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There is no question that some games have content that is offensive to some audiences. The same can be said of TV, films, music, and books. But government does not regulate their sales, nor should government regulate the sale of video games.
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Actually, yes they do. Children cannot walk into a corner store and buy porn. Nor can they get into an R-rated movie without ID. These controls (among others) have been in effect for a long time.
The act doesn't restrict anyone from
making or
selling these games. Let me say that again.
This act does not restrict the game developers from making the game, nor does it restrict retail stores from selling it. ALL that it does is prevents minors from BUYING the game. What's wrong with that?
Furthermore, it specifically allows for parents/relatives to buy the game for the child.
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(c) This section shall not apply if the violent video game is sold
or rented to a minor by the minor's parent, grandparent, aunt,
uncle, or legal guardian.
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Also, according to the bill, you can't punish the person who sold the game, unless they are a manager or owner of the retail outlet. And the
most punishment someone can get if they ARE a manager or owner is a $1000 fine.
Now, I don't know how many of you are familiar with the Constitution of the United States. There's this Amendment that everyone keeps bringing up to try to invalidate the bill. That's the First Amendment. Just to make sure everyone's on the same page here, here is the entire text of that Amendment.
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Originally Posted by The Constitution of the United States of America, Amendment I
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.
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Explain to me exactly WHICH part of that amendment the bill violates, with evidence that may include, but is not limited to, legal definitions, Supreme Court cases regarding freedom of speech, and common sense. Seriously, I
dare you to come up with actual evidence.
The fact is, this bill is NOT unconstitutional. There have been many precedents for similar limitations in the past, and they're not about to go away. Thus far, video games have enjoyed free reign of their domain with little to no interference from the government, simply because they didn't see us as that important. Well guess what - video games are quickly becoming part of mainstream culture, and with that comes a few rules. That's part of living in a society. Get used to it.