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We Can't Tell You What This Post Is About If You Live In Washington

Legal Issues

from the don't-read-this-post dept

Mon, Jul 10th 2006 1:24pm — Mike Masnick
If you live in Washington State, you might not want to read this post. It could be illegal. Last month, Washington State jumped the gun on Congress' attempt to outlaw online poker and rushed through with its own law. However, it appears the impact goes well beyond getting people to stop playing poker online. Soon after that law was passed, we noted how an online site that just talked about casinos was sent a cease and desist and forced to shut down. The latest is that various gambling magazines are telling residents of Washington that they are canceling subscriptions in the state and can no longer publish anything there. This seems like a pretty clear violation of free speech rights that will undoubtedly end up in court before too long. However, in the meantime, aren't there more important things the state should be worried about than whether or not someone is reading about gambling?
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39 Comments

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  1. icon
    Robert (profile), 10 Jul 2006 @ 1:48pm

    Gambling in the Other Washington

    The short answer to the question about gambling is Yes there are defintly more important things then wether people can read about gambling or for that matter
    they can gamble . Espcially as involved as Washington state already is in gambling

    [ link to this | view in thread ]

  2. identicon
    Marcelo Calbucci, 10 Jul 2006 @ 2:13pm

    No smokin' & no strippers

    Yes, there are two very important laws that just went in effect here in Washington:

    1) You can't smoke at less than 25 feet of a building entrance (including, bars, malls, etc.)

    2) It is illegal to open new strip-clubs in the city of Seattle, and there is some *other* important provisions on this law as well.

    See, WA politicians have their hand full.

    PS: WA is pretty much considered a liberal state.

    [ link to this | view in thread ]

  3. identicon
    Anonymous Coward, 10 Jul 2006 @ 2:22pm

    OK, so Danny boy (the author) didn't check to see if the state had told the publisher not to send their magazine to its residents, or they just did it on their own. Now, you guys post the same thing and didn't bother to check either.

    That is what I call responsible journalism. We don't really care about the facts, just the sizzle. I guess whatever gets ratings or clicks if fine, right?

    [ link to this | view in thread ]

  4. identicon
    Paul, 10 Jul 2006 @ 2:39pm

    Re: Responsible Journalism

    No, he doesn't - and he doesn't imply the state forced them too. He instead showcases the chilling effects of too much government involvement.

    Dipshit, just because you don't like the article, you have no valid reason to claim it wasn't responsible journalism. Read into things instead of being spoonfed.

    [ link to this | view in thread ]

  5. identicon
    Scott, 10 Jul 2006 @ 2:42pm

    Not the whole story

    Talking about online gambling isn't illegal in WA. What is being missed here is linking to unlawful site is unlawful. To draw a parallel talking about child porn isn't illegal, linking to unlawful child porn sites is illegal. Same here, talking about online gambling isn't illegal, linking to unlawful online gambling sites is.

    Now, the fact that online gambling is illegal is a completely seperate issue.

    [ link to this | view in thread ]

  6. identicon
    TJ, 10 Jul 2006 @ 2:45pm

    Following on the heels of a really stupid anti-smoking law (with a 25-foot rule), this law proves that the meddlesome Washington Whiners who get idiot legislation like this passed are as stupid as their President.

    Anti-smoking, anti-gambling ... are we *really* returning to the era of stupid blue laws?

    [ link to this | view in thread ]

  7. identicon
    TJ, 10 Jul 2006 @ 2:47pm

    Re: No smokin' & no strippers

    WA is liberal in the city and stupid in the interior.

    [ link to this | view in thread ]

  8. identicon
    Robert, 10 Jul 2006 @ 2:50pm

    Re: Not the whole story

    The difference in the 'parallel' situation, is that child porn is completely illegal, whereas gambling (in general) isn't, as long as the state gets their taxes.

