2007-04-27

I Wouldn't Bet On It

Barney Frank, the self described minority of minorities (a "left-handed, gay Jew") usually presses for very liberal ideals. I find myself agreeing with him on some issues (civil rights) while disagreeing with him on most other things.

Today he introduced a bill to legalize internet gambling. This form of entertainment (which your correspondent happens to enjoy) was turned from a grey-area to a much darker shade of grey last year when the law was signed forcing credit card companies to not accept payments to these services.

Frank remarked, "People have said, what is the value of gambling? Here is the value. Some human beings enjoy doing it. Shouldn't that be our principle? If individuals like doing something and they harm no one, we will allow them to do it, even if other people disapprove of what they do."

While I doubt Barney would agree with everything I do at least his principles seem right on.

Unfortunately, there are assholes in Congress, such as the representative down the road from me, who believes that even the state lottery is Satan's tool.

2007-04-24

Say Goodbye To Good TV

The Federal Censorship Commission (FCC) wants to ban violence on TV.

Don't watch NBC?

They want to ban violence on cable too, meaning The Shield and shows like it could face government censorship. The FCC was asked to submit a report 3 years ago and are just releasing it now to Congress. Someone in Congress will undoubtedly introduce a bill to ban violence, sex, etc, on all TV channels that are not HBO, Showtime, etc.

This is not a republican/democrat issue. Hillary Clinton loves to talk about banning violent video games so she will probably be all over this issue. Politicians are also hoping people will blame the crazy Korean at VA Tech on TV and things like that instead of deep-rooted psychological issues that have nothing to do with entertainment.

As soon as the bill is introduced in Congress I'll post it here with a way to contact your Congressman.