The Entertainment Software Association has come under heavy criticism for its express support of SOPA, but recent detective work has uncovered a far sleazier transgression -- Kotaku reports that the ESA spent a reported $190,000 on pro-PIPA lobbying.
PIPA is the Senate's version of SOPA, which the ESA also expressly approves of. In the spring and summer of 2011, two lobbying groups were paid by the ESA to champion PIPA, among other things. The Smith-Free Group got $60,000 of bribe money to play with in the spring. It would later get a further $50,000 for anti-piracy legislation, tax, education, and energy.
Franklin Square Group received two payments of $40,000 in the spring and summer, to lobby for PIPA and immigration policy.
The ESA -- ever the coward -- is yet to respond to any queries about this expenditure. Either way, it's yet more reason to support the League For Gamers and turn it into a true alternative to what has fast become the MPAA/RIAA of gaming.
Jim Sterling serves as reviews editor for Destructoid.com, head of the Podtoid podcast, and produces a number of news stories, original features, one-of-a-kind videos. With his passionate argumentative style, controversial opinions, harsh delivery, and dedication to brutal honesty Sterling is a name that you can't help but recognize.
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Contest:
10:15 AM on 01.17.2012 | 
It says that legislation for the sake of principle has less relevance than the monetary backing of interests that pay for its supposed votes.
Accepting any cash for an elected position that promotes bias is criminal and should be removed from public service.
Why did LulzSec have to go away, now when we actually need them?
Spread the goddamn word Jimmyboy. Keep it up.
100% this and some more percentage numbers.
What a soulless profession.
Just because something is common, doesn't make it right.
yeah, me either. we had a good run though, eh?
*looks to the crowd for a high five*
guys?
As long as you remain blind to the obvious tyranny, you will only notice the things that appear to affect you directly, while laughing at those that suggest the rabbit hole goes deeper.
Live and leann, yo.
They're lobbyists.
---------------------------------
Seriously, far as I can tell all lobbyists do is give people money for legislation, how is that NOT bribery?
Even the term "expert" has been abused. Look at all of the video game "experts" Fox News has showcased.
This is why I've said a few times in the past that we need a lobby too. Only way anything gets done is if you're filling the governments ears with sweet money honey.
Keep up the good work, Jim. Let the whole world know about this bullshit.
"Hell fucking yeah we are, amg!"
You make me proud.