Video games and TV shows

[rurallib]

I was trying for the life of me today to try to figure out what in the name of some supreme being would possess Senators of the United States to vote for torture????? WHat could have taken hold of their minds? I would expect one or two to be that stupid but a majority. Not to mention the House of Representatives.
And then it hit me. We have lived vicariously in this country through TV shows and movies for the lives of most of these idiots. And in the last 20 years we have thrown video games in the mix. Now even our so-called "Solons" can no longer tell reality from fantasy. It is all a game. No one is really getting hurt. At some point the networks will cancel it and we will get on with a new thing.
I am beginning to think our leaders are completely out of touch with reality.
Want to avoid the war? turn off the TV. See? All gone.

[Eric J in MN]

1. It wouldn't be happening without two stolen presidential elections...

...and a failure to prevent the 9/11 attacks.

[razors edge]

4. but if they would steal two elections,

kill 3000 soldiers and desecrate the very meaning of america, why do so many give them a pass on pulling off 9-11, the very glue that has held it together?

[Iris]

2. from the audio clips I heard of senators who loved this bill,

well, I'd say they probably can barely turn their computers on muchless play a video game.

Of course, your idea could explain why the public in general is so unconcerned with the issue (or seems to be)

[rurallib]

3. If senators can't do computers, they still watch TV

"Iraq: CSI".
And your right. The reaction of the public suggests they believe that it is an entertainment show.
What did aAldous Huxley call it? Soma?

[Iris]

6. I would hope they'd be too busy to watch tv,

but considering all they HAVE NOT done this session, you are probably right. I'm sure they really dig the twisted nature of CSI - all versions.

[walldude]

5. I looked hard for the sarcasm smiley...

but didn't see it. I can safely say that the gamers in my gaming community have a pretty good freakin grip on reality and gaming and TV has about as much to do with the mindset of a person that voted for torture as listening to Pat Boone. Yes our leaders our out of touch with reality but to blame video games and TV is the same as blaming.. comics, dime novels, rock & roll, movies, art and a slew of other things the government has tried to blame for the ills of this country. There are two things to blame for this. Two things. MONEY and POWER, they have it and they will do anything to keep it. Please stop joining the Repugs in blaming art and entertainment for the ills of this nation. It just doesn't fly.

[Rex]

7. Today's spectacles are yesterday's gladiator matches.

I love watching 'pro'-wrestling and I've noticed in the past few years a trend that is growing in the industry:

They are getting far more violent and bloody.
They croon jingoistic claptrap whenever profitable.
They endorse domestic violence against women.

After thinking about it, I have come to the conclusion that it is our version of 'the games' Roman emperor's would hold to keep the poor masses distracted.