Wesley Snipes, Like Online Casinos, at Mercy of Revenue Grabs
Actor Wesley Snipes faces three years in federal prison for tax evasion, demonstrating that coming between governments and their extorted revenue is an offense far more serious than violent crime. Like online casinos, whose operators have been persecuted and bullied by the federal government due to their ability to make money without letting the feds wet their beaks, Snipes has been dealt with using the harshest measures.Lindsay Lohan can try to force a car off the road while high on cocaine and drunk, and still be getting chances to get out of jail after three years of scorning the justice system. Football player Leonard Little can kill someone while driving drunk, get probation without jail time, and then get caught driving drunk again without earning a prison sentence.
But failing to give the IRS every penny it decides it's entitled to, and expect the treatment online casino owners have received under dubious application of outdated laws, or go to prison for years like Snipes. Online gambling operators have received prison terms and paid billions in fines and Snipes does hard time, while murderers and hardened criminals walk.
Snipes, the star of such films as "Blade" and "Major League," was convicted of failing to pay income tax for the years 1999-2001. He has negotiated payment, but still lost an appeal claiming his jail term is unreasonable. By losing the appeal, Snipes now must report to serve his three-year sentence.
Government is expected to protect its citizens, not operate as a mafia preying on residents to grab revenue. Yet interfering with the money stream brings far more harsh consequences than violent crime and physical harm.
Internet casino followers have been aware of the misuse of government power for some time. Now, Wesley Snipes has learned that the US governmental system is more about financing its own unending expansion than caring for citizens or an equitable justice system.
