Poker Pub Poker Blog: poker and politics

2007/03/07

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2007/03/06

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2007/02/24

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2007/02/22

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Does UIGEA have a foe in a high place?

2006/11/30

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Pennsylvania to consider Table Games

2006/11/11

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Online Poker Commentary (with some politics)

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I’ve pretty much ran silent here at the Poker Pub this week. There are several reasons for doing so, I’m sure. I’ve been suspending my opinion on the elections until the smoke clears. My personal life, for starters, is always full of fireworks somehow - no worries, all is well. I snuck away to play live poker this week. I’ve been negotiating with Bugsy’s Club on a poker deal for us… And perhaps I was also just simply taking a breather from posting. All these things combined probably point to the reason why I’ve not really written much in the lines of substantial posts this week.

I have been blog hopping throughout this past week, though. I highly recommend blog hopping. It’s great to read the thoughts, ideas, and stories from others who share your interest. I have my list of “regular blogs” I visit (you can find them on the Poker Pub Blogroll). Feel free to borrow my list, or draw from your own.

The point of telling you this is not to “pimp” any other bloggage, though that is an added bonus, right? No, instead, I’d like to talk about the state of online poker and how it relates to this past election - and throw in some of the thoughts of other Bloggers that I read along the way.

For starters, up until a month or two ago, I thought I was a Republican. I believed that I philosophically aligned with the Republican Party more so than others, considering I (primarily) believe in a strong national defense (funding the military). I believe in less taxes. I believe that while some forms of welfare programs (welfare is a term meaning transfer of wealth or monies from one group or class to another), I do not believe in it so far as to be nearly socialist in nature. I believe those who “work” harder and/or smarter should be allowed to keep most of what they make, and it should give them an edge against others… not that we’re competing here.

In contrast, I’ve always believed that “those other people” (the Democrats) enjoyed transferring wealth from one class to another, were incredibly weak when it came to national defense, defense spending, and/or foreign issues in which involve our military and/or taking a stand. Thus, I believed them to be pansies and socialist. And still, after these elections, I do not believe that any less.

I do, however, believe that I am finding myself lined up with the Republican Party a whole lot less than I once suspected I did. With the introduction of UIGEA, a mostly Republican-supported bill, I’ve become sick to my stomach, as now we have the small matter of the Government telling me how I can and cannot run my business and my personal life. Big brother is alive and well.

It seems to me that we have a case of one group ruling with an iron fist, allowing you to make money, but severely restricting where and how you can spend it. The other party, in my opinion, just wishes to pass my money out to everyone under the sun. (once again, all just my opinion here)…

Historically, I think this country has corrected problems in ever so dramatic over-reactions. Take the tailhook scandal (PBS on tailhook, Wikipedia on tailhook) for example… Our country, and the military specifically were too lenient on matters of sexual harassment. To make things “right” we became so damn tough on them that it almost became a felony to even make eye contact with a member of the opposite sex during normal, routine conversation. It may have been "right" to deal with and take a firm stance on sexual harrassment issues, but there's a difference, IMO, between getting proper laws in place, and going way overboard to make up for past leniency.

In this country, we tend to correct the wrongs of one extreme by swinging to the far opposite extreme. In reality, correcting the wrongs of the far right is not corrected by moving as far left as possible, but instead moving to the center of the bell curve.

The opposite of extreme right is not extreme left, nor is extreme left’s opposite extreme right. It is, instead dead center… Alcanthang cautions us:

"We've merely replaced politicians...

...with politicians. Just as easily corrupted as the mouth breathers now searching for prime consulting jobs.

This isn't the last step in the process, only the first. It needs to be made clear to the new bunch that if/when they fuck up, they are next on the chopping block. I already have the letters ready to go out to my congressmen stating that very fact.

We wanted a change, we got a change, now we must hold them accountable.”

That being said… I highly suggest EVERYONE, democrat, republican, or otherwise, get signed up to get a report of how their congressmen and senators vote. I challenge everyone to do exactly what Al suggests… Let’s all hold our elected officials accountable and show them that we mean business… We’re watching them, we have a vote, and we know how to use it.

My intention was to discuss online poker and some politics, though it seems I've discussed politics with some online poker... Things do not always go as planned...

Mike

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Prohibition is alive and well

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US in violation of WTO ruling

2006/11/08

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I did my part...

