Original Article

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As a gamer, sometimes I wonder what would justify me killing someone, like we do in
video games? Let's face it, we've played some pretty damn violent games, whether or not
we've been effected by it is a whole other beast of a blog. But, I've just wondered what
what justify me taking someone's life. Perhaps they are attacking me, or my family?
Perhaps they threaten the world? Maybe they are an ultimate evil? I've often thought about
it, and the repercussions it would bring. Most of those scenarios end with me in jail, possibly
becoming a bit to close to my cell mate known as "Bubba". Perhaps a soldier killing an
enemy? Then, it's my duty, right?

But at what point, do someone's thought process seem to justify killing their own flesh and
blood? Why do they think that would be an acceptable punishment for their actions?

That's the thing, They don't. Death shouldn't be considered a form of punishment. Death
does not teach anything, only more death. A sane person might be able to recognize this. A
sane person's thought process might vary from annoyance, anger, perhaps they may even
laugh about it. But who the FUCK would kill their own child for abruptly stopping a video
game session? Someone maybe not in their right mind would? Someone who already has
problems, and more than likely shouldn't have kids in the first place?

And, he got sentenced to 22 1/2 to 45 years in jail, for third degree murder and child
endangerment. In my opinion, this guy deserves to never see the light of day again. I'm no
judge, but how could you beat to death a child, then only get third-degree murder? Because
he didn't plan it out? Because he didn't foresee he'd kill his 17-month year old daughter
with a few punches to the head?

Disgusting.

But, my problem with this story, is not that it's obviously is a horrible tragedy for the 17-
month old girl who probably just wanted some attention from her father. No. My problem
with it, is that I know that anti-video game activists have and will continue to make a
martyr out of this little girl. She didn't deserve to die, no. But video games don't push
someone over the edge who is prepared for what they are playing. Someone who accepts
that world they are participating in when they boot up a game, as a "game". As a
"restricted fictional reality". But, irregardless, Jackie Thompson and other anti-video game
activists will tout her death as a "senseless killing caused by video games."

-Via Digg