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December 28, 2008 - It looks like there's another gambling debacle in the States - and this time around it's in none other than Alabama. At the hands of Governor Bob Riley, a crackdown against illegal gambling is now in full works. And although, the Alabama Attorney general, Troy King, is opposed to the recent maneuverings of his appointer, Governor Riley has decided to give himself the power that his appointees are meant to have.

Following in the steps of Kentucky Governor, Steven Beshear, Governor Riley has appointed an outside lawyer (former Jefferson County District Attorney, David Barber) to head up a task force that will weed out any "illegal" gambling activities. Although nobody is quite sure what Governor Riley's definition of illegal gambling is, he is on record saying that the electronic slot machines now being played in many locations are illegal.

Attorney General King, however, points out that current legislation has loopholes which allow these machines to legally operate. It's not that AG King is wanting to perpetuate illegal gambling. His stance is that the current law actually enables it to take place. In other words, King may just very well be saying to change the law - not to head up a vigilante force and abuse of power. In fact, both King and Riley are opponents of gambling. But as King says, even the governor must obey the laws.

So then, my question to Governor Riley is: What's up with you man!? Since when did any old public official say they can do whatever they want and then actually do it? Oh wait, maybe it's always been that way. Nonetheless, why isn't anything being done to stop Governor Riley's self-appointed duty to stop gambling. Well, maybe that's were current Alabama legislators will come into play. Come February 3, 2009 (when the Legislature convenes), there are going to be motions to expand state gambling and levy more taxes.

Originally published: December, 2008 | Categories: Gambling