More conservative opposition to RAWA

Utah Republican Rep. Jason Chaffetz, an arch conservative who is rapidly becoming notorious for his introduction of the Adelson-inspired Restoration of the American Wire Act, has disappointed the American Conservative Union, which voiced criticism of the politician this week.

But the Union was more concerned with the intrusion of RAWA on states’ rights than its intent to ban most forms of online gambling

In a public statement released by Union chief Dan Schneider, the ACU acknowledged Chaffetz’s conservative credentials (his lifetime ACU rating is a high 94 percent) but observed:

“However, we are disappointed that on this issue he is taking the side of big government.

“Conservatives don’t have to agree on the value of gambling, but we should agree that it is unwise to use the brute force of the federal government to try to stop states from making their own decisions on this activity, especially if the reason for this action is to support gambling entrepreneurs in Las Vegas. Unfortunately for them, what happens in Vegas doesn’t stay in Vegas; it should be up to the states to determine if they want to reject or accept Vegas.”

The statement goes on to observe that RAWA illustrates political cronyism in an oblique reference to Sheldon Adelson, the billionaire land casino owner who so generously funds Republican politicians and is believed to be the real author and driving force behind RAWA.

And it closes by re-emphasising the states’ rights issue, noting:

“The ACU trusts governors, including the 31 Republicans, to set the gambling regulations in each state; whether that is prohibition or regulation.

“The federal government does have a role in legitimate law enforcement matters, but it should not take on the added responsibility of overriding a state’s inherent police powers. Indeed, Congress already has expressly supported the rights of each state with this activity in the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 where the fundamental principle of states’ rights was preserved.”

Adding its voice to the growing chorus of concern over RAWA is the Campaign for Liberty, another conservative organisation which said in a statement issued by president John Tate:

“Some in the GOP [Republican Party] must think the American people are stupid. After successfully selling the American people on taking the United States in a new direction, members of the GOP think one of its first legislative priorities should be to limit economic freedom, impose top-down federal regulations, and expand the surveillance state.

“This is not just an issue that should concern those who like to gamble, but all Americans who value state sovereignty, free markets, and a free and open Internet.

“I urge Campaign for Liberty members and all Americans who value Internet freedom and free markets, even if they don’t gamble, to contact their legislators and tell them to oppose the ‘Restoration of America’s Wire Act.”

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