Maybe, just maybe, the announcement that the state of Illinois now has to pay the Entertainment Software Association more than a half-million in legal fees for its failed attempt to pass an unconstitutional gaming law will make lawmakers elsewhere think twice before passing similar legislation.
Nah, what am I thinking? The ignorant are doomed to repeat history and few have proven themselves more ignorant than lawmakers around the United States who are lining up to get on the anti-video game bandwagon.
OK, jabs aside, the Illinois case is a costly lesson that hopefully state lawmakers elsewhere will take into account. That half-million is a whole lot of money that could have gone toward other more worthy projects within the fine state of Illinois. Perhaps bolstering the education system, improving roads or even feeding the poor. Taxpayers there will never know, however, because lawmakers chose to squander their cash.
The ESA’s victory centers on the ill-fated Safe Games Illinois Act that was backed by Gov. Blagojevich and overturned last December. The courts felt the law was unconstitutional, just like most that have come down the pike. Since the ESA won its fight against the law, it was able to ask for its legal expenses to be reimbursed.
U.S. District Judge Matthew F. Kennelly agreed the ESA deserved some compensation, to the tune of $510,528.64. Kennelly has been quoted as saying the amount charged the state is for its “unconstitutional effort to enact a law banning the sale of violent video games."
The ESA's Doug Lowenstein sounded a little disgusted with his having to constantly defend the industry against similar illegal laws. “The sad fact is that the State of Illinois knew this law was unconstitutional from the beginning. Taxpayers have a right to know that over half a million of their dollars and countless government hours were thrown away in this fruitless effort."
I’m with Lowenstein. Shame on lawmakers all over the United States who think they can win votes by supporting such costly foolishness. Intelligent people know you’re only stumping for votes, and many will keep incidents such as these in mind when they head to the polls.
Condolences to the taxpayers of Illinois. Condolences in advance to those in Louisiana and elsewhere who will most likely face similar payouts thanks to those who insist upon repeating history.
Related:
Opinion: Say 'No' To Family Entertainment Protection Act
Anti-Video Game Law Remains Blocked
ESA Head: Game Ban laws Unconstitutional
Jack Thompson On Another Witch Hunt
Tennessee Anti-Video Game Law Is Anti-American
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