    [ link to this | view in thread ]

  9. identicon
    Anonymous Coward, 10 Jul 2006 @ 2:50pm

    retards

    get a clue you idiots

    stop clinging to your precious 'rights' and 'liberties'

    the constition is just a god damned piece of paper stop trying to shove it in peoples faces

    get with the new world order you pansy assed liberals

    for the children!!

    [ link to this | view in thread ]

  10. identicon
    Anonymous Coward, 10 Jul 2006 @ 2:50pm

    have you checked anon coward?

    [ link to this | view in thread ]

  11. identicon
    Nick, 10 Jul 2006 @ 2:51pm

    Re: Re: Responsible Journalism

    If the facts weren't checked, the journalism is *indeed* irresponsible. That is irrefutable. Also irrefutable is that fact that epithets require little mental effort to lob out of whatever foxhole you are hiding in. I suggest you try intelligent banter in the future and avoid the profanity.

    [ link to this | view in thread ]

  12. identicon
    Scott, 10 Jul 2006 @ 2:52pm

    Re: Re: Not the whole story

    True, with the exception of online gambling...it is illegal everywhere in the U.S. as per federal law (which is why all the online sites are off-shore).

    [ link to this | view in thread ]

  13. identicon
    Anonymous Coward, 10 Jul 2006 @ 3:01pm

    Don't confuse Washington state with a free country. Have you forgotten how the Democrats of Washington used recount after recount to get their candidate elected governor? It's illegal to vote for anyone other than a Democrat.

    [ link to this | view in thread ]

  14. identicon
    Scotty, 10 Jul 2006 @ 3:02pm

    Re: retards

    If "the constition is just a god damned piece of paper" then you are the pansy ass liberal, retard.

    [ link to this | view in thread ]

  15. identicon
    bidnas, 10 Jul 2006 @ 3:13pm

    Washington

    Living in Washington it amazes me the lack of thought put into these "rushed" laws. Washington sells lottery and has many, many places to gamble. The real issue, lawmakers in this state couldn't find a way to get a piece of the pie.

    [ link to this | view in thread ]

  16. identicon
    Joe Snuffy, 10 Jul 2006 @ 3:14pm

    retards

    I really hope you were joking. If not, I really hope your not breeding!

    [ link to this | view in thread ]

  17. identicon
    Bubba, 10 Jul 2006 @ 3:17pm

    No smoking and no gambling

    ...and soon, no drinking and no talking!

    [ link to this | view in thread ]

  18. identicon
    Anonymous Coward, 10 Jul 2006 @ 3:18pm

    Re: Re: retards

    uh except Bush is using it for toilet paper at the moment... Is John Hinkley still alive? everyone needs a second chance...

    [ link to this | view in thread ]

  19. identicon
    Monach, 10 Jul 2006 @ 3:21pm

    The episode of South Park had Washington State perfect, or was that San Franciso? One in the same in my mind. It's where people think their Sh*t don't stink, they are so 'SMUG' that they love the smell of their own flatulence.

    [ link to this | view in thread ]

  20. identicon
    Anonymous Coward, 10 Jul 2006 @ 3:22pm

    Re: Re: Re: retards

    Why is it every thing that goes wrong in the US is Bush's fault. Are you that stupid? Do you think the US was perfect BEFORE he took office? Have you been living in a cave for the last decade? F'in retards...

    [ link to this | view in thread ]

  21. identicon
    Anonymous Coward, 10 Jul 2006 @ 3:22pm

    Next will be a ban on cars because the CO and CO2 emmisions are killing people. So No driving within 25 ft. of any person, building, window, car......

    [ link to this | view in thread ]

  22. identicon
    Anonymous Coward, 10 Jul 2006 @ 3:23pm

    Re: Re: Re: Re: retards

    Yah blame someone who actually "DOES NOT MAKE THE LAWS" especially for a state.

    Wake up... It's the politicians you elected!

