While this originated in California, had it passed it could have been the start of a national trend.  While I am not in favor of letting kids play violent video games at all, I do think that government should allow parents to due their part and play a role in their kids lives.  As parents we should understand the games rating system and talk to kids about it.

 

The Supreme Court has struck down a California law that would have banned selling violent video games to children -- and game publishers couldn't be happier.

The 7-2 ruling on Monday killed the 2005 law, in which California's legislature argued the gaming industry's voluntary rating system is not strong enough.

At the time, California's lawyers singled out the Running With Scissors game "Postal 2." That game follows a character through everyday tasks -- with the option to embark on murderous rampages.

Vince Desi, the CEO of Running with Scissors, is thrilled with the Supreme Court's ruling.

"Believe it or not, I do have some confidence left in America and the Constitution," Desi said. "When we lose the freedom of expression, the country is toast. Right now we're in the oven, and sometimes we're on broil. But this worked out."

Freedom of expression was a main thrust of the court's decision. Writing for the majority, Justice Antonin Scalia called the law "seriously overinclusive" and an infringement on First Amendment rights.

Desi, whose company is based in Tucson, Ariz., slammed the California legislators, saying he thinks they were working only for political interests and "pretending it's for moral reasons." He also defended "Postal 2" as a game that "serves up consequences for killing and is a reflection of real life."

Other video game publishers also latched on to the "freedom" idea in their reaction statements on Monday.

"Video games have had to face down censors and stand up for creative freedom," Electronic Arts said in a written statement

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