Is God behind the recent plunge of Take-Two Interactive's stock price?
When it comes to business, should one's religious beliefs even matter?
For the controversial, disbarred attorney Jack Thompson, the answer to these questions would seem to be yes.
On Friday, GamePolitics reported on Thompson's claim that he planned to lead a stockholder revolt aimed at ousting Take-Two chairman Strauss Zelnick.
While Thompson says that he wants to hold Zelnick accountable for T2's tumbling share price, his comments must be weighed in light of the disbarred attorney's oft-expressed distaste for Take-Two and its chairman.
As to the would-be shareholder revolt, it brought to mind a recent e-mail exchange between GP and Thompson which may shed some light on the anti-game activist's apparent belief that divine retribution of the Christian deity is behind Take-Two's depressed stock price. Those e-mails follow:
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From: Jack Thompson
Sent: Thursday, December 18, 2008 6:44 AM
To: Dennis McCauley
Subject: Spin this, Strauss...
GOD STRIKES TAKE-TWO DOWN
Take-Two dropped $2.35 to $9.72 in extended trading after the announcement and fell as low as $9.60. The shares... have declined 35 percent this year. The results contrast with comments Zelnick made in an interview on Nov. 3, when he said sales of the company’s video games hadn’t been hurt by the recession...
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From: Dennis McCauley
To: 'Jack Thompson'
Sent: Thursday, December 18, 2008 6:52 AM
Subject: RE: Spin this, Strauss...
So, if T2’s business reverse was God’s vengeance, does that mean that God struck you down too when you were disbarred?...
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From: Jack Thompson
Sent: Thursday, December 18, 2008 9:10 AM
To: Dennis McCauley
Subject: Re: Spin this, Strauss...
...If you had any understanding of the Bible and of God you would understand that persecution comes Christians' way, and we are blessed by it. There is no blessing for Zelnick, who is not a Christian, when he gets what he deserves...
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From: Dennis McCauley
To: 'Jack Thompson'
Sent: Monday, December 29, 2008 6:54 AM
Subject: in relation to your Take-Two shareholder revolt...
...Are you saying that problems for Christians are blessings, while problems for non-Christians are vengeance from the Almighty? Also, how do you know what Zelnick’s religion is?
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From: Jack Thompson
Sent: Monday, December 29, 2008 7:11 AM
To: Dennis McCauley
Subject: Re: in relation to your Take-Two shareholder revolt...
Here's another passage of Scripture that you don't understand and never read: "All things work to the good for those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose." That group would include me and not Zelnick. Zelnick is not a believer in the Gospel. How do I know? Because the man who got us together [secretly, in Manhattan in 2007] is a Christian, with a massive ministry in Hollywood and the rest of the entertainment industry. It was because of the spiritual aspect of this struggle that he got the two of us together, and Zelnick failed the test.
If you knew anything about the Gospel, you would understand further that Paul, whose writings are considered part of the canon, tells Christians, not unbelievers, that we are to "count it all joy" when trials and tribulations come our way.
I have been persecuted for my faith, not because I did anything wrong, by those committed to evil. Glad to clear it up for you. And as it now stands, Mr. Zelnick's problems at Take-Two are minuscule [sic] compared to the eternity of punishment that is coming his way unless he repents and accepts Christ as I did 32 years ago this month. You might do well to read the Gospel of John yourself. Come to think of it, I'll write Strauss about all this and send you a copy...
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Thompson did not respond to GP's request to name the man who supposedly brokered the 2007 meeting with Zelnick. The letter to Zelnick which Thompson mentions can be viewed here.
GP: Serious consideration was given as to whether to publish this story as I realize that some will find Thompson's comments about non-Christians offensive. Ultimately, in deciding to publish, the opportunity to provide an insight into Thompson's mindset outweighed the other issues.
Comments
Re: Thompson: God is Behind Take-Two Stock Slide
in any case it's just fighting fire with fire
...figuratively speaking
岩「…Where do masochists go when they die?」
岩「…I can see why Hasselbeck's worried about fake guns killing fake people. afterall, she's a fake journalist on a fake news channel」
Re: Thompson: God is Behind Take-Two Stock Slide
As a non-religious Agnostic, I am not offended by the article OR the Traitor John Bruce's religious views.
Why?
Because I'd rather believe in NO God than to believe that "God", a being who is SUPPOSED to be good, honorable, ethical, and loving would, based on the repeated ramblings of the Traitor John Bruce, actually be in support of bigotry, hate, ignorance, dishonor, corruption, using lies and deceit, supporting slavery (through a forced dictatorship), advocate abuse of all types, even against children, and many, many other immoral, obscene, perverted acts.
