Clinton, Lieberman - Proposed Video Game Bill

[Lord Nepenthean]

For once, I can't say I entirely disagree with them.  There are a few things that kind of bother me, but overall I'm not totally opposed to their proposition.  I think it's a shame that only video games are being singled out here (and not music and movies too).  Also, I think that the M and E-10 ratings need to be done away with completely because they are worthless piles of crap.  Other than that though, I think this bill would be just fine, and would hopefully stop many of the frivolous lawsuits against store chains and video game companies.  I doubt it will stop many kids from playing adult games, but that's only because the majority of them have their parents buy it for them anyway.  Then when their kids go on rampages we'll all know who to blame (as if we didn't before).

article: http://www.livejournal.co.../gamepolitics/146121.html

Senators Hillary Clinton (D-NY) and Joe Lieberman (D-CT) announced moments ago that they will introduce federal legislation aimed at protecting children from inappropriate video game content. The bill, to be called "The Family Entertainment Protection Act," will prohibit the sale of adult-themed games to minors. The senators plan to introduce the bill when Congress reconvenes in two weeks.

....

"I have developed legislation that will empower parents by making sure their kids can't walk into a store and buy a video game that has graphic, violent and pornographic content," said Senator Clinton.

According to her press release, she acknowledges that video games are "fun and entertaining" and does not support any limitations on the production or sale of games to adults. "This is about protecting children."

[yap]

I disagree.  I think this is the result of someone who wants to run for President next term trying to get noticed as a moderate by solving a problem that doesn't exist.

[Arrrhalomynn]

I don't see a problem with this as long as adults can still buy everything they want.

[yap]

The problem is that your tax dollars are going to more useless legislation with the result being publicity for a presidential hopeful.

[NDiddy]

The problem is that your tax dollars are going to more useless legislation with the result being publicity for a presidential hopeful.

And we will lose more freedoms because of the fear of a small minority of the people in this country. Do any fucking politicians read the constitution before they go on these crusades?

[TraderJake]

I don't see a need for this legislation. New systems all have parental controls, and it should be a right of the company to determine whether they should or shouldn't sell games to minors. I am sure that this bill would be struck down if it ever made it to being a law, for every state attempt to limit sales has been struck down by the courts for being a violation of the First Amendment.

[The Metamorphosing Leon]

Do any fucking politicians read the constitution before they go on these crusades?

Nope. And I'm against all these dumbass bills because of that. We're turning socialist.

[Izret101]

I agree with parts of the bill like Mike said.
But like everyone else said it is a complete waste of money.

There are SO much more useful things this money could be going to in our country.

[wrldstrman]

For the US being a free country I think  we have more laws,rules regulations etc than anywhere else in the world..I get sick of all the special intrest groups on crusades.

[Lord Nepenthean]

I don't see a need for this legislation. New systems all have parental controls, and it should be a right of the company to determine whether they should or shouldn't sell games to minors. I am sure that this bill would be struck down if it ever made it to being a law, for every state attempt to limit sales has been struck down by the courts for being a violation of the First Amendment.

This is definitely true.  I would bet that Bush would actually do one good thing during his presidency if this were to pass and veto it.  Even if he signed it, it would get taken down immediately in the courts.  But, in principle, it wouldn't bother me if minors couldn't buy adult games.  We limit sales of pornography, and I think this is good.  Nobody complains about this, because adults still have complete freedom to buy the stuff if they want to.  As long as the law wouldn't affect what adults buy, it wouldn't bother me too much

[Lord Nepenthean]

Here's a related update.  The Illinois Safe Game Act was struck down as (no surprise) unconstitutional.  News from gamepolitics.com

Illinois Video Game Law Ruled Unconstitutional

U.S. District Court Judge Matthew Kennelly has ruled in favor of the video game industry in its suit against the Safe Games Illinois Act.

[yap]

When politicians went on a crusade to require citizens by law to wear seatbelts at least they provided us with scientific evidence telling us that seat belts do in fact save lives.

With this retarded videogame legislation they're telling us we can't let our kids see a naked chick in a videogame without providing any evidence whatsoever why not.  Because there is no evidence, and this crusade she's on is just drummed up to get her name in the papers more often in hopes she'll sit on the throne some day.  Sad.

To think that the only reason this is even going on right now is because of the Hot Coffee easter egg which exists in a game where you can beat up pedestrians and shoot cops is mindboggling.

[Lord Nepenthean]

With this retarded videogame legislation they're telling us we can't let our kids see a naked chick in a videogame without providing any evidence whatsoever why not.  

I can't agree with you here.  The law would not affect your ability to let your kids play a game with a "naked chick" in it.  You can still go to the store and buy the game for your kids.  Storm troopers aren't going to bust down your door and light your living room up with flamethrowers.  The only thing that changes is your kid can't make that decision for him/herself.  You have to do it for and with them.

I will agree that the spark for this is definitely the hot coffee mod, and this is ridiculous.  Very few people probably even went to the trouble of ever seeing that crappy minigame, and anyone who was seventeen that did is definitely old enough to see that.  Half of them have been having sex in their real life for a year by then.

[yap]

But why restrict it without providing evidence that seeing pixelated breasts will somehow harm our children?

In the netherlands, france they show nudity (real, not pretend cartoon nudity) on public television.  There are fewer sex related crimes there, so the evidence would sort of point to the contrary.

Why can these slimeballs push legislation through without any actual evidence?

[yap]

Just to remind you: There are already laws in place which prohibit the sale of pornography to minors.  These laws apply to video games.  Why do you think more legislation is needed?