2006/10/27

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Response to Bill Frist

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So, I wake up this morning and receive an email from the GOP. This is not unusual, considering it's nearing election time and they constantly bombard my inbox calling me to action to vote in surveys, donate money, etc. Yea, so today's begging and pleading comes from none other than Sen Bill Frist. I sent a short, sweet "F-U" via email response, but I figure I can lay down a more formal response here at the Poker Pub.

Dear ~~$hitbag~~ no... that's not it... accurate, but not it.

Take 2... ~~Dear Douche~~. wait, again... still accurate but again not it...

OK, Take three

Dear Senator Frist,

I'm writing to you in direct response to your ecampaign email you sent to me via the RNC, asking for money to counter Senators Kennedy and Kerry's contribution to the DNC. The heading of said email says "Our country can't afford a democrat victory." While I am a registered Republican, and typically fall along party lines MOST of the time, I find your selected heading laughable at best.

You see, Bill... Unlike some people... I am coming straight out and telling you that I do not like you at all. I'm not going to cowardly shake your hand, smile, contribute and attach my dislike for you and what "you people" stand for to commentary made under my breath after you've walked away from me. I am a straight forward guy with a clear agenda. I do not like what you stand for and I want you to know it.

When you firmly tell me in your email that "the Democrats are wrong on every issue: From surveillance of international calls coming into our country to securing our borders to keeping the economy strong,"... I think to myself, hell... this guy may be right (no pun intended). But, just because the Democrats on the far left don't have a clue, it doesn't mean you or your far right do either, Bill.

You move on to say that "As the (joke of a) Senate Majority Leader, I've worked closely with the leaders of the Democrat Party, and I can say without a doubt they have repeatedly proven to lack the credibility and ideas needed to lead the United States Congress."

But wait, there's more... You continue on to say "Harry Reid, who would be Senate Majority Leader if the Democrats win -- has called President Bush a "loser" and repeatedly uses obstructionist tactics including the threat of shutting down the Senate in order to (your words, mind you) "screw things up." "

So, Bill, what you're telling me is that every Democrat you've worked with is lacks compitancy? You know, there's a clinical term we normal people associate with that... You know, when you are believing you're the only person who's sane and the rest of the world is just f-ing nuts... You're the one who is insane... It's "insanity." Now say it with me really quick a few times before some Senator attaches a law forbidding anyone, including other politicians from calling any member of our ~~Regime~~ government "silly," "a loser," or "insane" to some unrelated bill that helps homeless people.

I'd really like to say that you stopped there, Bill, but you did not. You continue on to say "Democrats hope to win on November 7th by using vicious and angry attacks against our Party and our President instead of proposing solutionsto the issues that face America."

Funny you should point that out, and yet overlook the "tone" of your email to me, Bill. Isn't that like one ~~turd~~ Senator calling another ~~turd~~ Senator a piece of $hit, Bill?

And then you P.S. me... "P.S. - Michael, the Democrats will do and say anything to win this November. We urgently need your help as we enter the home stretch of the campaign..."

"P.P.S. And please, make sure your family, friends and colleagues vote on November 7th."

Bill, I will honor one thing for you on November 7th... I will bring my family, my friends, and my colleagues to vote on November 7th. Though, really, if it were up to you... would there even be a vote? You seemingly know what's best for America, and believe we're incapable of making our own decisions. Thus you place unrelated legislation on the backside of a bill aimed at securing our nation's ports - making it illegal for online gambling.

I am proud to say that I accept your challenge, Bill Frist. I will rise to action on election day. I will get out there and vote early, you know, before the right to vote is taken away from the American People. And while I may not line up with the far left, I sure do not share the same values as you. I'll bring with me all of my friends and family who you deceived with the passing of the UIGEA act, piggybacked on the SAFE Port Act. And along with them, I'll bring the people you put out of work by affecting online poker playing. And with them, we'll bring the people who could have benefitted from the extra tax revenue we could have obtained by regulating the industry as opposed to trying to alienate it.

And finally, Bill, I hope that each and every one of your partners, you know, the ones who wish to shove their moral values right down the throat of our people get voted out of office, and I'll do all I can to help that occur... By the way, this is the very same practice that we as a country condemn when other countries governments try to "force" their beliefs onto that of their citizens. And Bill, did you bother to tell anyone your dirty little secret? Did you mention that thanks to you, the work of Jack Abramoff lives on? Did you tell the people that his bill and the UIGEA that YOU sponsored and all your buddies supported are in fact nearly one in the same?

