"It won't work."

So says the editorial board of the Muskogee Phoenix about Oklahoma's new video game statute.

As reported on GamePolitics, Gov. Brad Henry signed HB3004 into law earlier this month. The video game industry filed suit against the Oklahoma bill on Friday, just two days after the Phoenix ripped the measure, saying, "Oklahoma's new law that prevents the sale of violent video games and material to minors is an example of the state trying to micromanage morality, not violence."

"It won't work," the Phoenix continued, "and it doesn't address the problems we have with violent behavior in the United States. It's simply another law that police will have to enforce without offering additional resources to law enforcement to do the job."
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So far, we've only come up with one game-related editorial for today's round-up. This one comes to us from the Norman Transcript in Oklahoma.

As GamePolitics readers know, Gov. Brad Henry (D, seen at left) recently signed video game violence legislation into law in Oklahoma. The new statute is scheduled to take effect in November. The video game industry, however, has already stated its intention to file suit against the law on First Amendment grounds.

Here's what the Norman Transcript had to say in support of the new law:

"The simulated violence on some video games goes beyond shock value. It transcends even the most violent of movies... Oklahoma children will have to find an adult to buy ultra-violent games for them, thanks to legislation signed by Gov. Brad Henry this week... Retailers who peddle the material need to know what is and what is not permissible. We've heard from a few who say they risk their business' future every time a youngster buys such a game..."
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Last Friday, GamePolitics was first with the news that Oklahoma Gov. Brad Henry (D) had signed his state's video game legislation into law.

The new statute is scheduled to take effect on November 1st and classifies violent video games as "harmful to minors," just like, say, hardcore pornography. Thanks to an unusual amendment in the Oklahoma Senate, the measure also includes unrelated language regarding signage around strip clubs and adult book stores.

As expected, ESA president Doug Lowenstein has issued a statement which signals the video game industry's intent to wage First Amendment war against Oklahoma's new law. Here is Doug's statement, in part:

"The ESA is deeply disappointed by the actions of the Oklahoma Legislature. We believe HB 3400 will restrict the First Amendment rights of Oklahoma's citizens, and intend to file suit in Oklahoma federal district court shortly, asking that the state's new video game law be overturned..."
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If there's one thing that GP loves, it's seeing gamers become more politically aware and active.

In recent weeks we've been publishing responses readers have received from elected officials. These have mostly been from U.S. Senators responding to e-mails generated by readers who belong to the Video Game Voters Network (VGVN).

Today we offer a more localized exchange of views. GP reader Sense7 shared a letter he wrote to Oklahoma Gov. Brad Henry (left) concerning video game legislation which appears destined to land on the Guv's desk very soon. When it does, Gov. Henry, a Democrat, will have five days to decide whether or not to sign HB3004 into law.

As previously reported by GamePolitics, the measure, proposed by State Rep. Fred Morgan (R), passed both the House and Senate unanimously. Amendments added by the Senate are being reviewed in the House, but these are not expected to interfere with the bill's progress.

Here's what Sense7 received from an aide to Gov. Henry:

"Governor Henry asked that I thank you for sharing your thoughts on HB 3004. The governor appreciates your time and your willingness to share your thoughts with him."

"Governor Henry will look closely at all legislation that comes to his desk to determine whether it is in the best interest of the state. The governor openly invites and welcomes public input in the crafting of public policy. He will certainly keep your thoughts in mind as he makes these vital decisions for our state."

Like most such responses, this one doesn't say much of anything that's meaty. But that's to be expected. The point is that elected officials definitely pay attention to letters, e-mails and phone calls on important issues. Like any other citizen, gamers shoud feel empowered to contact their representatives and voice their concerns.

You can read more about Sense7's foray into the political process on his site, 8-bit ninja.

Want to talk about it? You can discuss this story via the "comments" feature (click below), or in the new GamePolitics Forums...

In its first foray into state-level politics, the ESA-sponsored Video Game Voters Network (VGVN), issued an e-mail "Action Alert" to members at 2:11 P.M. Eastern time today.

The alert is in response to Oklahoma's pending legislation, HB3004. GamePolitics broke the news earlier this week that the Oklahoma State Senate had passed the measure unanimously. It appears to be on its way to the desk of Gov. Brad Henry for signature. Should Gov. Henry sign it, HB3004 will become law on November 1st.

The VGVN alert calls upon gamers to contact anyone they know who might live in Oklahoma to speak out against the bill. The message reads, in part:

"The effect of legislation seeking to regulate games would stifle constitutionally-protected creativity in a medium that is at the cutting-edge of innovative entertainment. This is why we need your help. Although you don't live in Oklahoma, you may know someone who does! Please spread the word about the VGVN and this legislation to anyone in your family, clan, MMORPG, forum or work who lives in Oklahoma."

This may be the first time gaming clans and MMO's have been used for political purposes. It will be interesting to see the results.