Government Protecting Us From Dangerous Criminals: Bubbies Busted For Mahjong Gambling Den At Florida Condo
Hilarious.
Anne Cohen writes at Forward.com:
Quiet Jewish mahjong group or illicit gambling den?That is now a very real question for Lee Delnick, Bernice Diamond, Helen Greenspan and Zelda King (ages 87 to 95) after their weekly game of mahjong was interrupted by a police raid.
The women were told to pack up their dominos and leave the Escondido Condominium clubhouse in Altamonte Springs, Florida, where they have gathered regularly for some time, the Times of Israel reported. The charge? Violating a local ordinance prohibiting playing mahjong for money.
Apparently, an anonymous Escondido snitch (call him the busybody in Building 11) tipped off the authorities to the ladies' shady activities.
The four women did as they were told -- begrudgingly. "This is ridiculous," King complained. "We haven't played in the clubhouse for weeks! We have to go to each other's homes to play and not everyone lives in Escondido."
"It is an international game and we are being crucified!" she added.
King has a good reason to be outraged. She explained to the Florida Jewish News that her neurologist has told her mahjong is a good way to "delay and possibly prevent dementia."
Apparently, it is not actually illegal because the ladies have a $4 limit, and the law states:
"Certain penny-ante games are not crimes; 'Penny-ante game' means a game or series of games of poker, pinochle, bridge, rummy, canasta, hearts, dominoes, or mahjong in which the winnings of any player in a single round, hand, or game do not exceed $10 in value."
Also, common areas of a condo, etc., count as a dwelling.
And finally, it's legal because "the ladies are well over 18."
Yay, cops! I'm sure these ladies are a danger to someone -- like if they leave their cane sticking out across the floor in the grocery store.
via @CFChabris
An important principle is applied here. Private gambling reduces the desire to play the state lottery. Revenue is at stake here.
Andrew_M_Garland at November 26, 2015 7:43 AM
Wow, way to pick on a bunch of little old ladies. So ridiculous.
Daghain at November 26, 2015 9:41 AM
Well, we're going to have to persecute the shape-shifting Jooooos! if we want the Syrian refugees to feel safe.
Or they would be justified in committing jihad.
I R A Darth Aggie at November 26, 2015 1:31 PM
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