    [ link to this | view in thread ]

  23. identicon
    Anonymous Coward, 10 Jul 2006 @ 3:36pm

    Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: retards

    So you are saying I can't blame the Post Office for the pizza not being delivered...

    The PO delivers stuff... shouldn't they get my pizza to me on time?

    [ link to this | view in thread ]

  24. identicon
    Michael L., 10 Jul 2006 @ 3:46pm

    come on...

    lets be honest here, it doesn't matter who you elect, the same people will be controlling the government and the economy. They do whatever they deem neccessary to get what they want, be it lie, cheat, steal or blow up skyscrapers. There really has been absolutely no political progress in that country for 20 years or so, plenty of regress though.

    [ link to this | view in thread ]

  25. identicon
    Pinnacle, 10 Jul 2006 @ 4:02pm

    you guys are being watched.../run

    [ link to this | view in thread ]

  26. identicon
    Beavis, 10 Jul 2006 @ 4:38pm

    I live in washington, there is no shortage of gambling here between the indian casinos and non-indian card rooms.

    the problem is the frakken gubment aint getting their cut of the dough.

    if they could get a percentage, they'd be all for it, i'm sure there is some womens/children/poverty issue thats begging for a few million more bucks a year.

    [ link to this | view in thread ]

  27. identicon
    Raleighman53, 10 Jul 2006 @ 5:11pm

    Politics...

    This subjects sure brings people out of their holes.... I cannot underastand why Americans can complain so much, and vote so little!!!

    [ link to this | view in thread ]

  28. identicon
    Trvth Jvstice, 10 Jul 2006 @ 5:34pm

    IMO

    President Bush is a good person and I honestly believe he means well. I agree with most of his decisions and I'm sure most of the country feels the same. He won his last election with more votes than any president has ever received. While his intelligence has been questioned many times, remember he is a Harvard graduate. You have to give him some credit for that.
    However, we've had total republican rule in Washington for years now and I have to admit, we haven't accomplished nearly as much as I would have liked (in most states, a 15 year old girl can still get an abortion without her parent's permission). This has left me feeling sort of jaded about politics. I'm beginning to think politicians are all the same, when they're off camera.

    [ link to this | view in thread ]

  29. identicon
    Fred, 10 Jul 2006 @ 6:21pm

    Government getting their cut

    >the problem is the frakken gubment aint getting their cut of the dough.

    Oh, the politicians are getting their cut all right. They're getting it in the form of "campaign contributions".

    The people who come out ahead from this legislation are the ones who are getting their competitors banned. They're the existing casinos, and the state senator (Margarita Prentiss, D-11) who introduced this piece of legislation got money from them:
    WA INDIAN GAMING ASSN OLYMPIA WA
    NISQUALLY INDIAN TRIBE OLYMPIA WA
    MUCKLESHOOT INDIAN TRIBE AUBURN WA
    CHIPS CASINO LLC BREMERTON WA
    CONF TRIBES OF COLVILLE RESERVATION NESPELEM WA
    GOLDIE'S SHORELINE CASINO SHORELINE WA

    Draw your own conclusions.

    [ link to this | view in thread ]

  30. identicon
    Sad citizen, 10 Jul 2006 @ 7:35pm

    President Bush is a good person and I honestly believe he means well...........Do your homework on the "Man", then come back and try to make an intelligent reserch based comment......Pay attention America, things arn't getting better....Watch a little less TV, Do a little digging, it won't take much, we get exactly what we vote for ...most of the time...Whatever, I love my country, but we are paying dearly for our ignorance and indifference. Suddenly "Free" isn't gonna be what it used to be...

    [ link to this | view in thread ]

  31. identicon
    Mike in WA, 10 Jul 2006 @ 10:07pm

    Re:

    The other problem is that what's her face the politician that got that stupid anti gambling law passed got 90% of her campaign contributions from the tribal casinos here in WA.

    She got paid, the rest of us get screwed. And for the idiots who keep passing off all of the washington state residents as the same, get a clue.

