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- Jan 14, 2008
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Most Americans, regardless of ideology, oppose “crony capitalism” or “cronyism.” Cronyism is where politicians write laws aimed at helping their favored business beneficiaries. Despite public opposition to cronyism, politicians still seek to use the legislative process to help special interests.
For example, Congress may soon vote on legislation outlawing Internet gambling. It is an open secret, at least inside the Beltway, that this legislation is being considered as a favor to
billionaire casino owner, Sheldon Adelson. Mr. Adelson, who is perhaps best known for using his enormous wealth to advance a pro-war foreign policy, is now using his
political influence to turn his online competitors into criminals.
Supporters of an Internet gambling ban publicly deny they are motivated by a desire to curry favor with a wealthy donor.
Instead, they give a number of high-minded reasons for wanting to ban this activity. Some claim that legalizing online gambling will enrich criminals and even terrorists!
But criminalizing online casinos will not eliminate the demand for online casinos. Instead, passage of this legislation will likely guarantee that the online gambling market is controlled by criminals.
Thus, it is those who support outlawing online gambling who may be aiding criminals and terrorists.
A federal online gambling ban would overturn laws in three states that allow online gambling. It would also end the ongoing debate over
legalizing online gambling in many other states. Yet some have claimed that Congress must pass this law in order to protect states rights! Their argument is that citizens
of states that ban Internet gambling may easily get around those laws by accessing online casinos operating in states where online gambling is legalized.
Even if the argument had merit that allowing states to legalize online gambling undermines laws in other states, it would not justify federal legislation on the issue.
Nowhere in the Constitution is the federal government given any authority to regulate activities such as online gambling. Arguing that “states rights”
justifies creating new federal crimes turns the Tenth Amendment, which was intended to limit federal power, on its head.
FULL STORY AND SOURCE
For example, Congress may soon vote on legislation outlawing Internet gambling. It is an open secret, at least inside the Beltway, that this legislation is being considered as a favor to
billionaire casino owner, Sheldon Adelson. Mr. Adelson, who is perhaps best known for using his enormous wealth to advance a pro-war foreign policy, is now using his
political influence to turn his online competitors into criminals.
Supporters of an Internet gambling ban publicly deny they are motivated by a desire to curry favor with a wealthy donor.
Instead, they give a number of high-minded reasons for wanting to ban this activity. Some claim that legalizing online gambling will enrich criminals and even terrorists!
But criminalizing online casinos will not eliminate the demand for online casinos. Instead, passage of this legislation will likely guarantee that the online gambling market is controlled by criminals.
Thus, it is those who support outlawing online gambling who may be aiding criminals and terrorists.
A federal online gambling ban would overturn laws in three states that allow online gambling. It would also end the ongoing debate over
legalizing online gambling in many other states. Yet some have claimed that Congress must pass this law in order to protect states rights! Their argument is that citizens
of states that ban Internet gambling may easily get around those laws by accessing online casinos operating in states where online gambling is legalized.
Even if the argument had merit that allowing states to legalize online gambling undermines laws in other states, it would not justify federal legislation on the issue.
Nowhere in the Constitution is the federal government given any authority to regulate activities such as online gambling. Arguing that “states rights”
justifies creating new federal crimes turns the Tenth Amendment, which was intended to limit federal power, on its head.
FULL STORY AND SOURCE
