NEWS

Anti-Violent Games Gov Indicted

Kris Graft's picture

By Kris Graft

December 10, 2008

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Multiple reports at U.S. press outlets report that Illinois governor and anti-violent games crusader Rod Blagojevich was indicted Tuesday on federal corruption charges.

The Democrat was charged Tuesday with attempting to serve up President-elect Barack Obama's vacated Senate seat in exchange for financial favors for he and his wife. Revealing government wiretaps prompted the charges.

During his time as an Illinois governor, Blagojevich had tried to portray himself as a reformer. Rallying against videogames was part of that persona.

Blagojevich backed a 2005 videogame law that would ban the sale and rental of violent videogames to people under 18. The measure was later deemed unconstitutional.

In 2005, he wrote in a letter to California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, "We should do the same for what is one of the fastest-growing threats to children in this modern age: violent and sexually explicit video games.”

A New York Times article printed on Wednesday portrayed the politician as "vengeful and profane," a hypocrite who was brazen in his disregard for political integrity.

He has been under federal investigation in recent years.

“The combination of arrogance and stupidity that would prompt [Blagojevich] to continue in these types of behaviors is just stunning,” said Dr. Kent Redfield of the University of Illinois. “There’s no feedback loop or reality check.”

Blagojevich's corruption charges come after similarly morally-motivated anti-games crusader Eliot Spitzer resigned from his seat as New York governor after admitting a sexual affair with a prostitute.

ArronC07's picture

While I'm sick of video games being used to explain all the evils of the world I'm also sick of irresponsible retailers and video game companies marketing and selling inappropriate games to people under 18. I'm also sick of parents who buy the games pointing the finger at everyone else instead of taking a bit of responsibility for their inability to say no to their tiresome spoilt brood.

ricardoexterp's picture

What the? Is this John Travolta's brother? Because they look sooo close!
--Ricardo K.
Pigeon Pest Control

mrmarley_2's picture

and another one bites the dust. maybe they will stop picking on innocent gamers now? good thing the UK does not have too many of these type of idiots

Dan_Chippendale's picture

John Travolta's brother?

squarepusher's picture

Funny that the anti-violent videogames crusader also happens to be a criminal.

Passing yourself off as holier-than-thou and protecting the children, while at the same time being a crook. Fools I can suffer, hypocrites I have no mercy for.

savagehenry's picture

Arrest his barber too. so he can't inflict that haircut on anyone else.

rydamgw's picture

hahahaha haha haha haha try to mess up my hobby

gwsmokey's picture

What goes around comes around :)

Kdubya's picture

That's my Illinois, shity weather and a shitty governor.