Hei Lun Chan, on the brouhaha surrounding the videogame Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas:

I know those against government regulation will rightfully say that it should be up to parents, not the government, to determine what kids play. But if you want parents to be involved, you have to give them an accurate ratings system, since you can’t expect them to research every game’s content. And if the industry isn’t even competent enough to do that, then they really don’t have much to complain about.

The larger sociological questions—why we would rate a game that rewards extreme anti-social behavior as merely “Mature” and worthy of being sold at Wal-Mart, while adding a bit of simulated sex to it makes it “Adults Only”—are a bit beside the point; the ratings system exists, Rockstar Games was supposed to comply with the system, and the company didn’t.

Update: More common sense from Michele at ASV.

Think a little bit of pseudo-porn would keep Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas off the shelves at Wal-Mart? Think again:

I took this picture this morning while my car’s oil was being changed at the Wal-Mart Supercenter in Madison, Mississippi. So, kiddies… rush up there and pick up a copy before Mr. Sam’s minions wise up!