Video Games, a Trillion-Dollar Bailout, and Hugo Chavez

Video Games

The Supreme Court is hearing arguments today in a California case about the sale of video games to minors.

Associate Director of Technology Ryan Radia argues that the 2005 California law at issue in the case is a violation of the First Amendment. Moreover, he points out that government-imposed ratings systems actually impede parental authority.

“History has illustrated that the best content ratings systems emerge and evolve in response to market forces. When politicians and regulators meddle with these institutions, parents are deprived of the information they need. While the private, voluntary Entertainment Software Rating Board provides valuable information about video games and empowers parents to decide what’s best for their children, the government’s own regulatory system for radio content provides practically no useful information to parents. Ironically, allowing California’s law to stand will harm the very parents and children it purports to protect.”

Trillion-Dollar Bailout

Some liberals are calling for a new trillion-dollar bailout.

Senior Counsel Hans Bader criticizes the argument for a new taxpayer-funded bailout.

“This entire proposal, like many of the administration’s stimulus proposals, is based on the faulty assumption that weak consumer demand is the primary reason for the slow recovery. In fact, personal consumption has resumed rising, while private investment has fallen and remains low. Private investment is way down compared to past recoveries, driven partly by lack of confidence in the administration (a well-deserved lack of confidence given the administration’s anti-business policies). The savings rate has only increased slightly and remains lower in the U.S. than in most of the world.”

Hugo Chavez

Hugo Chavez is now campaigning against private-owned golf courses.

Communications Coordinator Lee Doren points out Chavez’ contempt for private property rights.

“Economically, what Chavez says above can only lead to disaster. Assuming the golf courses are privately maintained, private owners pay the costs of upkeep. Moreover, the legal framework of private property creates an incentive for other private landowners to improve their property as well, thereby improving the Venezuela economy overall. With Chavez’s bully tactics, however, all the right incentives are destroyed. Now, what is to prevent Chavez for taking anything on the grounds that people somewhere in Venezuela are doing worse?”