In response to article:
http://www.theinquirer.net/?article=24649 which opens with - "MIAMI-BASED ANTI-VIDEO GAME lawyer Jack Thompson, owner of Stopkill.com - a website that urges game-addicted children to seek help with their violent problems - stands for morals, and keeping America free of game-influenced attacks and crime."
Our commentary:This is a country based on freedom. Freedom of choice.
As a parent and a long time gamer (I am 46 years old), it is my job and responsibility to determine what I or my child plays. This is not anyone's job but mine. Not yours, not the government.
Personally, I do regulate and monitor what my child plays, always have and will continue to do so until they are on their own. Again, this is my job and responsibility. If another parent does not take the same concern as you or I do regarding their children, it is not the governments job to step in and tell them, and me, what to do.
Laws like this take away our freedoms, and as each law is created that take our freedoms away, the next law, taking more away, becomes easier to pass. Where will it end.... will games that promote gambling, like poker, be next? Who determines what is the standard will be? This is my child, and I determine the standards... no one else, period. If I feel that horses should not be ridden, should my view be forced on everyone who owns and rides a horse? NO.
I had a very good teacher once for a world business class and what he said about different cultures applies here. "It is not right or wrong, it is different". While you and I do not eat dogs, some countries do. While you and I may eat cows, some countries worship them. Too many wars have been fought forcing the will of some onto others.
Freedom means just that, freedom.
If you feel that these games are not appropriate for you family, then DON'T BUY THEM. That is your freedom. At the same time, you do not have the right to determine what I may freely purchase.
UPDATE:Response for Jack Thompson - His words exactly....
"no, it's based on virtue. you're as loosely educated as doug lowenstein.get an education"
My comment.. I guess if you can't argue the points... attack the person instead.
I did send a letter back to Mr. Thompson... I can't wait for his educated reply.
UPDATE 2:My letter back to Jack and his intelligent responseWhy did the Pilgrims come here... for virtue.. or FOR FREEDOM.....
Found this in the Declaration of Independence - WE hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness
Not any specific creator, but our individual creators. Part of our freedom is to choose our own gods, or choose not to believe in a god.
Did a search for virtue in the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution... did not find the word at all....
If I feel the lawyers are offensive... and I know a lot of people do..should they be outlawed too?While you have the RIGHT to not like what others like... you do NOT have the RIGHT to determine what is right for me.
Definitions of virtue on the Web:
the quality of doing what is right and avoiding what is wrong
merit: any admirable quality or attribute; "work of great merit"a particular moral excellence
What I feel is right or wrong may not match what you feel is right or wrong. I may feel it is wrong to watch television, or eat meat. You may feel that those are okay to do. Virtue is not an objective concept, but is subject to your personal views and feelings. To force your ideals, beliefs or virtues on others is not how the founding fathers saw our country grow.
BTW.. I guess when you don't have a good argument, it is easier to call someone names or attack them. I will forward your comment on to the papers listing your article.
Jack's Response:
"They were Christians, you idiot. Read the Federalist papers, if you can figure out what they are."
My reply:
Does not matter who they were, or what they were.... They came here to freely practice their chosen religion. They did not come here because "It was the right thing to do".
Once again... you ignore the points I make and attack me... That is very Christian of you....I am sure your god would be proud. I have always told me daughter, the people who talk the loudest when making their points, usually have the least to say.
Thank you and keep on the great responses... I think the press would love to see how you respond to differing points of view.
