In Reference to Lamar Alexander and video games

This is the letter I just sent Senator Lamar Alexander of Tennessee, who is passing the buck to video games for gun violence. I do think we should do more to keep violent video games out of the hands of children, but to even pretend that a video game carries more blame than the implement of murder is insulting.


Senator Alexander,

Your recent comments about video games affecting people seems, at least anecdotally, is wholly incorrect. I have a handgun permit and do carry at times. I have also played video games since I could hold the Atari joystick. 

Having a loaded gun on my hip 'affects' me far more than any game ever has (and I have logged THOUSANDS of hours over my life playing video games). Carrying gives me an extra confidence - a dash of 'machismo' at having such a powerful tool for my defense (not that I carry all the time or feel the need to).

While I agree that all factors and variables need to be considered, your making blanket statements about subjects which you seem to have little knowledge or experience of is unbecoming from the office of a Senator.

Thank you for your time,

Jonathan E. Garner