How free is the "Land of the free"?

[Newmanseye]

Given the US Governments recent bill and the controversy surrounding it and how the effects ripple throughought the globe,

I have to question just how free a land is where a government can take measures to restrict how an individual spends their hard earned money when its in the pursuit of nun in a completely legal and harmless fashion.  Now Correct me if I am wrong " i probably am" but could this be viewed as a breech civil rights.

In reality no one is harmed from the online gaming industry ( with theexception of the minority of Degenerate Gamblers ).


What would the great British public do if our government tried to impose a Backdoor ban on online poker?

I'd love to hear some opinions on this one.

Cheers

Billy.

[madasahatstand]

i dont think we are as brainwashed as america and there are not so many staunch religious beliefs here. we dont tend to attach religion to politics although tony blair tried it a few months back and was laughed down.
i really dont think scotland england ireland or wales would go down that road. it would be a restriction on civil liberties. as you point out, you should be able to do anything you want so long as it doesnt hurt others. im surprised they got away with it in american but i think it really does come down to the religious political aspects.

[ACE2M]

It is because the governance of America is always dictated by large wealthy groups who orchastrate elections and then effectively have control of the most powerful coutry in the world. Some people somewhere are simply losing out to the money going abroad, so a word in someones ear (and a lot of dollars in one form or another) can solve the problem.

Bush is simply a puppet which i think is clear to most people but it is the same for all US presidents and slowly this country is sliding that way to.

Is this a restriction of freedom? I think it is the absolute pinnacle of a free society that allows this to happen so blatantly.

Money rules.

Fortunately britain still has a strong enough system of government and opposition voices can be heard so it just wouldn't happen hear.

[snoopy1239]

It would never happen here and I agree what everyone else is saying. It IS a breach of civil rights and displays a gross misuse of political power.

If people want to gamble all their money away, then let them. It's their choice as individuals. Removing online poker doesn't change anything, if the gamblers want to throw their money away, they'll find another way to do it.

I just can't believe that Joe Bloggs can't play a $5 STT in America. It's incredible when you think about it.

[Royal Flush]

Is being forced to wear a seatbelt i violation of my human rights?

[ACE2M]

Is being forced to wear a seatbelt i violation of my human rights?

No, it's sensible law that saves you from dying and me from paying for your hospital care through taxes.

[Dewi_cool]

It would never happen here and I agree what everyone else is saying. It IS a breach of civil rights and displays a gross misuse of political power.

If people want to gamble all their money away, then let them. It's their choice as individuals. Removing online poker doesn't change anything, if the gamblers want to throw their money away, they'll find another way to do it.

I just can't believe that Joe Bloggs can't play a $5 STT in America. It's incredible when you think about it.

He can in a casino or card room,which makes it even more ridiculous

[Claw75]

Is being forced to wear a seatbelt i violation of my human rights?

I see where you are coming from, but not sure which article of the human rights act this might breach?

people not wearing seatbelts in the event of a major crash could be responsible for the death and injury of others, not just themselves, so it seems like a sensible law.

[Royal Flush]

Is being forced to wear a seatbelt i violation of my human rights?

No, it's sensible law that saves you from dying and me from paying for your hospital care through taxes.

Why can't i gamble at the age of 17?

[Dewi_cool]

coz your a 

[ACE2M]

Is being forced to wear a seatbelt i violation of my human rights?

No, it's sensible law that saves you from dying and me from paying for your hospital care through taxes.

Why can't i gamble at the age of 17?

Because you have to set an age at which you can be considered wise enough to make decisions about doing something that may have harmful consequences for yourself.

coz your a 

and that

[Claw75]

actually, on that point - why is it that 16 year olds can play the lottery but not enter into any other form of gambling?

[byronkincaid]

It breeches some WTO regulations. That may be the best chance we have of getting the americans back.

[ACE2M]

16 year olds can also have sex but can't watch it at the movies.

[MrsLime]

An 18-year-old in America can smoke, drive a car, pay tax, have sex, get married, start a family, go to war and die for his nation, etc, etc... but he CAN'T HAVE AN ALCOHOLIC DRINK???

What a country!