[raiders72002]

Shrink

Internet Gambling ban facing more opposition besides WTO

written April 12, 2007

Rep. Barney Frank said Thursday he would start pushing to lift a U.S. ban on online gambling in the next few weeks, but said it was too early to make any concrete move to lift restrictions ruled illegal last month by the World Trade Organization.

Frank, D-Mass., who chairs the House Financial Services Committee, told reporters that the online gambling bill passed last fall was "one of the stupidest things I ever saw."

"I want to get it undone. I plan to file legislation," Barney said, explaining that he would lay out his plans in the next couple of weeks but would not move them forward until other lawmakers are on board.

"I think a reconsideration among my colleagues is beginning," he said. "It's not far enough along yet so I wouldn't move the bill but I plan to introduce the bill and if (the) storm of public unhappiness is great enough, I will try to substantially revise that ban."

Maybe even more importantly, Congress is starting to ask questions about Antigua. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, the ranking Republican member of the House Congressional Committee on Foreign Affairs, wrote a letter dated March 20, 2007 (http://www.antiguawto.com/LettertoUSTR.pdf) airing concerns about what the Trade Representative plans to do to ameliorate the issues in the favorable ruling for Antigua.

Rep. Ros-Lehtinen noted, "…our failure to resolve this dispute may harm our credibility as we seek to press countries like China regarding their violations on a range of issues, including intellectual property protection, subsidies, and currency manipulation." She further warned, "In the event the United States fails to reach a satisfactory resolution of the Antigua dispute, it could provide China with an argument to ignore a WTO decision favorable to the United States."

This is good news for gamblers because ultimately change must come from Congress. To hear they are paying attention to WTO rulings despite the outright denial of guilt by the USTR is a positive sign. The fact it comes from a member of the President's party makes it even more promising.

The President's appointees so far have handled the case with general disdain. The Trade Representative made a bizarre claim that horse race wagering conducted over state lines is actually illegal and just hasn't been enforced. With responses like this it's safe to say the President's people have little intention of budging a bit to accommodate Antigua.

Perhaps Barney Franks can bring a new light to this dark story

Below is a link to more discussion about this topic

http://forums.eog.com/online-sportsb...all-81967.html

written By Kenneth Weitzner--EOG

[collegebaskets1]

the guy is trying to help our cause for offshore gambling and u r calling him a fag? even if he wasnt helping us out, calling him a hateful name is repulsive and completely uncalled for. the fact he is trying to help us makes ur hatefulness even worse.

i am not a proponent of gay lifestyle for men or women but it doesnt give the right to call hateful names, especially on an open forum. let's learn from the tim hardaway and don imus debacles. it's not cool to call people hateful names.

[BuddyBear]

God damn liberals are trying to ruin the country by allowing people to bet online.....

[SquareShooter]

Originally Posted by BuddyBear

God damn liberals are trying to ruin the country by allowing people to bet online.....

I second that.
Ban libtards?

[tblues2005]

BuddyBear LOL

[trustbutverify]

yea-these evil progressives are getting out of hand. Trying to allow people to wager on the sports of their choice- AND encouraging them to treat eachother with respect and decency. I hate em.

[mavs1978]

well.. i hate barney frank with a passion.. but im addicted to gambling so just this once im going to side with him.. and collegebaskets1 that was a touching speach you made you fuuuuking pssy.. get a life

[EBone]

Originally Posted by collegebaskets1

the guy is trying to help our cause for offshore gambling and u r calling him a fag? even if he wasnt helping us out, calling him a hateful name is repulsive and completely uncalled for. the fact he is trying to help us makes ur hatefulness even worse.

i am not a proponent of gay lifestyle for men or women but it doesnt give the right to call hateful names, especially on an open forum. let's learn from the tim hardaway and don imus debacles. it's not cool to call people hateful names.

cb1,

I don't think raiders is calling him a fag. A few years ago, there was a rep from Texas (his name escapes me right now) who was on tape calling Barney Frank, Barney Fag because he is gay. Apparently, that name was pretty well known in congressional circles so everyone knew who the rep from Texas was talking about.

I think raiders was just coattailing that name from a past headline.


E

[michael777]

A few years ago, there was a rep from Texas (his name escapes me right now)dick armey

[EBone]

That's the guy. Thanks michael777.


E

[Actionbrett]

IM the straitest man around but will suck him off if he gets that bill pulled...

[LVHerbie]

Originally Posted by BuddyBear

God damn liberals are trying to ruin the country by allowing people to bet online.....

Yea, the liberals in congress are running up behind Barney Frank to support this... what a joke...

[raiders72002]

The story goes like this. Dick Armey referred to Barney Frank as Barney Fag. Barney took it well and said he still likes Dick.

[stuartfl]

Originally Posted by raiders72002

The story goes like this. Dick Armey referred to Barney Frank as Barney Fag. Barney took it well and said he still likes Dick.

LOL - that was funny!