US Lawmaker Introduces 1%Tax on Violent Video Games

Oklahoma state representative Will Fourkiller has introduced a bill that would put a 1% sales tax on violent video games; this would include wide-ranging titles from Teen, Mature, and Adults-Only. Any game that is rated in those categories would be "charged a 1 percent excise tax beginning as early as July 1." According to the bill, 50% of the money collected would go to Childhood Outdoor Education Revolving Fund and the other half would go to Bullying Prevention Revolving Fund. Fourkiller's justification for doing this? Because as a registered nurse, teacher, and coach he witnessed violence, obesity, and bullying. He went on to say:

"A gentleman shot a police officer and stole his car, He had been 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."

He then goes on to say that he can't believe a game like Bully was made because so many kids have to deal with bullies. It pisses me off to no end that people make so many assumptions about Bully just because of it's name; if people bothered to play the game you would realize you spend 90% of Bully helping people and protecting them from bullies in the game. Fourkiller finally says his aim is not to try and destroy violent video games but bring awareness about the violence in them. If there is any doubt as to why people hate US politicians here it is. I mean I know it has only been a few months since the Supreme Court found there is no conclusive studies that show violent video games cause people to be violent, but I am sure Will Fourkiller is much smarter man than everybody on the Supreme Court. His brilliance is shown by the fact that he is taxing one of the most violent games I have ever played Dance Central 2 (rated T), not to mention all the non movement and lack of exercise involved in playing the game. The bill is officially called HB 2696 and here is a link where you can actually read it if interested.