Frank Fights for Freedoms Such as Online Gambling
Barney Frank seems intent on morphing his image from that of a tax-and-spend, big-government Democrat to something strangely resembling a libertarian who champions freedom of choice and abhors governmental restrictions, and in the process he may become an American hero.
Frank has long been a leader in the cause of online gambling, striving to defeat the prohibition created by the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006. Frank's new legislation proposing a ban on enforcement of the UIGEA is gaining considerable support among the public, and has gathered such positive attention that other Congressmen are lining up to co-sponsor the bill.
Now Frank's proposal to decriminalize marijuana is also reaching national attention. Just this week, Representative Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin signed on as a co-sponsor, and Senators Christopher Dodd and Jim Webb endorsed the idea of repealing cannabis penalties.
Frank's politics in these matters are astute in several ways. Philosophically, the concept of allowing citizens the right and freedom to choose their own paths is basic to the foundation of this republic. Thomas Jefferson would be horrified to think that government would proscribe behaviors for the good of oneself, taking decision-making out of the hands of the individual.
But Frank's bills also are a matter of practicality. Prohibitions are historically unenforceable. The effect is generally to create a criminal element, from Al Capone to Calvin Ayre, that amasses huge profits off the artificially high price illegality causes. Meanwhile, a nation of scofflaws is born, in which disrespect for foolish laws leads to condescension and disregard of authority.
Furthermore, the cost of these prohibitions is exorbitant. After a thirty year war on drugs, the substances are as readily available as ever, and billions have been spent. Online gambling bans will prove to be equally fruitless.
Anyone who treasures his right to make decisions for himself, whether it be to gamble online, smoke, or drink alcohol, should understand the need to support Frank's bold moves, and address the appropriate Congressmen and Senators to let them know the importance of these bills.
