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[FL] Response from Rep.Ginny Brown-Waite [FL-05] (08/15/08) - Upload a Document to Scribd

Read this document on Scribd: [FL] Response from Rep.Ginny Brown-Waite [FL-05] (08/15/08)

Thank you for bringing your concerns to my attention. I appreciate the time you took to contact my office on this important issue and welcome the opportunity to respond. Internet gambling has become a very real threat to our children, particularly young men in college. Many college students, used to playing video games in the consequence free confines of their homes, were unprepared for the thousands of dollars of debts they could accumulate from online poker games. These kids were ruining their credit, destroying their future, and often committing suicide as a result. My feelings on this issue run deep because I have a personal connection. A friend’s husband committed suicide rather than face the hundreds of thousands of dollars in gambling debt he accumulated online. I have seen with my own eyes a family ruined. Addictions like this are difficult to spot, difficult to treat, and should not be enabled by anonymous online activity. It is preposterous to think that I should sit back and do nothing, particularly when the sharks operating these gambling sites were accruing enormous profits at the expense of our children and families. I do not oppose poker games or wagering, but it is not a restriction on liberty to suggest that this should at least take place amongst friends or at the very least in a casino. Throughout my tenure in public service, I have always kept an open door and an open dialogue with my constituents. As Congress addresses the many challenges facing our nation, I hope you will continue to share your thoughts and views with me. Accordingly, I encourage you to visit my Web site at http://brownwaite.house.gov to email me and find useful information about our 5th Congressional District. It is my honor and privilege to serve the people of Florida’s 5th Congressional District and my offices and staff are here to provide you with any assistance you may need. Sincerely, Ginny Brown-Waite Member of Congress (Congresswoman’s reponse to PPA letter - Two Plus Two Poker Forum [forumserver_twoplustwo_com] http://snipurl.com/ppa18)