Report: “Games Worse Than Smoking” Group Funded By Atkinson

What I can’t understand is why he waited until after the closing date for submission papers passed. Surely if he wanted to sway the public’s opinion, he’d try it whilst they could still make (negative) submissions.

In any case, this could actually work against him. No rational person would actually believe these claims – especially not all those people who have lost love ones to lung cancer, or even have it themselves.

Too many people these days, are willing to believe things on insufficient evidence (in this case little to none). Someone should email MA an explanation of what “confirmation bias” means.

This does reak of the moral-superiority often associated with people who believe that their all-powerful imaginary friend is on their side.

But of course, we have no evidence of that…

Another survey which slants its findings towards the views of those who fund it. Why is anyone really surprised? Those who blame “religion” as the culprit here should also consider that science is the prostitute who whores itself out to the highest bidder. While the merits of the so-called science can be questioned it is yet another “study” which is picked up by the media and displayed to the general public as fact.

The credibility and impartiality of ACCM’s views must come into question when its funding is sourced (partly or wholly) from the SA Attorney Generals Dept. To cast a view that would be contrary to Atkinsons own position on videogames would jeopardize that funding, so ACCM is essentially a mouthpiece of Atkinson and a way for Atkinson to legitimise his personal view that there is a connection between violence and videogames. This is the same man who had a major role in gagging the SA publics right to freedom of speech during the SA elections, so it wouldn’t surprise me that he directed ACCM to make a public statement on the “harms” created by playing videogames. Is it a coincidence that this “report” was released around the same time of the closing date for people to provide their views on the discussion paper on R rated games. Really though, can anyone take ACCM’s analysis seriously. Trying to make a connection between the harms of smoking and playing videogames is certainly creative but hardly scientific.

Lets see if that is true. I’ll quit gaming and start smoking a pack of cigarettes a day and see how much longer I’ll live.

Best idea ever…

Due to Atkinsons love of frivilous lawsuites because of peoples opinions of him. Class action suite against Atkinson due to his defamation of gamers… and we as gamers being defamed have had our reputations damaged in the eyes of society.

If only i had the money to take someone to court for no good reason like he does.

Hi Folks
I live in S.A., and have just finished up 12 years in the S.A. Public Service as a tech for the Courts computer systems. While not directly involved with the AG’s department, I had enough contact to glean an experiential viewpoint.

Like almost every heirachical structure on the planet, what I view as corruption was rife, driven mainly by the need to maintain constant funding.

I’m also an ex-drug addict, armchair philosopher and by many “normal” standards, a head-case.

I have been in the past, and continue to be, revolted by the nature and degree of societal manipulation that occurs within government – it was my principal reason for leaving.

While it may be argued that Mr Atkinson got and maintains his position as a result of the electoral process, “insiders” will (probably very quietly) tell you similar stories to mine.

It’s pretty obvious that all contentious issues must be “thrashed out” to establish a realistic base-line or norm for any given society, however when the structure of that society procludes genuine assessment due to vested interests, the whole concept falls down.

How can we have truth and honesty in a community where even my all-powerful vote does not necessarily go to the person I vote for?

It’s just plain wicked, and mankind needs to get get a rapid and sure grip on reality, rather than scare-mongering and profiteering.