    [ link to this | view in thread ]

  32. identicon
    Trvth Jvstice, 10 Jul 2006 @ 10:50pm

    Re:

    You're just spouting the normal liberal crap. It's the same thing you always say. What you said is so generic, it could fit and comment or subject. You're not fooling me. You have made no point whatsoever.

    [ link to this | view in thread ]

  33. identicon
    EverydayBS, 11 Jul 2006 @ 5:21am

    Re: Banning Cars

    Actually that might not be too bad of an idea. Not olnly are CO2's killing people but the emmisions from vehicles contribute to asthma and other breathing difficulties. Not to mention having to walk to work, the mall, or the grocery store will get many people much their much needed work-out.

    [ link to this | view in thread ]

  34. identicon
    EverydayBS, 11 Jul 2006 @ 5:21am

    Re: Banning Cars

    Actually that might not be too bad of an idea. Not olnly are CO2's killing people but the emmisions from vehicles contribute to asthma and other breathing difficulties. Not to mention having to walk to work, the mall, or the grocery store will get many people much their much needed work-out.

    [ link to this | view in thread ]

  35. identicon
    EverydayBS, 11 Jul 2006 @ 5:41am

    Re: IMO

    Stop watching Fox News. It rots your brain. I mean are you really that out of touch. Do you honestly want me to believe that just because Bush "graduated" from Harvard he is intelligent. His graduation wasn't bought cause that would be illegal. And our beloved President would never do anything illegal. He may mean well but his backbone is so shriveled he falls for every scam his greedy confidant's feed him. It's no coincidence that oil campanies are making record profits. Oh wait... maybe he is a genius....get elected President then run the US like it's your own piggy bank. No that's already been done by his Bush Sr. and every other President in my lifetime. So maybe he really is an idiot and just walking the path his predecesors have, line the pockets of those in power. Tax cuts for the rich = more hoarded money that will not see circulation for many years. It's just the trickle-down theory all over again.
    And to state that you should do a little research on something on your own is not liberal banter, it's being a responsible citizen. One that values an educated response, not just the 'Junk' new you here on one channel.

    [ link to this | view in thread ]

  36. identicon
    Anonymous Coward, 11 Jul 2006 @ 8:01am

    EverydayBS, hey, don't hold back, tell us how you really feel. Course, not sure what your post has to do with the original topic, but whatever.

    [ link to this | view in thread ]

  37. identicon
    Jason, 11 Jul 2006 @ 8:47am

    When did we stop using the constitution? I remember learning about it in school but i dont remember when we stop using it.

    I wonder which freedom will be next?

    [ link to this | view in thread ]

  38. identicon
    Smart Guy, 11 Jul 2006 @ 8:53am

    under-edumacated

    This is why ecconomics and political science should be taught in school early, before the hicks and rednecks drop out and end up learning everything from their hick and redneck parents and then vote based on those 19th century ideas.

    [ link to this | view in thread ]

  39. identicon
    UW C.Sci Student, 15 Jul 2006 @ 9:10pm

    Re: under-edumacated

    Just because I own a gun, like driving fast, play poker, and drink whiskey doesn't mean I'm stupid. Oh yeah, I'm also a Republican. And oh yeah, I def hate Cuntry music. Don't you all realize that if that indecisive moron kerry was in office, (yes, his name doesn't even deserve to be capitalized), he'd be bent over his desk getting a dildo shoved in his ass by his secretary and asking her advise at the same time "Hey hun, do you think I should give old Osama another chance to be a good little boy, or should I ask him not to kill anymore of our people nicely?"

    Bush has big expensive boots, I'm just glad he knows how to kick some ass with them, or else that war would be in our country not in theirs.

    P.S. - How the hell did this law ever pass? And who got to vote on it? Shouldn't somebody have realized the little whore who proposed it is a fuckin Indian Pawn?

    [ link to this | view in thread ]


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