Poker dealt a bad hand
ON APRIL 15 the Department of Justice opened a sealed indictment of the top four online poker websites in the country. This indictment effectively strips millions of Americans of their pastime and, in many cases, their livelihoods.
The DOJ has alleged that the companies are in violation of a law that very few Americans even know exists, the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act.
The primary issue has been the failure to define exactly what gambling is. This law allows special concessions for online horse betting and lottery. The statute relies on underlying federal or state gambling laws to make a determination of whether an activity constitutes gambling.
As of today there is no federal law that specifies that poker is illegal. On March 17, H.R. 1174 was presented to Congress proposing the licensing, regulation and taxation of online poker. The Joint Committee on Taxation estimated it would generate $42 billion for the federal government over 10 years.
In an economic climate such as ours, online poker would create jobs and generate billions in fresh tax revenue.
If we don't make our voices known, our elected officials will not act.
Kris Rouleau
Virginia Beach
Why I admire the Brits
Re "Royal wedding shouldn't be ex-colonials' cup of tea," Kerry Dougherty column, April 28: I must take issue with her perceptions of our relationship with Great Britain, which seem to be based on the Revolutionary War and George III. Another period in history might interest her. After the capitulation of France to Hitler's forces, Great Britain was expected to fall as well. They did not, and they fought on, basically alone, until Canada and the other dominions and U.S. support came to their aid.
Had the British not fought on, Hitler, with no western front to distract him, would have turned on and possibly defeated Russia. He would also have attracted the Spanish Fascist Franco to his side, and together they would have taken Portugal and Gibraltar.
With the Nazis from Moscow to Gibraltar, the Italians would have had a free hand in all of North Africa. Greece and Turkey would have been next. Then the Near East with all that oil would have been lost.
But the Brits fought on, and, as one historian noted, they could not win the war - the U.S. and Russia did that - but they certainly could have lost it.
And that is why I admire the British and have an interest in their news.
Joseph H. Stutts
Franklin
My personal deficit clock
As our federal representatives debate ways to reduce the annual deficit, eventually balance the budget and someday begin paying down the debt, I consider my personal share in order to understand the enormity of the problem.
Dividing this year's $1.65 trillion deficit by 309 million citizens, I found that I owe $5,334, or $102 per week more than I pay now. A married couple owes $204, a family of four, $408. Those difficult sacrifices, shared by all, would balance this year's budget and make raising the national debt limit unnecessary.
President Obama wants to raise taxes only on "millionaires and billionaires", i.e., those earning more than $200,000 (couples $250,000). If that's 5 percent of tax filers, multiply the above contributions by 20 for that group, and it becomes clear that the task is impossible.
Very soon, every taxpayer will be paying more as the president's plan inevitably is modified. We have a spending disease that cannot be cured by revenue alone.
Barry J. Mitchel
Portsmouth
Certifiable embarrassment
Viewing President Obama's birth certificate brought back familiar memories. I typed approximately 3,000 of them a year when I worked as a vital statistics clerk at a local hospital. The process is very precise, requiring proper signatures and certifications before being sent to the state's capital.
No birth certificate can be issued until legally filed. I also sent the announcements to the newspapers. But beyond the logistics of this matter, I question when this nonsense will end.
Everything from Obama's birth, religion and now even his postgraduate education have been questioned.
Frankly, this is an embarrassment to our country. But through it all, I admire how our president has handled these controversies with utmost integrity and dignity.
Gayle M. Gilmore
Chesapeake
Disrespect for the rules
Re "HRT delays Beach light rail study to wait for Norfolk starter line," Hampton Roads, April 27: If my memory serves me correctly, didn't the citizens of Virginia Beach vote against light rail years ago?
What part of this does our City Council not understand? "No" means "no" in my estimation.
Does this mean that the citizens may just decide not to pay the extra taxes that the council is proposing?
If the City Council doesn't play by the rules, then why should the citizens have to?
Leslie Paul
Virginia Beach
Star struck
Within the past few years, participation of young females has increased significantly in beauty pageants. It can be hazardous to their development, especially during their toddler years. These young girls are forced to grow up at a much more rapid rate than most children their age.
These girls enter a world in which beauty is the center of everything. It becomes the most important aspect of their world. A crucial beauty routine would include biweekly spray tans, monthly nail appointments, consistent makeup and apparel, and revealing clothing during their pageants.
The huge focus upon beauty develops unhealthy habits, including eating disorders. It has also been reported that children dressed like adults are at more risk of becoming victims of sexual predators.
Paige Starr
Chesapeake
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