But state Rep. William Fourkiller thinks outside the box. The Stilwell Democrat is proposing to place a tax on so-called violent video games.
His measure, House Bill 2696, seeks a 1 percent tax on the sales of all video games rated “teen,” “mature,” or “adult only,” by the Entertainment Software Rating Board.
That revenue, in turn, would be split between the Childhood Education Outdoor Revolving Fund and the Bullying Prevention Revolving Fund.
If passed, a few of the “violent” video games that would carry the tax include “Zumba Fitness 2” and “Dance Central 2,” both of which are rated “teen.”
I can see more graphic depictions of violent acts against humans by watching prime time television. Is this jackass going to find a way to tack on a tax for that too?
The fact of the matter is, if kids are playing games rated beyond their age, then there is a parenting failure. It's unwise to punish everyone just because some parents would rather have the xbox babysit their children than an actual human being.
Perhaps he should take into account the the rating does not refect that of an online experience. Meaning, If I'm playing Monopoly on Xbox Live, I can still end up having someone call me any number of names which could constitute bullying. So since Rep Fourkiller wants the money to combat bullying, but ignores the likelyhood that it goes on even in the most immature online games, what's a State representitive to do?
It's really one of those slippery slopes we keep hearing about. When will there be a tax placed on publications that post graphic photographs, or online sources that show actual images of war?
I realize that Fourkiller is reacting to acts of a limited few who have become violent and we known to play some violent games. But if playing Grand Theft Auto made one prone to stealing cars and killing on a whim, I think we'd be in the midst of a crimespree for which there isn't a force to stop it.
Rep. Fourkiller needs to get a virtual life. I recommend the beauty and violence of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.