Mark’s Soap Box

A Federal Judge has blocked a “ban” on sales of violent video games to minors. Why you ask? First Amendment rights of minors. Unbelievable. Another Judge who is saying that parents are responsible for their kids, but don’t have the “right” to control them.

U.S. District Judge Ronald Whyte issued a preliminary injunction preventing the law from going into effect, saying the video game industry, which sued to overturn the law, showed that it had a reasonable chance of winning its case based on the argument that the law violates the First Amendment rights of minors.

How the hell do the rights of kids trump anything? Fact is that the Kids “rights” are always subjugated to Parents; well they used to be, before the lefties took over the courts.

The judge took the First Amendment argument more seriously, saying that even if there were proof that violent video games led to violence, it’s not clear the state could restrict access to those under the age of 18.

First the government has the right to regulate business. That is what this is. Second the “First Amendment” says nothing about violent video games. Even if it does, it does not say you can’t regulate minors getting them. Minors are not expressing anything here, the profiteers hell bent on profits at any cost are the only ones who could claim a “First Amendment” violation. That would laughable, at best.

This is what happens when Judges are indoctrinated in the “Living Breathing Constitution” nonsense that most Law schools pump into their students.

He also questioned whether there is evidence that violent video games such as Grand Theft Auto cause violent behavior and need to be regulated by the state.

“The plaintiffs have shown at least that serious questions are raised concerning the states’ ability to restrict minors’ First Amendment rights in connection with exposure to violent video games, including the question of whether there is a causal connection between access to such games and psychological or other harm to children,” Whyte wrote in his decision.

Oh really? How much evidence does this dim-wit need? Let’s refresh his memory.

1. Wrestling fans routinely act out their favorite wrestler’s moves. Some even ‘taped’ these moves. Maybe the judge did not see the ads on T.V. for them.
2. M.T.V.’s “Jackass” show. Even with warnings that the stunts are stupid and you should not do them; “people” still tried to recreate them. Even worse, some tried to out ‘jacksass’ the “Jackass” team.
3. Maybe the Judge should ask “Black Leaders” who have claimed that movies that stereo-type them are damaging not only relations but their own people.
4. How about Psychologists? They say and have proven that what you feed into your head is what you get out. If you see positive images, then you will be positive. If you feed negative images, then you will be negative.
5. When was the last time you saw a minor kill someone, and was not playing long hours, or addicted to a violent game? I can’t think of any.

My questions for the Judge are these:

1. “What will you say minors can get next? Porn mags? Alcohol? Heroin?” If this is a violation of their rights then surely they should be allowed to read: Hustler, Penthouse Forum, etc…
2. What about “Adult Videos”? Should “Debbie Does Dallas” or “Deep Throat” be available to say 8 year olds?
3. What about sex aids? Should they be allowed to purchase adult “toys”?
4. How about online sex sites? Is it o.k. to allow them access to say “kiddie” porn?
5. Where do you draw the line Judge? Or are you one of those lefties that feels “age of majority” is an outdated idea and we should “all be free”?

This is my favorite quote:

Whyte concluded that the law “should be simple enough for an ordinary person to apply to the games.”

You mean like the Tax Code, Judge?

There was a time in this country where standards could be maintained. Not anymore, it seems. The hippies seem to be winning.

Merry Christmas kids. Go get that violent sex game and play yourself silly on Christmas day. Unbelievable.

*** Links to Articles on Subject ***

• Video Game Violence and Public Policy
• Why do Violent Games Cause Violence – html ver of PDF
• The Games Kids Play
• Video Games are a Rehearsal – that’s why the military uses them
• Training kids to kill
• Wired on Violent Games
• Fla Law – parents decide
• ESRB – fighting the killers
• Wardrobe Malfunction

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