Libertarians Argue Obama Backing 'War on Poker'

With the U.S. Department of Justice having shut down three online poker sites last week, Mark Hinkle, the chairman of the national Libertarian Party, has declared that the Obama administration has launched a War on Poker.

"The Obama administration has just trampled on the rights of millions of Americans," said Hinkle. "This is also a scary reminder of President Obama's vision of a government with the power to shut down websites it doesn't like, before a trial has even started.

"Even worse, shutting down this peaceful, honest commerce further weakens our economy, added Hinkle. "We Libertarians believe that adults have the right to gamble with their own money. Government has no business interfering. The Obama administration should drop these charges and restore the websites.
Congress should repeal the laws that prohibit gambling, whatever the format."

The Libertarians may be doubling down on their bets on gambling in 2012. Wayne Allyn Root, a noted Las Vegas-based sports handicapper who was former U.S. Rep. Bob Barrs running mate on the Libertarian ticket in 2008, is one of the front-runners for the partys presidential nomination in 2012.