Slashdot Mirror
Push To End Online Gambling Ban Gains Steam
The Washington Post updates a story we discussed last spring about a push in the Democratic-controlled congress to legalize some forms of Internet gambling in the US. "Partly bankrolled by offshore gambling companies, the campaign has already persuaded the Obama administration to delay enforcement of a 2006 law cracking down on Internet wagers. ... The federal government, which rarely prosecutes online gambling, would net billions of dollars in tax and licensing revenue if it were legalized, proponents say. ... The outlook on Capitol Hill, however, is uncertain given a slate of unfinished business... [and] nervousness among Democrats about November midterm challenges. ... [A politically conservative poker player said] 'There's a part of the party that always believes this isn't something people should do. But I think it behooves the party to be a little more broad-minded on this issue.'"
It's not up to government to keep you from eating too much, drinking too much
You do realize that the government taxes alcohol at a rate higher than most other products, right? It's only a matter of time before some jackass politician gets the notion that we should do the same for food that they perceive is bad for you.
The nanny state has already arrived. Some people think that we should continue to expand it and don't realize the inherent contradiction between turning to the government for help and wanting the government to stay out of our lives.
I want peace on earth and goodwill toward man.
We are the United States Government! We don't do that sort of thing.
One person could conceivably handle dozens of bots simultaneously, providing clearly human smack-talk so that everyone thinks the bot is just another guy.
As for the actual game, if the bot has perfect information, playing it is trivial. I don't know why you think you'd need a real person.
The fact is I have no choice whatever about my insurance.
If you want choice then you'd better be opposing the current legislation at the top of your lungs, because it specifically denies you choice since you already have insurance through your employer.
Single payer is DOA because of two things: the Republicans (which IMO is stupid of the Democrats) and the insurance lobby, who pays off congresscritters from both parties.
It has nothing to do with the "insurance lobby". It has everything to do with the republicans and blue dog democrats. Both are philosophically opposed to the notion of government run health care. You really think that would change if it wasn't for the insurance lobby?
I want peace on earth and goodwill toward man.
We are the United States Government! We don't do that sort of thing.