The lights are on
Veteran Member - Level 12
For those of you not familiar with the name Leland Yee, you may be more familiar with his previous work. He's probably best known for authoring a bill that sought to restrict the sale of what he called "ultra-violent" games, a bill that was deemed unconstitutional. It makes sense that he would use the unfortunate events of recent months to reassert his unconstitutional position. That's only half of what has put him in headlines recently, though.
Today he's probably better known as the man who said gamers have no credibility in the debate regarding the relationship between video games and violence. For an overview of what he said, and his recently revised stance, I suggest you check out Polygon's report on the story. What follows is a letter that was written to Senator Yee last week, in response to his original comments:
Hello Senator Yee,
Although Senator Yee has since backed off of his original statements, he doesn't seem like a man who mispoke. There was no improper translation or misuse of a word when he suggested that gamers lust for violence. He also continues to fault the the video game industry, and not the consumer - many of them parents or guardians, for putting violent games into the hands of children.
He may not be your representative, but his actions could have an impact on all of us. His unwavering, unconstitutional stance that video games are to blame and should be regulated by governmental authority has only evolved in how it is presented. I encourage everyone who reads this to write him in their own words. Whether or not you feel as strongly, or perhaps even more so, about this than I did when I wrote what is reproduced above, I encourage a civil tone if you choose to write him. You can pen your own letter and send it him via Senator.Yee@senate.ca.gov .
Hahaha nice. You're a smart guy.
This is a great idea. Shame we don't matter though.
Perhaps a psychological test should be given to everyone wanting to purchase a rated "M" game, just so we know there not serial killers. Or maybe people could just teach there kids good morals, ethics, and most importantly "Common Sense". Then maybe somebody won't actually kill another person and seriously blame it on a video game like GTA IV. A game that undermines the actuality of real life. In other words, it would take an idiot or a child to look at GTA and think that could actually happen, because more than likely it won't. The reason GTA got so famous was because it consistently made fun and poked at real life situations. Allowing the gamer to sit on a virtual couch and watch a television that doesn't really exist, along with shows that obviously would not be allowed on real TV. But that's what makes it "funny", not "REAL". Get over it kids and dumber adults. The game is fake. Let's leave it that way.
This would be a great argument, too bad us gamers have no credibility though. /sarcasm
It's great that a lot of gamers are getting more and more involved with this issue. What many politicians need to realize is that gamers and developers should also have a say in the debate, instead of just anti-violent media groups and the politicians themselves.
Awesome idea and letter man. Too bad that 'ole Mr. Yee isn't ever convinced by "little people." Your letter put him in his place, though, and I hope it's actually read.
Smart move. I wonder if he'll respond.
Just go ahead and cc this letter to the (not so) esteemed senator from Tennesee as well... :)
Good stuff man, we don't always agree, but your points were civil and valid on this one...
"Signed, with more than a bit of animosity towards you..."
Nice touch, though it may drive him further to validate his point on our lack of credibility.
I agree with you. You had many valid points.