Fortunately, I am intelligent enough to know that his use of the word "Christianity" is a sham as he, in fact, is a follower of a SPECIFIC sect of a "Christian" faith. We know, factually, that there are MANY sects within the "Christian" religion and many of them do not follow the exact same beliefs.
The Traitor John Bruce is among those who have modified and interpreted a Holy Bible ("Hot Sacrement" modded if you will) to mean what he PERSONALLY believes. As many individuals do. Some follow their religious text, some interpret it to satisfy their own limitations. "God made in the image of its believer" rather than "man was made in the image of God".
The belief system ALWAYS fits the believer's needs. If their overall sect changes their beliefs and the individual chooses not to, then the sect has strayed, not the individual. If individual decides to later interpret a holy text differently and the sect does not follow, again, the sect has strayed, not the individual. "God" follows the individual. Strange that. God seems to be so many things, even contradictory to itself.
Why else would it be that if bad things happen to the Traitor John Bruce, it must be a "good" thing for his "God" to do it to him but if his "God" does bad things to those who oppose his views, it must be a "good" thing? Simple, the specific "God" that the Traitor John Bruce worships is HIS "God", created in his own image. HIS "God" can do NO wrong to him. If HIS "God" allowed T2's stock to go up, it isn't because HIS "God" was doing something good for T2, it will be because HIS "God" had a secret plan that would strike at any time. If it never happened, well, HIS "God" is just waiting for the "right" time. Amazing how that works, huh?
Nightwng2000
NW2K Software
Nightwng2000 has also updated his MySpace page: http://www.myspace.com/nightwing2000 Nightwng2000 is now admin to the group "Parents For Education, Not Legislation" on MySpace as http://groups.myspace.com/pfenl
Re: Thompson: God is Behind Take-Two Stock Slide
No one suspects God to attack. He has a built in stealth mode. None expects when God strikes next! Much like the Spanish Inquisition...
Re: Thompson: God is Behind Take-Two Stock Slide
Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition!
Re: Thompson: God is Behind Take-Two Stock Slide
Fortunately, I am intelligent enough to know that his use of the word "Christianity" is a sham as he, in fact, is a follower of a SPECIFIC sect of a "Christian" faith. We know, factually, that there are MANY sects within the "Christian" religion and many of them do not follow the exact same beliefs.
That's precisely an example of why 'religion' and a personal relationship with God are two VERY different things.
If one considers many of the 'leaders' of 'religion' - an example would be pedophile priests... It's easy to see that religion itself has done more to damage the relationship humans should have with God, than anything else possibly could.
Personally, I don't think god really cares about the stock market or video games. I think God cares about what each individual thinks, intends, and does.
Re: Thompson: God is Behind Take-Two Stock Slide
... Wow. That is a lot to really think about there. I would have never thought of it that way. Then again, I always look forward to your responses the most along with Shadow and EZK's responses.
Amy Levandoski
Re: Thompson: God is Behind Take-Two Stock Slide
Thanks. :) I try and make people think. Sometimes, I just leave them in confusion. Not as much as Zippy mind you, but.... :D
BTW, great artwork. :)
Nightwng2000
NW2K Software
Nightwng2000 has also updated his MySpace page: http://www.myspace.com/nightwing2000 Nightwng2000 is now admin to the group "Parents For Education, Not Legislation" on MySpace as http://groups.myspace.com/pfenl
Re: Thompson: God is Behind Take-Two Stock Slide
...Shadow's? Is him saying "Hi, Amy!" nearly everytime you appear that big an event?
"There is no sin except stupidity." - Oscar Wilde
Re: Thompson: God is Behind Take-Two Stock Slide
Uhh... Is it wrong to say hey to your friends?
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Re: Thompson: God is Behind Take-Two Stock Slide
I think some people are just jealous ;)
Re: Thompson: God is Behind Take-Two Stock Slide
You're absolutely right, I wish I could be an unbelievable douchebag like him one day.
Re: Thompson: God is Behind Take-Two Stock Slide
Nope. However, singling out the females on GP for individual greetings does run the risk of making you mock-worthy. You see anyone else doing that?
"There is no sin except stupidity." - Oscar Wilde
Re: Thompson: God is Behind Take-Two Stock Slide
Pfff, as if he doesn't say hi to others as well. Last time I checked I didn't have boobs.
Re: Thompson: God is Behind Take-Two Stock Slide
What alternate dimension have you been living in? Say hello to my twin for me while you're there.
"There is no sin except stupidity." - Oscar Wilde
Re: Thompson: God is Behind Take-Two Stock Slide
Maybe he mistook Michael for Michele. Or maybe you're especially feminine. So many possibilities, its maddening...
