Lawyer Speaks Out Against ESA

It is not a surprise that Florida attorney, Jack Thompson, surfaced again preaching his anti-videogame cause after the controversy over the "Hot Coffee" mod for Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. Thompson wrote an open letter to the Entertainment Software Association, in which he praises the actions of Hilary Clinton and personally attacks the ESA president, Doug Lowenstein, as well as many others. "Millions of American parents should be thankful to the Senator for striking back against what can be fairly called 'Grand Theft Innocence' at the expense of our children by only some within your industry," writes Thomson. "The Republican Party would do well to wake up and realize that Senator Clinton is about the work that needs to be done. Today is a mere extension of her years of commitment. This is not politics. This is leadership."

Thomson writes about his dissatisfaction with President Bush saying that he "has consistently turned away from parents who have asked him to speak out against the entertainment industry's assault on our children.” However, his attack on the ESA seems to be his focus. Thompson writes, “The inept fashion in which ESA has 'managed' the 'Hot Coffee' mod scandal swirling around your industry and Take-Two's Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas has given Senator Rodham Clinton a reason and a mandate to act."

He continues saying, "Instead of acting like a responsible adult by trying to get to the bottom of this scandal, Doug Lowenstein did what he has always done at the ESA: He has first said there is 'no problem' and then he has embarked on his scorched earth policy to try to discredit anyone who suggests there is a problem. Lowenstein has unleashed his p.r. (pillory and ruin) squad on respected and powerful legislators like California Assemblyman Yee, also a psychologist, who have expressed concerns about Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas and the mod scandal."