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Progressive Democrats of America (PDA) "Freedom of
Speech '06 Tour" should protest Christine Gregoire
 There
is no "Freedom of Speech" in the state of Washington
where online gambling has become a Felony equivalent
to that of drug dealing and publication of online
gambling material could serve same punishment
Legendary rock and roll supergroup Crosby, Stills,
Nash & Young’s North American “Freedom Of Speech ’06
Tour” launched on July 6, and along with delivering
great music at major shows running through
mid-September, the tour provides a vital forum to
educate concert attendees about critical social,
political and environmental issues.
Progressive
Democrats of America (PDA) is proud to be among the
groups participating in the Free Speech Zone table
area that will be prominently featured at every CSNY
tour date.
Freedom of Speech and the Democratic party don't
always mix though. Such is the case in
Washington State where the PDA may wish to take up
its cause and in doing so preclude that state's
governor from participating in any PDA movements.
Free speech is
being stymied in the state of Washington where
pro-abortion Democratic governor
Christine Gregoire
has now begun going after online gambling
publications.
"It's okay to kill
babies in this state but we can't play poker
online," one angry Washington State resident told
Gambling911.com.
The Seattle Times
continued it's scathing attacks on Washington State
politicos this week with a report that gamblers in
the state will be deprived of their gaming reading
material as a result of the new anti online gambling
laws passed early in June.
Staff columnist Danny Westneat reported that while
most Americans toasted liberty and pursued happiness
on July 4, others received letters from the
publisher of two gambling magazines to which they
were subscribed, writing: "It is with deep regret
that we must inform you that we must cancel all
subscriptions to Washington State."
The magazines are "Casino Player" - a monthly review
of U.S. casinos and hotels - and "Strictly Slots" -
a guide to one-armed bandits, video poker and other
mechanised means of gambling.
The columnist comments that although the recipients
wanted to receive the magazines and had paid for
them, "...thanks to a twisted reading of the state's
new law against Internet gambling" this would not be
possible. A
government representative had already suggested a
prominent Seattle-based newspaper was breaking the
law by offering professional poker tips and
promoting a player's website.
Gambling911.com has
also advised residents of Washington State who are
long time readers its website not to visit its
online gambling sponsors.
"Big Brother is alive and well
in Washington State," commented Gambling911.com
Founder and President, Christopher Costigan.
Republicans have
confirmed that 240 convicted felons and 60 other
people voted illegally in the election that Democrat
Christine Gregoire won by 129 votes. So do the
math! Perhaps
it would benefit the Governess to have more felons
living in her state so that she can win by a larger
margin next time. It is estimated there are a
couple of thousand online gamblers residing in the
State of Washington, all of whom could be convicted
of a Class C felony (think child predator or DWI
third offense).
Gregoire hopefully
will not be leading the PDA march any time soon.
PDA is a large collective of committed grassroots
activists from across the country who support other
progressive grassroots activists locally. PDA’s
mission is to carry the progressive agenda from the
American grassroots to Congress to help guide the
development of progressive legislation, fight for
its passage into law and support the realization of
progressive policies at the state and local levels.
Local PDA activists
will table at the Freedom Of Speech ’06 concerts to
register voters, inform concert attendees about
PDA-endorsed candidates in the area and sign up
volunteers to take part in working groups related to
progressive causes.
PDA Executive Director Tim Carpenter commented,
“We’re very happy to go on the road and advocate on
behalf of progressive ideas, policies and candidates
throughout the CSNY tour. It’s great when artists
are out there using their influence to speak to the
most pressing issues of our time. The message of
their music is inspiring to us in our work.”
In the band’s initial press release officially
announcing the tour, it was stated that, “All four
members of CSNY, who have a long history of
politically charged music including the Kent
State-themed anthem ‘Ohio,’ believe that in light of
the current environment, it’s time for them to be
out on the road fighting for America, and for
peoples’ rights to stand and be counted.” Billed as
“An Evening With Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young,”
Freedom Of Speech ‘06 will spotlight CSNY’s classic
work together, as well as favorites from their
celebrated individual careers (including the concert
debut of material from Young’s politically charged
new album Living With War). With these four iconic
singer-songwriters’ reputations for outspoken
dialogue, social activism, lyrical expression,
musical virtuosity and artistic integrity, Freedom
Of Speech ‘06 is certain to ring loud and clear and
passionately.
For more information on CSNY’s “Freedom Of Speech
Tour” and a complete listing of tour dates, log on
to
http://csny.com/tourdates
For more information on PDA log on to
http://pdamerica.org
----
Alejandro
Botticelli,
www.gambling911.com
Originally published
July 12, 2006 1:06 am EDT
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