June 10, 2007
Last week GamePolitics picked up on a news outlet's report that two New York state senators nearly came two blows over a violent video game bill. The story turned out to be overstated by the original source, and we were quick to clarify.
On Thursday, however, a heated discussion between two Alabama state senators led to an actual punch being thrown on the Senate floor. Fortunately, the local PBS station was there to capture the action.
The involved parties, Sen. Charles Bishop (R, puncher) and Sen. Lowell Barron (D, punchee) weren't arguing over video game legislation - oh, how juicy a story that would have been! But the senatorial punchout reminds us yet again that violence is as old as time and doesn't need a video game for inspiration.
The Decatur Daily News has the backstory. Here's a heavy metal version of the video.
On Thursday, however, a heated discussion between two Alabama state senators led to an actual punch being thrown on the Senate floor. Fortunately, the local PBS station was there to capture the action.
The involved parties, Sen. Charles Bishop (R, puncher) and Sen. Lowell Barron (D, punchee) weren't arguing over video game legislation - oh, how juicy a story that would have been! But the senatorial punchout reminds us yet again that violence is as old as time and doesn't need a video game for inspiration.
The Decatur Daily News has the backstory. Here's a heavy metal version of the video.
Comments
Where's Jack Thompson when you need him?
If political debates are causing aggression that leads to violence, then politicians need to be banned to keep our children safe!
Protect the children from violent politicians!
Nightwng2000
NW2K software
I think he was training on Fight Night. He needs to do some strength training though that shot wasn't as clean and powerful as it should have been. I think that old man should start some serious training for a rematch. At the very least it would keep their mind off whatever crazy ass new law they want to support.
But really, I can sympathise with the guy, don't we all want to punch a politican or 2 now and again? I can imagine the urge is far greater for someone who's actually involved with them on a daily basis.
I've got nothing.
Damn straight! Kids are much more likely to emulate their leaders and those in power then some fake violent video game that they know is fake. I say we pass legislation barring politicans from going any where within 100 yards of a minor. Politicans who break this rule will receive a felony offense and get 4 years in prison. Also i think politicans who pass unconstitutional legislation should receive the same felony offense and punishment.
On a completely non-sarcastic note, it would be extremely difficult at best to pass the video game violence legislation now, seeing as they apparently have violence issues of their own.
;)
I remember that in history although I think it was the senator's relative who beat him up not the senator himself.
Me: Ok. Explain to the civilians out there, the person who doesnt know about "Teken 4". How does the game prepare or drill him in the execution of fist fights?
Thompson: It drills you and gives you scenarios on how to fight.
It gets you to punch with your heart rate lower. In fact, the FBI agent in Alabama said that we could tell by the surveillance videos that Sen. Charles Bishop's heart rate was not above 60. That‘s impossible to do unless you have done it before.
Sounds familiar to me!! :D
(Btw, i obviously changed out names and places from the Hardball session Thompson did awhile back.)
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18200203/
I'm still waiting to see Jack Thompson punch someone out....
Followed by a claim that 'Bully' trained him to do it. :)
>> Prior to the American Civil War there was an incident where a southern congressman beat up an abolitionist congressman with his cane for rude remarks made during an anti-slavery speech. > Notice the R was the puncher? “Boo-Hoo, our party is going down in flames and our best idea to fix it is get another actor in charge…”
--TR
I like how even Barron is laughing. (at least it seemed like it to me)
Listen to the cameraman's comment, "yea I got it!" Pure gold.
Maybe he trained on that?