Grand Theft Auto Led Teen to Kill

Varg Vikernes writes "FOXNews reports on a lawsuit that claims the video game 'Grand Theft Auto' led a teenager to shoot two police officers and a dispatcher to death in 2003, mirroring violent acts depicted in the popular game. 'What has happened in Alabama is that four companies participated in the training of Devin... to kill three men,' attorney Jack Thompson told The Tuscaloosa News, which reported the suit's filing. Thompson is also filing suit against Wal-Mart, Gamestop, Take-Two and Sony." Gamespot has coverage of this story as well. Thompson has made something of a career out of lawsuits of this nature.

Comments

Could we put some quotes around that?

[grasshoppa]

Seriously, could we put some quotes around that title? Aside from being sensational, it makes it seem as if that's Slashdot's official line, instead the allegations of another.

And I know, just *know*, slashdot editors don't think that. ( well, hope really. Possibly denial, I'll let you know )

Wow, Varg submitted this?

[JWhiton]

Does anyone know the significance of the submitter's moniker? Seems a bit odd that he'd be submitting a story like this.

Re:I'm pissed.

[jedidiah]

What are you on?

The Volvo and Audi's are "cheap and reliable". They will be running dependably when multiple iterations of the 'cheap' options have been relegated to the scrap yard.

Buy a Volvo when a kid is born and you can give it to them as their first car when they turn 16.

"cheap" doesn't necessarily mean cost effective.

This isn't even getting into the fact that Volvo writes the book on automotive safety.

Re:I'm pissed.

[cayenne8]

"I truly believe the dual-income phenomenon is mostly self-inflicted. There are poor people who really need both incomes to survive; this is true. But there are a LOT of people that could sell the new cars, move into a smaller house, and do just fine on one income. I do it in one of the most expensive housing markets in the country. It's hard, but it's worth it."

I hear you. People need to understand that when they reproduce, they are making at least an 18+ year commitment to sacrifice, and service. It is a decision that should be made prior to having kids. Personally, I don't think the trade off is worth it...I don't make enough money to support my lifestyle AND kids....I'd rather be independent, come and go as I please...and have the finer material things in life (cars, electronic toys...etc). I like not being tied down to one woman. But, as with all things, there are trade offs...and people that get married and reproduce, MUST think about these things first. YOU are responsible for your kids...their behavior.

Of course, I sympathize for them too...the government is actually jumping in nowdays where it should not. Recent court decisions against a mother listening in on her daughter's phone conversation I think it was? I've heard of people being hauled into jail for spanking their kids. Not abuse...just corporal correction. What the hell is this about?

Raising kids is a BIG job...people that do it have my respect. But, there is such a big trend of people NOT having the dedication it takes to proper raise and discipline their children...depending on the school system to act as nanny and surrogate parent. In many cases...one parent should probably be a full time parent at home, particularly in the early years.

I think the things above are what have contributed to children of today having no respect for their elders, authority figures, or in this case, even for basic human life.