Poker, Baseball and Civil Liberties

One could have thought Congress to be Radley Balko's homecourt. The widely published columnist was introduced favorably by Presidential hopeful Rep. Ron Paul and has taken the stage to argue for online gambling, a game "as mainstream and uniquely American as baseball."

One could think so, indeed. But that would be the wrong impression. Congress and Mr. Balko do not see eye to eye on this matter. The guest has come to speak his mind and urge the government to repeal the Unlawful Internet Gaming Act.

"What Americans do in their own homes, with their own money, on their own time, is none of the federal government's business," he said.

Ron Paul is one of a few - currently numbering 40 - Congressmen and women who oppose the ban policy in place. This was stated clearly in his introduction of Balko as "One of the most perceptive critiques of government policies the prevent individuals from engaging in what the government considers immoral or unhealthy behavior."

Balko described the origins of online poker in the game of poker, itself developed and popularized during the Civil War years. Today, there is no justification to ban online poker, as Las Vegas enjoys wide popularity, as do Indian reservation gambling facilities, horse racing tracks and cable television tournaments.

Even the Supreme Court had a monthly poker game until recently.

Poker is as American as baseball. It should be protected under Civil Liberties.