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Editorial: Violent video games must be regulated Seattle Times July 7 A law making it a civil infraction for retailers to knowingly sell violent video games to minors should not be put on hold by a lawsuit from the industry. The suit is expected to get its first hearing today in U.S. District Court and proponents hope the result will be a temporary hold on the law. We hope not. State Rep. Mary Lou Dickerson, D-Seattle, tried for five years to get the video industry to do more than slap ratings on video games. The industry should have pressured retailers to comply with the age restrictions, which are similar to those on cigarette sales or getting into an R-rated movie. But young people have continued to get their hands on extremely violent videos. The most egregious depict police officers being beaten as they lie motionless next to their patrol cars. Women and minorities are beaten bloody as a voice-over issues sexual and racist comments. The more people beaten and killed, the further a player advances. Led by Dickerson, the Legislature passed legislation restricting violent video and computer game purchases to those older than 17. The law is tailored narrowly enough to respect freedom of expression and consumption but carries a strong enforcement message in the way of a $500 fine for each infraction. The law takes effect July 27. As evidenced by the lawsuit, video-game makers and sellers aren't happy about this. Too bad. There is plenty of research showing a relationship between prolonged violent video exposure and hostile, antisocial behavior. Not every kid who plays violent video games becomes a violent person. But enough have to warrant this law. LINKS: DAILY TIDINGS: Main | News | Sports | Obituaries | Opinion | Columnists | AP News | Subscribe | Archives | Weather | Classifieds | Contact Us | Privacy REVELS: Main | Calendar | Dining | Movies | T.V. OTHER: Road Cams Copyright 2003 Ashland Daily Tidings 541.482.3456. 1661 Siskiyou Blvd., Ashland, OR 97520. Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. - Advertisers -