1990 (ADA).

The law, in a nutshell, simply allows all Americans the right to employment, services, programs and activities that non-disabled citizens enjoy. A non-disabled American citizen can enjoy gambling in many cities throughout the country by walking into their nearest casino. However, should a disabled, homebound American citizen wish to employ their skills at operating an online casino for self-employment and entrepreneurship or even to gamble online, they risk the government's retribution. Yet, the American government, in taking this position, violates its own ADA law. How? Read the following online quote from the U.S. Department of Justice "Kids Page" that explains "The Americans with Disabilities Act":

Approximately 43,000,000 Americans have one or more physical or mental disabilities, and this number is increasing as the population as a whole is growing older. Individuals with disabilities continually encounter various forms of discrimination, including outright intentional exclusion and access to lesser services, programs, activities, benefits, jobs, or other opportunities.

Is our government lying to our kids?

We, as Americans, herald our freedom and our democracy. Our government needs to be reminded that we have a right to enjoy it…even the right to gamble online.

On the Internet:

Federal Wire Act: The Wire Act (1961)

The ADA (1990): Americans with Disabilities Act

Gaming Resource: Best Gambling Directory

Note: The author is a freelance writer covering topics of American Civil Rights.

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