Repug paper: EDITORIAL: Internet gambling: Why must everything be taxed?

[NVMojo]

It's funny what it takes to get folks to turn on the powers that be ...not death in Iraq, not spying on them, etc ...

Why must everything be taxed, regulated or banned outright?


You don't need a calendar to know elections are around the corner. Just watch House Republicans -- the purported advocates of limited government -- advance constituent-pleasing legislation that expands the regulatory state and criminalizes victimless behavior.

Proposed constitutional amendments to ban gay marriage and flag desecration were big hits with loyal conservatives. And now, to further please the "family values" bunch, House Republicans are set to pass legislation that would make it almost impossible -- and illegal -- for Americans to place bets with offshore Internet gambling sites.

A bill sponsored by Rep. James Leach, R-Iowa, which would prohibit credit card companies from making transactions with virtual casinos, is expected to pass the full House next week. The bill could be combined with separate legislation from Rep. Bob Goodlatte, R-Va., which explicitly bans gambling over the Internet.

Internet gambling is a growing, $12 billion to $15 billion per year industry with millions of U.S. customers. Like every other form of Internet commerce, virtual casinos and sports books draw their popularity from convenience. Gamblers don't have to leave their homes and trek to a casino.

more...

http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2006/Jul-08-Sat-2006/news/8380849.html