See you and your friends in the unemployment line,

Mike

2006/10/21

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online poker news 10/21/06

2006/10/11

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Firepay pulling out of the U.S. Marketplace?

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CelebPoker speaks on gambling ban

2006/10/10

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More talk on the U.S. gambling "ban"

2006/10/08

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Sunday morning thoughts and notes...

All content written in the Poker Pub is licensed under a Creative Commons Atribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs2.5 License (copyright).

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U.S. Friendly Poker Roomsas of 10/06/2006 11am EDT

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I stumbled across a statement released by Excapsa, the software company behind Ultimate Bet. They are in fact a publicly traded company (AIM: XCP). In their press release, they "note" that congress passed the SAFE Port Act, with bullshit attachment.

Additionally, they assume us (the investor) that they're "firmly positioned to continue to grow and develop in line..." They boast of 47 million USD in cash available to throw at their strategy. What is bothersome though, is that they're attracting onely 1/3 of their new customers from outside of the United States. The actual press release from Excapsa can be viewed here. No wonder why they were twitching when Pokershare came in and wound things up back when...

Courtesy of the Poker.com Poker Blog, it appears that Mike Sexton is hitting the road to do the Media Blitz. Mike, a high profile voice of poker, has intentions of doing the talk show circuit . "It's time for standing up and speaking out on behalf of our freedom of choice, which has been violated, comments Sexton on his upcoming campaign.

Stopping by the Poker Player's Alliance, they have this neat little tool that allows one to receive a weekly report of emails from their local congressman *speaking of tools*. I highly advise everyone to sign up for this free service. Never again do we want to "allow" our government to operate without immediate accountability. Register for the weekly report from your congressman here.

Wait, there's more... each week you'll ALSO get a list of key votes by your two Senators. Furthermore, you'll receive links to send them email using pre-addressed forms. And finally, *wait for it*, you'll have an opportunity to review the upcoming votes so that you can offer them feedback BEFORE THEY VOTE!

I know this will not change any previous votes, moves, attachments, thieverys, and/or bullshit of the past, but going forward, I urge EVERYONE to hold their reps accountable!

While you're signing up for this service, please join my friends at the Poker Players Alliance today and help people such as Greg "Fossilman" Raymer and Chris "Jesus" Ferguson fight the fight for poker players worldwide.

Mike

2006/10/07

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Playtech/ipoker officially pulls out of the US Market

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WTO Pressure on US Gaming Laws

2006/10/06

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Abandon ship on Kiwi Poker...

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List of US Friendly Poker Rooms

All content written in the Poker Pub is licensed under a Creative Commons Atribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs2.5 License (copyright).

Play free poker at CheckRayz - free entry, cash prizes and money-added buyin poker tournaments.

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updated 10.20 10am EDT

This is an analysis of the Internet Gambling Prohibition Act courtesy of the Poker Player's Alliance.

CheckRayz remains committed to providing freeroll poker tourneys and money added poker tournaments to it's players. Not yet a member of CheckRayz? Click to join the best online poker tour on the planet.

Here is the unofficial list of poker rooms who either still support US Players and/or have announced they will not yet bail on us. It should be noted that this list is not a reccommendation or endorsement to play, as I am neither encouraging or discouraging anyone from playing online. That being said, feel free to click through to download as you see appropriate :

Poker rooms who are still supporting US Players and have come out and said so (as of 2/20/2007):

Poker.com - 100% first time deposit bonus... home of the Blogger Poker Tour

Bugsy's Club - $25K ring game challenge, 100% first time deposit bonus up to $600 Free!

Jungle Poker - 100% up to $500 for first timers, 50% up to $500 for reloaders, and Ladies Night!!!

Planet Poker - 100% up to $750. $1500 new players freeroll!

Ultimate Bet - win a seat in the North American Poker Tour, 100% first time deposit bonus

Absolute Poker - 100% up to $750, constant reloads...

River Belle Poker - Buy $20, get $300! - Services US Customers, except in the following states: Michigan, Illinois, Louisiana, Oregon, Washington, Wisconsin, Indiana, Nevada, South Dakota, New Jersey, New York

PokerStars - Moneymaker Millionaire freeroll, 100% up to $50 0 deposit code FirstSep2006

Bailed on the US Market (as of 2/20)

Doyle's Room - bounty tourneys on team Brunson, 50% up to $250 --- update 2/20 - Doyle's room exiting the US Marketplace. Fulltilt is accepting account transfers dollar for dollar.

