"We see headlines like this coming from communist China, but never expect that it could happen here in Minnesota," Matt Werden, the Minnesota state director for the non-profit Poker Players Alliance, said in a statement. "This is about keeping the Internet free of censorship and ensuring that law abiding citizens can enjoy a game of Texas Hold 'Em in the comfort of their own homes, whether it's online or with a group of friends."

Minnesota has entered the war on gambling by order of the Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement Division (AGED), directing the main Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to block access to more than 200 suspected online gambling sites located around the world.  "We are putting site operators and Minnesota online gamblers on notice and in advance," says John Williams, director of AGED.  "Disruption of these sites cash flow will negatively impact their business models.  State residents with online escrow accounts should be aware that access to their accounts may be jeopardized and their funds in peril." ("iMEGA to get involved in Minnesota Gambling Matter")

Now I am not a fan of gambling.  In fact, even with nearly monthly visits to Las Vegas for business and other travel, I can think of less than a handful of times I have actually gone near a slot machine, and I do not know enough about card games or other games to even waste the time at a table.  On the other hand, I adamantly am opposed government censorship of media.  I have lived in China, Mongolia, and other countries where control of the media is absolute.  The government lets the public see what it wants the public to see or hear, and that changes the way people think. Censorship is about the same as propaganda, as censorship is the same as thought leadership.