Oklahoma Lawmaker Proposes Tax on Violent Video Games

Before I go on, let’s get one thing stright: I don’t know if there’s a link between violent video games and actual violence in real life. And neither does anyone else.

That’s the point. Nobody knows for sure. So when someone decides that violent video games are a problem and “something needs to be done,” I feel compelled to bring it to your attention — especially when the method in question is so lame in concept as to be laughable.

Here’s the deal: An Oklahoma Democratic lawmaker named Will Fourkiller (ironic?) has proposed a tax be applied to all games that receive an ESRB rating. In addition, Mr. Fourkiller also proposes T-Rated games have a tax added to their cost since some include “simulated gambling.”

Are you with me so far? Good. To rationalize his proposal, Mr. Fourkiller refers to a crime in which a man killed a police officer and stole his car after playing Grand Theft Auto.

”Not everybody is going to react the same, but I believe after hours and hours of watching the screen, playing the video game, being that person and taking on that role, people get desensitized,” Mr. Fourkiller said.

Huh? How? What? I could go ahead and tell you lots of reasons why a tax on video games will do absolutely nothing to prevent actual violence, but you’re probably smart enough to figure that out for yourself. If only Mr Fourkiller had the same level of intelligence. Sadly, that doesn’t seem to be the case.

Still, maybe I’m wrong? Could happen. What’s your opinion? Is his idea ludicrous or am I missing something?