Governor above the people

While reading the sports page (like every day) on Thursday, Jan. 1 2004, I was reading the article entitled "FRIEDGEN, TERPS ARE NOW PICTURE OF POPULARITY". I am a diehard Terps fan and am proud of the job that Friedgen has done with the program. The excitement that has been brought to College Park is incredible. Between the football, basketball, and lacrosse teams there is finally something to stand up and cheer about. I want to thank the coaches and the players for the outstanding job they have done building a winning tradition at the University of Maryland.
However, while reading this article I also saw the mini-article that was attached entitled "Governor's make bet". At first when I read this I was filled with great pride that our Gov. made a bet with the Gov. of W.V., and I hope Gov. Ehrlich will be eating some trout in the coming days, and by the time this article reaches the paper we will already know who won the bet. Either way the game ended up , it sure was a great season.
My concern is with the bet. I play fantasy football,baseball, hockey, and just about every other sport, and have for years. However, when I went online to NFL.com to register for this years fantasy season, I was presented a message that stated DUE TO THE STATE YOU LIVE IN YOU ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR ANY WINNINGS. I am confused. The Governor has made it so we can not win ANY prizes on fantasy football online but yet he can make a bet publicly with someone.
I guess the reason I'm writing this is because I went ahead and paid to play on NFL.com because I enjoy the competition and I love the game. As it turns out I won my league agaisnt players from around the world, Which doesn't gaurantee any winnings but that doesnt matter anyway since I live in MD. I love my state and am a hometown kinda guy. I root for the Orioles, Capitals, Terps, Wizards, and Redskins. However, because I live here I cant win anything and the Gov. can. I would like an explanation on why I cant win anything online and why the Gov. can make bets and win. If taxes are the answer, due to people not reporting winnings,......who do you think will be paying for those crabs......the tax payer ......me and you. Rediculous right, someone just wanting to complain about something is what Im sure most of you are thinking right now. Well, I was in the military and I have always been taught to stand up and fight for what you believe in. If you go through life not standing up for something then you will fall for everything and be lead astray.
So the question is .......Why?
A simple answer will do.

rob

You make a good, valid point Patriot and by the way welcome to the Forum.

Governors of MD have been betting on various sports games for years. As have several mayors (Baltimore, notably). It's generally a friendly bet; crabs for steak, crabs for ribs, crabs for fish, etc.

I think what makes this "legal" (and I use the term "legal" very loosely) is the nature of the bet. What is put up by politicos of this state is generally a MD based product, such as the revered Maryland Blue Crab, and not cash.

I'm not familiar with nfl.com but generally get the idea. You bet, you win money. But I'm not sure what differentiates nfl.com from many of the casinos on line. Other than the majority (if not all) of the casinos are off-shore and thus not regulated by our crappy legislature.

Personally, I have no problem with sports betting, casino betting etc., and although I would not partake, I have no problems with casinos being set up in this state. When I think of all the MD money that leaves the state and ends up in Charles Town, Atlantic City and Vegas, it makes me sick. Plus, we have had the state lottery here for years.

I fully agree with you; and further iterate that it's MY money, if I want to bet it, that's my decision.

In answer to your question, people in power can do whatever the dam well they please. In the meantime we are saddled with crappy legislators and crappy leaders. Though our current governor sure beats our prior governor hands-down!