Land of the Free?

I was e-mailed this interesting article by the PokerTV Network and as requested by them I am sharing it with you;

I know that a lot of you are concerned about the effects that the SAFE Port Act will have on your ability to play online poker (and rightfully so), but there is another issue that we as online poker players should be concerned with and actively trying to do something about.

David Carruthers was the CEO of BETonSports Plc, an online gaming site with offices in London and Costa Rica. The company is legally licensed in both of those countries. On July 16th, United States federal agents, citing the Wire Act, arrested David in Dallas while he was changing planes.
He was traveling between Costa Rica and the United Kingdom; in both jurisdictions online gaming, including online poker, is legal and regulated. After paying one million dollars in bail, David is currently under house arrest in a St. Louis hotel room. He is only permitted to leave for legal proceedings.

So, what is his crime? Is he a murderer, a dangerous terrorist, or even a white collar criminal responsible for embezzling millions of dollars?

No, his 'crime' is to be a vocal advocate of online gambling regulation in the United States. David is a noted and vocal advocate of online gambling regulation. He has frequently engaged in public debate with opponents of online gaming (particularly in the United States), and has argued vociferously for government oversight and taxation of the industry. David has written several articles that have been published in major newspapers stating his case for regulation and taxation of the online gaming industry. On April 4, 2006 David debated Rep. James A. Leach (R-Iowa), on the merits of Rep. Leach's Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (H.R. 4411, part of which became part of the Safe Port Act). In response to Rep. Leach's rhetoric, Carruthers presented the case for the regulation of the online gambling industry in the United States.

There is very little doubt that David's outspokenness was a leading factor in his arrest and detention.

Is this the way we are supposed to deal with opposing opinions in America?

The federal government has even gone on record to say that David and others like him may even be helping terrorism by aiding and abetting money laundering.

How long are we going to stand for injustices in the name of protecting us from terrorists?

David Carruthers in not a terrorist. I urge everybody that reads this post to write to your elected officials and demand something be done about this incredible injustice. Let the media know about the rising movement to "Free David Carruthers".

Today it's David Carruthers. Tomorrow it could be you.

I intend to do what I can to spread the word and I ask that you join me.

Regards,Eric Rosenberghttp://www.pokerTVnetwork.com