Internet Gambling Prohibition Act - Big Brother is Watching

A law has worked it's way through the House and is up for consideration in the Senate. The law will prohibit internet gambling at the federal level with criminal penalties. Does anyone else see a problem with this? Like, perhaps, gambling is not illegal at the federal level?

Federal lands such as Indian reservations are fair game for casinos since, of course, the taxes go straight to the federal government. Federal waters, such as every major fricking river and ocean is ok for gambling boats...because the tax revenues go to the federal government.

States can run lotteries themselves or allow any and all forms of gambling within their boarders.

But a company, in a foreign country, cannot operate an internet gambling site because someone in the U.S. can gamble on the site.

hmmm...gambling is not illegal in the host country and it is not illegal in the U.S. under federal law. So how is it that the U.S. government feels they can police the world and rid it of the 'evils' of gambling on the internet?

Simple, we justify it by saying the Wire Act prohibits anything that might allow gambling over a wire since there is no regulation to ensure the site checks the persons I.D. The justification? A minor might get hold of a credit card (a rare one that transfers to gambling sites) and place an underage wager....even though there may be no age limit in the country where the site is located.

So what's the big deal you say? This act will force banks to discontinue doing business with intermediaries who could transfer funds to a gambling site. Think about it. Under the Act, banks can be liable if they allow a money transfer to an intermediary who transfers the funds to a gambling site. Do you think banks are going to try to police who the intermediaries send money to? It would be too costly. Ban them all and there is no extra cost to the bank. Firepay, Netteller...but why stop there?

Paypal thinks they are immune because they "do not allow transfers to gambling sites." (So immune they think, that they and ebay are pouring money into the campaign funds of politicians who support the Act.) You really think the sites will not learn to disguise their names? But wait a second. What about the problem of retail stores online selling beer over the internet? How do you know that paypal transfer to Bills Online Grocery isn't enabling little Johnny 12-yr-old to order beer and cigarettes delivered to his home while mommy is out? If we are going to regulate on the basis of the possibility of a minor breaking the law, we are going to have to ban all online money transfers, all wire transfers...heck a kid can forge a check and mail it can't he?
Let's regress to a cash-based society! Down with technology and progress Hoorah for Big Brother's foresight and wisdom! Hoorah for bubba da president!

Now, will someone please tell me what country the intelligent people can find amnesty in to escape Big Brother?