Barney Frank rides again

[Gordon McIvor Wilson]

You cant say you dont hear it here first!

In my Blog Post on 8th May, I reported:

"Say thank you to the nice Barney Frank
Who he? you ask. Well, he's a Yank, hence the silly name. He is also the chairman of the House financial services committee. He is bringing in legislation to legalise internet gambling in the US ...."

Well, he's still at it and reported continued efforts yesterday; good on yuh, Barney!

[Gordon McIvor Wilson]

Well, you cant say we dont get real value from our great contributor, Adonis the First. What a fascinating insight into the psyche of the all-American citizen (that sounds a bit French, what does an American call himself? - freeman, stakeholder, proprietor..

As for Barney, he seems to have the bit between his teeth (a lot of horsey stuff today, see Sports Punter's blog) and he's got <4 years to get it sorted. But you're right, Adonis, its protectionism, keep the buggers out, no internet weirdos in our betting markets; just like half of Yourrup and other national free-trade stiflers.

My acid test for measuring likely American attitudes: "how would Homer Simpson take it".

[Adonis First]

Beware of Greeks bearing gifts..... the adage "we are two Nations separated by a common language" still holds. The average American regards gambling as something that is quite "naughty", but to do it once a year on holiday in Vegas adds a bit of spice to Life.... let's you have a mild taste of degeneracy. You might also pay a quick visit to a chicken shack whilst getting the demons out of your system!
The rest of the year (Americans still only take two weeks vacation a year) you worry about keeping your job and health insurance. Gambling (except for the degenerates) isn't even on the horizon.
It's all a bit like the English habit of having a few beers, out. Sure you can get a few beer in the USA when you go out, but it's a VERY "blue collar" thing. You might do it to look "trendy" sometimes, but you wouldn't want to get a reputation for doing it at every opportunity!
By the way, almost ALL Americans take exception to non-Americans telling them what would be good for them.... they see no real shame, for example, in objecting to public-funded medical treatment for those who have no money. They tend to see poverty as a "fault" thing, not a human predicament. If they do help, they want the public accolade of being charitable, and those they help MUST show deep gratitude in return for their "bucks"....
***NB: I'm not declaring these habits to be "bad". It works very well for them, and we have to acknowledge that they are smart enough to be able to prioritise their own needs. They certainly don't want or need the likes of betfair et al to advise them on what's good for them!
betfair (IMHO) have NO IDEA the width and depth of the hole they are digging for themselves when they dabble with US issues. Until they eventually fall into it, that is!
Remember, THIS is the company that thought it had French legislation for Intenet Gambling all sewn up.
That thinks that it can use EU Laws to force National Governments into compliance to their wishes!
Gordon Brown suffers from the SAME malady (Big Brotherism): he , IMHO, can't see the extent of public loathing for much of what he says and does, and has NO IDEA how deep and wide is the abyss he will plumb next year!
There again, the Polls could be hopelessly disconnected with public sentiment, and Big Brother got it right after all!
Have a nice day,!