This weekend, Americans took the time to reflect on the things for which we are grateful. For some, it’s a loving family. For some, it’s a great job. For some, it’s turkey, stuffing, sweet potato casserole and pumpkin pie. For me, it’s all of those things in addition to a rare good decision made by Obama appointees.

Obama appointees make wise decisions that are in the best interest of the country about as often as I turn down sex with a beautiful woman, so it was surprising indeed when the Treasury Department and Federal Reserve granted the petition to delay the implementation of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA).

Most Gambling Review readers are aware of the UIGEA and its significance in the world of online gambling. Many, however, may not have known that it was not set to take effect until December 1, 2009. However, a bipartisan petition for a delay of the law was submitted to Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner and Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Barnanke.

There were two main reasons for seeking a delay. From some, such as Representative Barney Frank, who want the law repealed, they are simply trying to buy more time to take down the law. For others, it is a financial and economic reason. Right now, in the middle of a recession that we haven’t seen since either the Jimmy Carter years or the Great Depression (depending on who you ask), would be the worst possible time to place a new burden on the financial industry. It is interesting that Geithner and Bernanke granted the petition for that reason, though, since both have gone to considerable trouble trying to convince the country that the recession is over. Are they finally admitting that it’s a lie?

Implementation of UIGEA is now delayed until June 1, 2010. In the meantime, Frank and others will seek to repeal the law. Since it’s unlikely that our economy will be in much better shape by then, an interesting question is whether or not, if it isn’t repealed, there will be a second petition.