Video Game Voters Network: Send a Letter to Gov. Schwarzenegger

Stop Schwarzenegger

After Federal Judge Ronald Whyte, declared California's Anti-Video Game Bill, AB1179, unconstitutional as it would have regulated the sale of video games to minors, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger now will appeal the ruling and wants the law back. He is completely disregarding the Constitution, court rulings across the country, and the ESRB's successful progress in educating parents about what is the correct choice for their respective children.

The Governor needs to hear from the citizens of California that government needs to leave video games alone, the same way his violent movies are seen by millions without government interference. Using the form below write Governor Schwarzenegger and tell him to stop his appeal of this ruling, and encourage him to work with the ESRB to educate parents about the ratings and parental controls, instead of wasting millions of our dollars pursuing this unconstitutional and unfair legislation.

Need help writing your letter? Read below for points to consider

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Subject: Stop Your Appeal of AB1179

Dear Governor Schwarzenegger:

I am writing this letter to express concern over a subject that is very important to me. I enjoy playing video games and believe that everyone should have the ability to enjoy this innovative medium. Not only is this my belief, but video games are protected speech under the U.S. Constitution. I urge you to let Judge Whyte's permanent injunction to stand, courts across the country have ruled consistently this type of legislation unconstitutional. Passing laws that violate our First Amendment rights waste taxpayer dollars without advancing the goal of protecting children. Rather than intruding on the video game medium with regulation, your focus should shift to working with the ESRB and increasing awareness among parents regarding the issue of minors obtaining "inappropriate" content. Game consoles also now have parental controls that effectively block this kind of content, and give parents the ultimate control over what their children have access to. Parents should be educated on this information and tools rather than passing laws that violate the foundations of our great nation. I appreciate your strong stance on trying to protect children, but government-based regulation and restriction of video games are not the solution. Helping parents and caregivers make the choices that are right for their family is the only solution. Thank you for taking the time to read this letter and I look forward to following your future actions.

Sincerely,

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This letter will be sent to the following individual(s):

Arnold Schwarzenegger, Governor, CA

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Points to Consider

Video Game Regulations are Unconstitutional:
Judge Whyte's ruling is similar to nine other courts which declare that you can't treat the content of video games differently than the content of movies, music and books under the U.S. Constitution.
Entertainment Double Standard:
It makes no sense to treat a video game based on a James Bond movie or book differently under the law than the movie or book. Video games just like movies and music and books, tell stories and are protected under the First Amendment - so why single out video games?
Parental Education, Not Regulation:
The video game industry through the ESRB ratings voluntarily provides substantially more information to the public than any other industry. To protect our children, the Governor should focus on educating parents about the ESRB ratings system and the parental controls in game consoles which help parents make the right game choices for their families.
California has Higher Priorities:
As taxpayers, we urge you to follow opinion of Judge Whyte who suggested that the state look to the ESRB rating system to protect children. Filing an appeal will only fail, and it will result in spending of millions of taxpayer dollars. California has much higher priorities and more pressing issues than regulating video game sales.
Ratings Information is Prominent:
Video game ratings are prominently posted on the front of video game packages and additional content information is prominently posted on the back of the game.

You can find the federal court ruling on the California video game law, AB 1179 here (PDF).

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Stop Schwarzenegger

This action is for California residents only. To edit and send this letter please verify your address below.

Points to Consider