Hollywood Poker - gone

Have not spoke publicly, but are still seemingly in the game

The3DPoker - 20% up to $100! Live 3D poker action.

Poker4Ever - Deposit $20, get $40!

Other Poker Rooms still in the US Market

Fulltilt Poker

True Poker

Bodog

If you're going to support online poker, please support only these rooms, using the above links... Additionally, I urge each and every one of you to do the following:

1. Join the Poker Players Alliance. Support them in the battle against our hostile "uniform wearing" Government to keep poker legal.

2. Elections are coming up. I urge everyone to send a message to our elected officials and vote them out of office if they've supported prohibiting internet gambling in any way, shape, or form. If they voted for the ban (Aye), please appropriately vote them out of office. Here's a list of the poker vote.

Finally, I will keep this page updated as information changes...

Feel free to contact me through either the CheckRayz site or through the Poker Pub Blog via comments as questions, comments, and/or concerns arise.

Mike

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Noble, CD Poker talk on US Ban...

2006/10/05

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Special Edition of the CheckRayz Mailbag...

All content written in the Poker Pub is licensed under a Creative Commons Atribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs2.5 License (copyright).

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Blast from the past... A special Thursday edition of the Friday Night Mailbag at the Poker Pub... Because I can...

Speaking of blasts from the past first letter comes from Shark Poker Tour Vet and original member of CheckRayz Carey (Careybear).

Carey Writes:

Oh I heard this was coming when I was still in theStates and now it's gone through...i'm happy i'm in acountry where i can gamble freely...lol Ladbrokes,Coral and many others are down the street!!! Theyeven bet if it's gonna snow on christmas day here!!
I have to go to all my poker sites and change myaddress.....
Carey

My response:

Hey Carey,

Great to hear from you again! Yea, if I were you, I'd QUICKLY change my address. Additionally, be prepared for them to ask for proof of address change, which may include a photo id with address. You bailed on this shithole of a country at the perfect time. Talk to you soon and keep in touch!

Mike

Moving on, we have marilyn chiming in... she writes:

Just received an email from Poker Ocean that I am supposed to take my money out, and that we can no longer play on their site. Big brother has arrived. Whats next, no sex unless you are in your own bedroom?!?

I respond:

Hi Marilyn, I've never played poker ocean, but I received the same email from Titan a few minutes ago as well. Yes, I do believe that laws of that nature are next, but they'll only allow sex in "government approved" bedrooms, which have the special little tax stamp... Oh, and missionary position only.

Talk to you soon,

Mike

Next up, we hit up Bosse in Sweden:

Hi,
Not that the US Govt´s stupid acting in any way affect my online poker, (being from Sweden(, I do appreciate guys like you, looking out for the rest of us. So, as you stated in your info mail, I drop a mail just to say "Hi"

My response:

Thanks for stopping by and saying hi. I do believe this will indirectly affect you, as there will be less donkeys ("dead money") out there. I believe the "average players" will now become unprofitable players. Just my opinion though.

Talk to you soon,

Mike

Finally, Susan is up... who goes on to say:

American poker players are fighting this tooth and nail!

If you can email this link to all members so that US players can sign it we may have a chance. Pres. Bush has not yet signed that bill. He has not said he won't but he has signed others this week and NOT that one. The more people who sign this the better. It will let the Govt know that we do NOT appreciate these tactics in lawmaking. This is free. Tell them to forward it on to all their friends - American or not. Their friends have friends - get it out there so that as many Americans as possible can make their opinions known!

http://www.petitiononline.com/LOGNOW/petition.html

I myself am planning to transfer to Canada soon.

Thank you,

To which I retort:

Hey Susan, Thanks for the link... My understanding is that Canada is somewhat restricted on where they play as well (bodog, for example). I'd reccommend a warmer climate, an island maybe! Better yet, we could probably take all the paper that it took to write the ridiculous bill, dump it in the middle of the ocean (as trash) and make our own island. What a joke the bill is.

Talk to you soon,

Mike

Thanks for the mail everyone... I am sick of writing about this stuff, but I do appreciate the interaction from everyone. As long as this is playing out, I'll be here writing and working, working and writing...

BeerGuy out...

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