] The Illinois Senate approved a version of Gov. Rod
] Blagojevich's proposed restrictions on the sales of
] violent and sexually explicit video games to children,
] even though some senators said the idea is
] unconstitutional.
]
] The measure approved Thursday would require store owners
] to determine which games are too violent or sexually
] explicit for anyone under 18. Anyone selling them to a
] minor could be fined.

OK, Problem 1. Putting the burden on the shop owner to classify "obscene" games, and then fining the owner when their definition of "obscene" differs from yours. What do they expect these owners do to? Play every game that comes out every week to test it? Shouldn't they rather be, I don't know, running their damn business?

I've said it before and I'll say it again. "Parents: its not the gov't job to raise your kids for you. Stop lobbying for shitty laws because you are 'too busy' with your career to *actually* spend time teaching your kids right and wrong"

This is just golden:

] The sponsor, Sen. Deanna Demuzio, denied the measure
] would interfere with free speech rights.
]
] "Video games are not art or media," she said. "They are
] simulations, not all that different from the simulations
] used by the U.S. military in preparation for war."

But the saddest thing in this entire article is:

] "I'm going to vote for this bill, but I'm voting for it
] for one reason: because this is a political bill,"
] said Sen. Mike Jacobs. "If I vote against it, it will
] show up in a campaign mail piece

Senate OKs Video Game Restrictions