Unlawful Internet Gaming Act

I'm continually disturbed by this nanny-state that we're living in. I don't understand how the Libertarian concept of "if you're not hurting anyone it shouldn't be illegal" is so lost on this modern American populace...well, at least on Congress.

Fortunately, there are some out there who do understand and are willing to stand up for the founding principles of this country. One such person is Radley Balko, senior editor of Reason and former policy analyst of The Cato Institute.

In case you aren't familiar with it (and why would you be, since the media hasn't touched it), the Senate tacked a piece of legislation onto a port security bill at the last minute, on the last day of the session, at night, with no floor debate, called the Unlawful Internet Gaming Act, essentially banning any online gaming for money, like the online poker that is so popular right now. Mr. Balko testified in front of the House Financial Services Committee. A transcript is here. This is some of the best-worded arguments against such legislation that I've ever read, and could apply to about 70% of what Congress passes these days.

Credit for this find goes to geek, poker player, and budding Libertarian Wil Wheaton.