Re: Thompson: God is Behind Take-Two Stock Slide
What responses for Shadow? The kid types facepalm in 90% of this replies, and nothing else. The remaining 10% consist of images or images with a descriptor saying, "facepalm".
Re: Thompson: God is Behind Take-Two Stock Slide
Re: Thompson: God is Behind Take-Two Stock Slide
Your just as awesome too, sortableturnip!
Amy Levandoski
Re: Thompson: God is Behind Take-Two Stock Slide
Simple amusements for simple minds. "Oh look, a penny!"
Re: Thompson: God is Behind Take-Two Stock Slide
Only for the simple minded such as yourself, Derovius.
Never judge a book by it's cover. In the case of JT and other stupid news, I'd rather take with a grain of salt and move on. You should lighten up, you take everything too seriously.
Amy Levandoski
Re: Thompson: God is Behind Take-Two Stock Slide
Derovius is a lot of things, but simple-minded isn't one of them.
"There is no sin except stupidity." - Oscar Wilde
Re: Thompson: God is Behind Take-Two Stock Slide
Oh, I see what you did there. You're not a stupid head, I'm a stupid head right? Genius.
As for lightening up, perhaps you are spineless enough to let others walk all over you, but some of us have pride in our convictions.
Re: Thompson: God is Behind Take-Two Stock Slide
Man, someone got up on the wrong side of the bed this morning....
Re: Thompson: God is Behind Take-Two Stock Slide
Seriously, do I know you? I keep finding your random comments at the bottom of my genius, and I want to know why you're so clingy...
Re: Thompson: God is Behind Take-Two Stock Slide
You're not a stupid head, I'm a stupid head right? Genius.
Hm, that seems to ring bells... Oh right, it's the way you always argue against people, they're dumb, you're not. Would you perhaps be a fan of Jackieboy? You behave quite similar.
Re: Thompson: God is Behind Take-Two Stock Slide
I was referring to her completely lack of originality, turning one persons comment on her qualities back at them because she literally has nothing to fight with.
Re: Thompson: God is Behind Take-Two Stock Slide
Perhaps she looks forward to his comments because those combined with your treatment of him is somehow humorous.
E. Zachary Knight
Oklahoma City Chapter of the ECA
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E. Zachary Knight
Divine Knight Gaming
OK Game Devs
Random Tower
Re: Thompson: God is Behind Take-Two Stock Slide
I think it's more likely she likes the attention.
"There is no sin except stupidity." - Oscar Wilde
Re: Thompson: God is Behind Take-Two Stock Slide
Most women do, makes them feel special.
Re: Thompson: God is Behind Take-Two Stock Slide
Seriously, the kid has the social graces and intellectual insight of an inbred kentucky redneck with self-diagnosed asperger's syndrome...
Re: Thompson: God is Behind Take-Two Stock Slide
Hey, you shouldn't mock his intellectual insight. Not until you've seen some evidence of it, at least.
"There is no sin except stupidity." - Oscar Wilde
Re: Thompson: God is Behind Take-Two Stock Slide
Lol, this made my day, thank you.
Re: Thompson: God is Behind Take-Two Stock Slide
"I have been persecuted for my faith, not because I did anything wrong, by those committed to evil. Glad to clear it up for you''
riiiiiiiiiiiiiiight....
he STILL thinks he was disbarred because of his religious beliefs?
seriously? I mean SERIOUSLY? I have no words to describe how baffling that strange leap of logic is. Did the '27 counts of misconduct' part get erased from JTs brain or something?
Re: Thompson: God is Behind Take-Two Stock Slide
he STILL thinks he was disbarred because of his religious beliefs?
No, he knows exactly why he got disbarred, but if he admitted that, his whole "crusade" would come undone. His fragile psyche demands that he maintain a facade at all times, which is why we get comments like the above from him all the time.
Re: Thompson: God is Behind Take-Two Stock Slide
This is Jack Thompson, he lives in Jack Thompson world where he can do no wrong, and everyone else is a sinner who needs to turn to him for absolution.
Jack Thompson world is incompatable with reality, as everytime some kind of interface is attempted, the courts reject it due to this strange thing we have in reality which is called 'law'.
Re: Thompson: God is Behind Take-Two Stock Slide
Jack Thompson's world? Damn, if Alice fell down that rabbit hole, it would of been a true horror story.
Re: Thompson: God is Behind Take-Two Stock Slide
Alice's adventures with the stupid looking ass. I see a big seller
Re: Thompson: God is Behind Take-Two Stock Slide
I have yet to see a journalistic quoting of something which Jack Thompson has written which didn't require the use of a "[sic]." Damn, he is one non-spelling-ass moron.
