Well, in my opinion, banning mature rated games would be wrong. There's no question about this. It doesn't take a rocket science to figure out that a game called Grand Theft Auto might have something to do with breaking the law. When my kid wants to buy a game that is titled with a felony, I think I might investigate it just a bit before I buy it. I mean if the game was called "Knife Dem Hoes Takin Ma Crack Head Clients," would they still buy it without question? The problem isn't with games, the problem isn't with movies, or even music (which actually hasn't been under the gun for a while - knock on wood). The problem is with the American psyche and also with the fundamental flaws of a democracy (I am American, I am a registered Republican, I love my country).
A large group of Americans today think on three basic principles, what is the government going to do for me, how much does it cost, and how little work must I accomplish to get what I want. This is not true of all, but it is of most. As shameful as it is I slip into these categories from time to time. Government is not there to do for YOU! Dammnit, I wish I could beat this into some people. Its there to do whats right for the good of the nation. When some ignorant mother sees fame, a quick check from a large publisher, and the empathy of a nation she goes straight to the governement to get what they owe her. She wants action, her child's mind has been violated, she thought games were for kids and this game was horrible. how was she supposed to know that Grand Theft Auto was a game that featured criminals breaking the law? Games should all be safe for kids, busy parents can't be expected to figure out which games are safe and which ones aren't. That's how it all starts. She's too lazy to monitor her children and expects the government to do it for her. She is enchanted by the fame and pity she gets through the media. Her wallet begins to swell with settlements from publishers trying to dodge the bullet.
In a democracy no press is bad press. If someone in a political office, a political campaign, or even just a lawyer can make the news, good or bad in most cases, it is a success. If a politician or lawyer sees a way to make headlines and get there name out, they will jump on it. Do these people dislike these games? Probably. Do they really care enough about what legitimate adults do in there free time as long as it doesn't affect others? Probably not. But will talks of banning games outrage a minority but entrance a majority on the news? Most definately.
But is banning games legal? Well in the most strict view of the constitution it is illegal to ban them on a federal level, but its illegal to ban marijuanna and other illicit substances on a federal level as well but we see how that went. On the state and county levels however its up to the individual legislatures. Hopefully there are enough adults gamers or not that are smart enough to make intelligent decisions about who they vote for, but that is just about all we can do short of forming a militia and marching against the senate while stealing cars, raping hookers, shooting cops, and buying weapons with our drug money....gasp I've been changed! Damn that GTA! lol
So to recap, any form entertainment should be available to adults. Available. Not forced, but just available. It is legal for a state or county to ban games, but quite unethical, and it is up to the citizens to make sure it doesn't happen. Stopping asking the government to make special decisions to help YOU out. Help yourslef and follow the rules so we can get the hell out of this pit of socialism we've fallen into. Don't just boo politicians that take up stupid crusades that you don't like, boo all politicians that take up stupid crusades!
Thats the end of my rant, but one more thing whoever talked about a freedom of choice....IT DOESNT EXIST! NO WHERE IN THE ENTIRE CONSTITUION WILL ANYONE FIND THE RIGHT TO A FREEDOM OF CHOICE! DO NOT QUOTE THINGS THAT YOU KNOW NOTHING ABOUT! THIS IS HOW IGNORANCE GETS SPREAD - I HATE IGNORANCE!