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Democrat: Lift Internet Gambling Ban & Replace With Policing

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Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.), chairman of the House Financial Services Committee today proposed the Internet Gambling Regulation and Enforcement Act, a bill that intends to replace the Internet gambling prohibition instituted last year with strict regulations and policing of violators. Those regulations include deep criminal background checks and financial disclosure for companies looking to offer Internet gambling services.

This bill comes 6 months after the controversial Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 was passed into law. The Internet Gambling Prohibition Act received a lot of criticism for infringing on American freedoms and is equated with censorship.

In a quote from CNet’s News.com article, Barney Frank dissented upon the current law, saying:

The existing legislation is an inappropriate interference on the personal freedom of Americans and this interference should be undone

Furthermore Frank points out that since almost all states have legalized some form of gambling that we should hold the same precedent to their online counterparts.

Originally posted on April 26, 2007 @ 5:00 pm

MySpace and Mark Burnett launches political reality show

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mark-burnett1.jpgJust when we thought we are overdosed with reality shows, MySpace and Mark Burnett announced that they are teaming up to launch INDEPENDENT, a groundbreaking political reality show. The show will find the nation’s next great politician through an online, offline, on-air multimedia campaign expected to launch in early 2008.

INDEPENDENT is an interactive television series that will engage and empower young Americans to participate in the political process at an unprecedented level. The show is a reality-based competition where America will select a candidate whom they feel will best reflect the voice of young Americans.

“INDEPENDENT represents a giant leap in the re-democratization of American politics,” said Chris DeWolfe, CEO and co-founder of MySpace. “MySpace puts political power back in the hands of everyday people and INDEPENDENT takes it to a whole new level,” added Tom Anderson, President and co-founder of MySpace.

“Through this new network television series and the partnership of MySpace, we’re going to discover in a big way, what America really thinks, and bring to light the issues that are closest to those who now finally have a chance to be heard,” said Mark Burnett. [Read more…]

Originally posted on April 25, 2007 @ 9:40 am

Political Unrest in Egypt and Social Media’s Role

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It looks like Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak will be looking for a new job soon.  But first he’ll have to repair his image.  He might want to look into an SEO campaign from the guys at Banc Media to put a positive scene on his presidency. Though we’re not sure that’s possible.

As political unrest grows in Egypt, I think it’s fair to say the tipping point was the government’s concerted effort to block citizens from using the Internet and disrupting cell phone service.  People will tolerate a lot of abuse, but take away their ability to surf freely, and watch them lash out.  Mubarak, who has survived six assassination attempts, will likely be taken down – not by sniper – but by social media.  The 82-year-old former Lieutenant General for the Egyptian Air Force probably never saw it coming. [Read more…]

Originally posted on February 1, 2011 @ 6:44 am

British Tory party to hijack Spotify appealing for votes

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spotify-logoBritish political parties are definitely looking to use the Internet more in the run up to next year’s general election, but I’m not sure how welcome a mudslinging appeal on popular streaming music service Spotify is going to be.

Due to Spotify’s immense success, particularly among younger people for whom politics is, generally, a complete turnoff, the Conservative Party will launch chairman Eric Pickles onto the service to attack the Labour Party and then say something along the lines of “hey, we’re really nice people really, vote for us!”.

In fact, his 45 second address will begin:

“With Spotify, you only listen to the stuff you want to hear, right? Well sorry to spoil your day but here’s something you don’t want to hear.”

Yes, Mr Pickles. You.

[Read more…]

Originally posted on October 21, 2009 @ 8:28 am

The Washington Post, washingtonpost.com to offer comprehensive election day package

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The Washington Post and washingtonpost.com will be offering a comprehensive package for the 2008 elections, including in-depth political news and analysis from the paper’s award-winning political team and groundbreaking news aggregation and video technology.

The Post’s political team will go behind Tuesday night’s results in the races for the White House, Congress and the nation’s statehouses, providing in-depth reporting and analysis on where the country stands after Election 2008. Our correspondents, anchored by veteran political reporter Dan Balz, will report from Washington and around the nation on the history-making contest between Barack Obama and John McCain and tell us where the victor will lead the country beginning in January.

“washingtonpost.com will bring together The Post’s unbeatable political reporting with the innovations we’ve made throughout the year to create a suite of features and products that allow people to customize their election night experience,” said Jim Brady, Executive Editor, washingtonpost.com. “Whether it’s through live video coverage, an interactive election map, or a mobile phone, we will provide the source for users get national and state-by-state election coverage in the format that works for them.”

Originally posted on October 30, 2008 @ 4:28 am