Re: Thompson: God is Behind Take-Two Stock Slide
For all the people Thompson accuses of having 'Friend Frontal Lobes', it really does put it into perspective when you realise that Thompson never flew off the handle, simply because he never had a grip in the first place.
He's rapidly crossing over from 'annoying religious disabarred attorney' to 'Physcopathic evangelical death-cultist'.
Would't be surprised one day to see him walking through Miami with a shotgun 'doing God's work', he has the sort of mentality that looks like it could end that way.
Re: Thompson: God is Behind Take-Two Stock Slide
Which is why, to the extent at all possible, I've recently taken to giving the Coral Gables area a wide berth. I'm told that shotgun pellets in my ass are bad for my health.
Re: Thompson: God is Behind Take-Two Stock Slide
Wow, he really has crossed over the sanity event Horizon.
Could he really get more blatantly two-faced?
Forgot to add, who was behind the share-drops of all the other companies? Was that God as well?
Why was that Jack? Was that because the US tolerates homosexuality, are we next going to see you standing outside Wall St holding a 'God hates Fags' sign with the Phelps family, because that's about as sane as you are appearing right now.
Re: Thompson: God is Behind Take-Two Stock Slide
I am fine if people believe in such-and-such religion, but when they start going around saying that people are evil purely because they don't believe in such-and-such religion, then I take offence in that. Those people are just taking the bible too literally.
If we look at Christianity, and take everything literally, then majority of Christians have committed a big sin of shaving your beard.
Re: Thompson: God is Behind Take-Two Stock Slide
Scientologists and people who think the world is 6,000 years old are the only people I try to attack, though I do admit it is wrong to. You can use the bible to fight any side of any story too. So it isn't even taking it literally, it is taking it how they want to.
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Re: Thompson: God is Behind Take-Two Stock Slide
This is why religion is a joke, people devote their entire lives to this nonsense because they are too weak to stand on their own two feet. There is a reason why their saviour uses the sheppard analogy, they are little more than sheep.
Re: Thompson: God is Behind Take-Two Stock Slide
Spoken like an atheist from the people I know, haha.
Nido Web Flash Tutorials AS2 and AS3 Tutorials for anyone interested.
How to set Xbox 360 Parental Controls
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Re: Thompson: God is Behind Take-Two Stock Slide
Does not make it any less true. I wish they would do a psychological study on church go'ers, I wonder how many dependent personalities they would find.
Re: Thompson: God is Behind Take-Two Stock Slide
I wonder how many they would find among self-proclaimed atheists. After all, its the new pop-culture religion, just like cabbalah used to be. It's right up there with being a Wiccan. All the coolest people are doing it. Jackass. Are you bisexual too? Do you like to dress up in dark clothes and listen to the latest emo bands too? Do you write shitty poems about how bad the world makes you feel?
Your inane belief that people with religion are less intelligent than you is just that; inane. You look down on people you don't agree with or understand, that's an intelligent way to live. Sure, there are some people who should always be looked down upon; extremists, for example (it's not hard to hate Falwell or bin Laden). But to say that religion alone caused those people, instead of parenting, personal problems, and just a good dash of overall crazy, is just senseless, which I suppose could sum up most of your arguments.
Re: Thompson: God is Behind Take-Two Stock Slide
"I wonder how many they would find among self-proclaimed atheists. After all, its the new pop-culture religion, just like cabbalah used to be. It's right up there with being a Wiccan. All the coolest people are doing it. Jackass. Are you bisexual too? Do you like to dress up in dark clothes and listen to the latest emo bands too? Do you write shitty poems about how bad the world makes you feel?"
1) I'm Pagan
2)I'm Straight.
3)I and most of my fellows wear jeans, quite a few wear suits.
4)Old country and hard rock all the way baby.
5)the only poetry I write is during ritual work.
Please do not try to lump us all in to that idiotic "Hollywood" stereotype. It's almost as offensive as saying all Christians are dogmatic,hate mongering ****-tards.
Hunting the shadows of the troubled dreams.
Re: Thompson: God is Behind Take-Two Stock Slide
Ah, the wonderful byproduct of organized hate speech. "Those that don't follow the word are everything thats wrong with the world". There is simply no discussion to be had with someone like you, you cannot argue rationally, you stab at the air with your insults hoping they will somehow land home and make your point. Indeed, you are a waste of my time :(.
Re: Thompson: God is Behind Take-Two Stock Slide
Where did I suggest that those who don't follow the word are everything that's wrong with the world? Really, you do an amazing job of reading into what people say to find whatever you want.