Support Freedom in All Forms
Support Freedom in All Forms As the political conventions prepare to meet, poker players nationwide are letting lawmakers know they feel neglected, ignored, and mistreated. Despite overwhelming support for repeal of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006, Congress has been slow to act, considering many bills to improve the situation but passing none so far.

Now, poker enthusiasts are finding ways to express their views in no uncertain terms. By visiting the website for the platform of the Republican Party, poker players can register and then write their opinions for legislators and candidates to review.

Two lines in the 2004 platform, a ninety-two page document, specify the Republican opposition to any form of online gambling. Those two quiet sentences have brought a storm of replies from loyal Republicans. Many did not know that the party they support even had a policy against Internet wagering, and are dismayed to discover it. Respondents point out that the Republican Party ideal is one of little government interference and the right to do as one chooses in one's home.

Thousands of voters who usually vote Republican have become aware of the poker issue. It is incumbent on the party to adjust the platform to support the poker players, or risk losing massive numbers of voters.

While the Poker Players Alliance would like the party to state its backing for poker online and elsewhere, it might settle for the removal of any language from the platform opposing Internet gambling. PPA spokesman John Pappas noted that the majority of the organization's million-plus members are Republicans, and that the party needs to recognize their views or risk losing their votes.

Al least one Congressman, Jim Leach of Iowa, is thought to have lost a re-election bid due to voters rejecting his expressed opposition to poker.

Online poker website calls on all voters to let your Representatives and Senators know how you feel. Please log in on the Republican platform and voice your concerns.