Yet Another State Tries to Ban Violent Games

Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich today kicks off his campaign to rid his state of the apocalyptic society-ending problem of selling violent video games to kids. Like other unsuccessful state legislators and govs., Blagojevich proposes putting the enforcement into the hands of the retailers. Although the article isn't specific, I'm guessing it's the clerk who would face the, "Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in prison or a $5,000 fine."

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"The proposed legislation also would require retailers to label violent or sexually explicit video games." OK, so many problems. First, kids under 17 should not be allowed to purchase, rent, or play "M" rated games. I don't have any problem with that. However, to force retailers to add on another layer of bureaucracy, face possible jail time, and label specific video games, well, that's just ridiculous. The games are already labeled. What doesn't the Gov. get about that? Oh, and I'm sick of politicians not prioritizing the issues. Instead of going after retailers who sell games to kids how about trying to fund education, after-school programs, homeless and women's shelters, and food banks? I do believe that would have a bigger impact on Illinois than worrying about this. I think I need to talk to Barak Obama. Article from Boston Globe.