The Unholiest of Alliances
Is getting ready to take over your life, if you're American. Democrats Joseph Lieberman of Connecticut, Hillary Clinton of New York, and Dick Durbin of Illinois have persuaded a Senate committee to approve a sweeping study of the "impact of electronic media use" to be organized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC because of their concern over violent video games.
OK, first off, - why is the CDC getting involved in this - don't they have something more important to do - like dealing with avian flu?
Secondly, if there was any possible question of Joe Lieberman's status as a Republican tail chaser, his two Republican sponsors for this bill were Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania and Sam Brownback of Kansas - Google either one of those names with 'Intelligent Design' to see where they stand for Truth and Science.
Thirdly, although this was passed to address video games - note what is actually said - 'impact of electronic media use' - that's TV, the Internet, Radio, Cell Phones - everything with a plug or a battery.
Finally, just so you know - I agree that there are video games that are unsuitable for children. Just as I agree that there are websites and TV Shows unsuitable for kids. I also feel that there should be institutions that work to keep children safe for these things. But, I happen to think these institutions should be Parents I happen to think a kids parents are the best judge of what their children should or shouldn't be exposed to, and I trust them to make the right decisions. If you're a Mother or Father, and you don't want your kid exposed to this sort of stuff - Bravo for you and good luck with that. But you shouldn't be getting the government to do your dirty work for you, and you've got no business telling me what I can watch - unlike you, my parents raised their children to think for themselves.
OK, first off, - why is the CDC getting involved in this - don't they have something more important to do - like dealing with avian flu?
Secondly, if there was any possible question of Joe Lieberman's status as a Republican tail chaser, his two Republican sponsors for this bill were Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania and Sam Brownback of Kansas - Google either one of those names with 'Intelligent Design' to see where they stand for Truth and Science.
Thirdly, although this was passed to address video games - note what is actually said - 'impact of electronic media use' - that's TV, the Internet, Radio, Cell Phones - everything with a plug or a battery.
Finally, just so you know - I agree that there are video games that are unsuitable for children. Just as I agree that there are websites and TV Shows unsuitable for kids. I also feel that there should be institutions that work to keep children safe for these things. But, I happen to think these institutions should be Parents I happen to think a kids parents are the best judge of what their children should or shouldn't be exposed to, and I trust them to make the right decisions. If you're a Mother or Father, and you don't want your kid exposed to this sort of stuff - Bravo for you and good luck with that. But you shouldn't be getting the government to do your dirty work for you, and you've got no business telling me what I can watch - unlike you, my parents raised their children to think for themselves.
Hey Paul, actually Dan posted this one, so Nice post, Dan!
I will leave the questions for him to answer, but he's right it is the CDC - I checked up the references.
What I find interesting here is that the hyper-concerned right wing that this bill appeals to is the same group that is chanting for smaller government and fewer services. It doesn't add up.
I saw an article on Smirking Chimp today that used the term "self-screwing voters" that kind of describes these types. They buy the sizzle (the cheap issues like ethics and family values) and get fucked over for the steak - small government, jobs, whatever would actually benefit them.
Posted by
kevvyd |
Thu Mar 16, 08:45:00 PM
Actually, Kev - it's not just a Right Wing phenomenon - Dick Durbin's about as left-wing as they come. That's why I called it "The Unholiest Alliance" since it's really more of a nanny-state position that has both right and left wing elements.
Posted by
Dan |
Thu Mar 16, 11:38:00 PM