FrankWolfWatch

Recently the House passed a measure against internet gambling reportedly to cleanse their souls over Jack Abramoff, because he had lobbied against such a measure six years ago.[1]

But could that really be the reason?  What say you my congressman?

On the House floor prior to the 317-93 vote, Rep. Frank Wolf, R-Va., made an impassioned statement on the significance of the bill beyond concerns over Internet gambling.

"Outside lobbyists have manipulated this place," Wolf said. "This is an opportunity to reverse the manipulation."

I remember Frank Wolf making a similar argument at a town hall meeting in defense of his vote in favor of McCain-Feingold campaign finance deform.  He said that it was necessary because Clinton rented out the Lincoln bedroom like a motel.

However, he is missing the essential issue.  Lobbying and campaign donation abuses are caused by Congressmen who recognize no limit on their legislative domain and thus all interests must pay Congressman to influence the Congressman’s abuse of power.  It bears a revolting similarity to the practices of the British Parliament that our Founders rebelled against.

At the moment of choice, Congressman Wolf frequently favors regulation and governmental controls at the expense of individual rights.  His willingness to obstruct gambling as a public moral crusade is one example, and his support for restrictions on individuals using money as speech to protect their individual rights from legislative depredations is another.

[1] Makiko Kitamura- Medill News Service, “Lawmakers clamp down on illegal internet gambling,” Greeley Tribune, 7/12/2006.

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