That's it. I am now officially boycotting Minnesota. Why is it that in the face of solid scientific research we still can't agree that SUVs and factories may be causing global warming, but while we have no definitive studies to back it, we all know that videogames corrupt youth?

Despite the universal failure of laws designed to punish retailers for selling M rated games to minors (they tend to be declared unconstitutional), and in light of the fact nearly all mature rated games that minors play are purchased by relatives of age, opportunistic politicians still want to pass laws that limit free speech and now actually fine minors for purchasing M rated games.

Minnesota signed SF0785 into law last week. The law would fine minors $25 for purchasing an M or AO rated game. Yeah, aside from the fact that a $25 fine for purchasing a $50 game is just silly, they don't plan to enforce it. 1Up interviewed one of the bill's sponsors, State Senator Sandra Pappas, and quoted her saying: that there will "probably never be a kid fined" under the new law.

So, you waste tax-payer money enacting laws that are not only likely to be found unconstitutional, but that you also don't plan to enforce? It's a good thing that there aren't important political issues facing America right now...

The ESA is all over this and is filing suit in Minnesota's Federal District Court, asking that the new law be overturned due to its encroachment on First Amendment rights. But why let the ESA have all the fun? Why not email State Senator Pappas and let her know how you feel about her sponsoring unconstitutional bills that she doesn't plan to enforce. Videogamers of the world unite and let your politicians know that perhaps they should focus on bigger issues like taxes, wars, education, and the environment and let parents and society deal with what they think children should or should not be exposed to. [Source: 1Up.com]