|
|
Welcome to
the Button Mashers Blog.
Updated every Monday,
Friday and Sunday
...unless it rains!
Home
Archives
Podcast
Button Mashers is a periodic audio podcast covering a range of topics in the gaming industry. This blog was created for myself, Tetsuotrunks, as well as a few guest co-hosts, to contribute our 2 cents on topics that really don't warrant any discussion, or to just express things that we'd like to get off our chests. Check back often, as we update frequently and feel free to leave any feedback.
|
| Home » Archives » May 2008 » |
A law in good taste
By iamaredmage on 05.08.08 at 03:14 AM CST |
Yo.
So, fun stuff happened last week after my last blog. I had a nice arguement with my parents that ended along the lines of "I have about 2 months to pack what's mine and get out." Fun. Of course, as with any person moving out, there may be a good period of time I will not be online at all. So, with that, I may not be on for a few weeks in the coming months due to moving/buying furniture/getting my own connection/etc. I will try to keep you guys updated, yet keep this as private and to myself as possible.
And, with that, on to my post.
Rarely do I point out something that Congress did something right, and here I'm pointing it out: Congress did something right. And even better, it's about video gaming. 2 birds with 1 stone? My jaw has hit the floor in disbelief.
Congress has realized that parents are neglectful or far too lazy to monitor what their kids play, so, in light of the GTA IV boom, they have proposed a bill that would require retailers to card buyers of M or AO rated games if they appear as if they are not of age (like alcohol or cigarettes), and retail violators are fined $5,000. What's nice about this bill is 1) the games aren't placed along the same lines as booze or smokes, and 2) this bill is FAIR!! Congress is finally getting it right, and even though the bill doesn't cover all of the media like it should, it's where we should be, given where gaming content has gone in the past 10 years.
What surprises me is the comments left in this article, and that most commenters are pissed about this bill and it should be shot down. My question is...why? Why should we shoot this bill down, and possibly let something worse come in its place to pass (like Hilary's game banning plans)? This bill, if passed into law, would be the best thing to shut politicians up and prevent any further lawmaking in this category. Yeah, so what if TV, movies, and books don't make it into this bill? We can always get at those later if it continues to be a problem.
Does anyone remember the early 1990s, when Mortal Kombat first hit the scene, and that game alone almost killed the games industry, thanks to Joesph Lieberman and friends. It was only when we agreed to a ratings system (the ESRB) did politicians back off. So, we gave up a little, and so did Congress, and everyone left fairly happy. It's called compromising. And this reflects to now. If we just give a little up now, and let this bill go to law (and stay constitutional), then we will be able to continue to enjoy our games.
Also, in light of reading the comments, I found one by Jack Thompson. Disgustingly enough, I agreed with every Thompson said in his comment.
And that will conclude tonight's blog. I'd go into Random Thoughts, but the fact that I agreed with JT makes me want to go take a shower now.
~Red Mage
|
| Comments |
|
|
|
|
