lieberman's gaming diary

Lieberman explains
his passion for games
like Soldier of Fortune

Joseph Lieberman, D-Conn., has for years lobbied against violent video games trying to connect them with real life violence and even going so far as say the eruption in schoolyard shootings is tightly wound into the effect these games have on people. While most intelligent people yawn when this empty headed pumpkin starts blathering, the issue continually comes up asking for more legislation against violent games.

An interesting fact in the mess is that only the most popular of the "offensible" material is cited - and is usually frightfully out of date. Doom is still mentioned as a violent game by some legislators. Who the fuck is playing Doom is what I want to know. My theory is if you think people are still playing Doom, then you know absolutely nothing about the subject. Meanwhile games such as Soldier of Fortune, where you can blow off legs, arms and heads with pinpoint accuracy hardly get mentioned. And shouldn't be anyway.

In recent days Lieberman has been increasingly quiet about video game violence. An illegally obtained copy of his personal journal is a deep insight into why that may be:

lieberman's journal

May 12, 2001

Well, since I was challenged by senator Paul Wellstone earlier this month as to "not having even played the games I denounce" I've decided to further my cause by experiencing these detestable games firsthand.

I just got back from purchasing a new Pentium IV 1.5 ghz computer with geforce 2 ultra card. Best Buy employee who also sold me a copy of Doom with the computer said in order to get a good "framerate" on this game I would need to spend a little more than I wanted. He seemed so honest - nice kid. Probably goes to the library a lot.

May 13, 2001

Was up until 3am last nite playing this game Doom. Seems fairly primitive from screenshots of other games I've seen in other publications. Pretty mindless game but not quite as offensive as I had read. Rethinking my view on that particular game but I'm under the impression that there's plenty other games that would more support my cause.

Lieberman gives thumbs up on GTA

May 14, 2001

Went to B-buy today and found that same clerk and asked him advice on what games they had that were more violent than Doom. Came home with Carmageddon 2k, Rogue Spear, Kingpin, Grand Theft Auto and Soldier of Fortune.

After dinner I installed Grand Theft Auto and starting experiencing the horrible carnage that I had read about. I got through the first mission - and I must say its fairly fun to pull a person out of their car, pop a cap in their ass, steal their vechicle and drive around town fast until the police start following you. Later on in the game I had to pick up my buddy who had knocked off a bank and was waiting for me to pick him up. I showed up like 1 second before 4 squad cars slammed their brakes on in right next to me. Luckily my accomplice had jumped in the back seat and I slammed on the gas and ran over 4 cops as they approached my car with drawn guns. HAHA. Long day in the senate tomorrow - I hit the sack at 2am

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