One of the most recognizable figures in professional poker, Greg Raymer, 2004 WSOP Champion.
The anti-poker legislation being pushed through both houses in DC gets some tough competition next week. US News & World Report is reporting some of poker’s biggest names are headed to Washington in an intense effort to stop the anti-poker/gambling bill that has become very unpopular with the millions of voters that like to play the game. Greg Raymer, Chris Ferguson, and Howard Lederer will make the rounds on Capital hill in an effort to head off the criminalization of poker or otherwise, you get caught catching a straight and you’ll be going straight to jail.
Most poker players I know are quite capable of making decisions for themselves and really don’t need a government that passes laws under the guise of what’s morally best for the great second tier citizens (includes everyone without an address in a “good area” of DC, laughingly referred to as the “little people”). Millions of poker players really don’t need another new federal law that defines playing poker as a criminal offense. The massive numbers of online and live action poker players easily make up a massive voting block, big enough that our voting clout could be the deciding factor in some of the upcoming elections, especially the closer ones. The collective voice of the millions of poker players can become a shout so loud it will be heard in Washington, even when our elected representatives are turning a deaf ear to everyone but their favorite perk laden lobbyist. Making our preferences known can be a really simple thing to do. If this anti-poker legislation does pass, then we simply do not vote for one single member of Congress running for re-election that voted for the anti-poker bill. The only way to let our elected reps know how unhappy we are with their performance is to elect someone else. The poker playing college student ranks have swelled to millions and represents a substantial mass of voters.
It’s time we take back the right to decide for ourselves if we want to play a particular card game, the very same rights accorded citizens of other nations all around the world. It’s time Good latte becomes something we get at a Starbucks, not a self appointed Washington DC Father Knows Best dude. Like the Donald says, “Dude, You’re Fired!”