Late last week Texas Gov. Rick Perry (R) indicated that seceding from the United States was an option for his state, albeit an unlikely one.
The Guv, rumored to have presidential aspirations of his own, is upset about the economic policies of the Obama administration.
It would appear that Perry, who delivered the keynote at last year's E3 (that's him along with ESA boss Mike Gallagher at left), has forgotten what happened the last time secession was attempted in 1861: There was a bit of a disgreement that is commonly known as the Civil War.
But wouldn't a Texas secession make a great real-time strategy game? Call it Six Days in Austin. Konami could publish it.
From a video game industry perspective, establishing a new, independent nation of Texas would certainly impact publishers' lobbying group the Entertainment Software Association, which is chartered to represent the interests of video game publishers in the United States.
Canada has its own ESA and there are plenty of game industry firms based in Texas. If the Lone Star state gains independence, perhaps there will be a need for an ESA Texas as well.
Or perhaps Gov. Perry is just going off the deep end.
Comments
Re: What Impact Will Texas Secession Have on Video Game Biz?
I'm pretty sure I heard there was a report made in January about liberals and other non-rights being extremists/terrorists but you don't hear about it as much as the one you mentioned (go figure). Though shouldn't you be placing the blame for the memo on Bush, since he was the one who created the DHS and likely most of the staff there is still from the Bush term? Though Obama should have been smart and released the leftist and rightist could be terrorists/extremists memos at the same time. Though from going to places like Townhall, one has to wonder if the right becoming extremists doesn’t have some credibility, reading some of the replies to articles over there. I do find it interesting when the left peacefully protested during Bush's term; they were considered crazies, losers, etc by the right. When the right complain about Obama (like the recent tea parties), they are considered patriots, etc, Hypocrisy much?
Anyway, just because someone is a vet doesn't mean they can’t become an extremist and want to go and blow something up. I am a vet, and back when I was in the service I worked at OSJA where we saw just how great soldiers are when we are writing them up for article 15s, chapters and court martials. What happens if a soldier returning from multiple tours in Iraq suffers a mental break down, gets out of the service and eventually goes on a shooting rampage or blows something up? It could happen (course not to mention all those soldiers who are members of gangs in the US, who join the military for the weapons trainings/tactics). Yes, I like my fellow vets, but Repubs seem to place vets/soldiers on this huge pedestal that a vet/soldier can do no wrong, is a hero and are great patriots. When in reality, we have the same issues and problems that every other American has.
The memo is basically correct, there is a chance that someone of right wing ideology could become a terrorist/extremists, just like someone from the left could as well. No offense to al queda and Bin Laden but let’s face it America, you are more likely to die by an American (rather it’s from a car accident, drive by shooting or just being in the wrong spot at the wrong time) then being killed by some crazy middle eastern Muslim.
Re: What Impact Will Texas Secession Have on Video Game Biz?
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/04/16/ED5I1727J0.D...
I encourage peopel to read this article as many here would appear to be guessing in regard to the memo.
Re: What Impact Will Texas Secession Have on Video Game Biz?
Oh, PLEASE, Austin. That memo is no different than similar reports about Left wing extremism. It's essentially a profile of people who "might" be succeptable to the pull of Right Wing Extermist groups and possibly commit violent acts. And, as bad as it may sound, Vets make up a portion of those people.
I know I've seen a lot of vets spouting Right Wing Nutbag Nonsense, and it certainly makes sense that, given thier training, and thier belief in the country, that a number of them would be willing to join State Militias, which, lets be honest, here, are nothing more than Right Wing Extremist groups. Maybe not quite to the level of terrorism, but reality is reality.
Lets not forget that Timothy McVeigh (OK City Bomber), Lee Harvey Oswald (Kennedy Assassin), George P. Metesky (1940's New York Mad Bomber), Jim David Adkisson(Knoxville Church Shooting) and many more, should I take the time to look them up, were all Military Veterans.
Re: What Impact Will Texas Secession Have on Video Game Biz?
Actually, Oswald was a military vet but he was also a member of the Communist party in some of the more recent documentaries I've seen on the Kennedy assassination. So, it doesn't hold for the whole Right Wing assertion that you're making.
First secure an independent income, then practice virtue. -Greek Proverb
Re: What Impact Will Texas Secession Have on Video Game Biz?
The point I was trying to make more is that Vets are just as suceptible as anyone else to subscribe to a political ideal and perpetrate violence in the name of that ideal.
Re: What Impact Will Texas Secession Have on Video Game Biz?
Explain to me then why liberals shit themselves whenever someone says that Islamic Fundamentalism breeds terrorists, yet it's now okay to say the same thing about veterans and conservatives. What happened to all that "love, peace, and tolerance" these so-called "progressives" claim to exude?
Re: What Impact Will Texas Secession Have on Video Game Biz?
No, they "shit themselves" when the magic "fundamentalism" qualifier is left out.
If any group knows the detriment of religious fundamentalism to a nation, it is the liberals.
Re: What Impact Will Texas Secession Have on Video Game Biz?
Cause liberals are just as stupid? The irony about middle eastern terrorists is that are more likely to hit/attack places such as New York, D.C. and other large liberal places, which I think some repubs secretly wish would happen(ie repubs wet dream of a liberals city being nuked). Me, I have more fear of being killed, driving down the interstate then I do of a middle eastern terrorist.
Re: What Impact Will Texas Secession Have on Video Game Biz?
When the hell did I shit myself when someone says "Islamic Fundamentalism breeds terrorists"? I can assure you, I know damn well that all extremism can result in terrorism, and, being an Athiest, I believe that religious fundamentalism is one of the biggest threats.
But, thats ok, you can keep thinking that I'm some long haired hippy peacenik, just like all of the other pot smoking, free-loving, un-American, liberal freaks. (Enough stereotypes for you?)
The real problem is the inability of the right to admit that even a portion of the nation's heroes can become unhinged, and that violent extremism is just as prone to happen from one side of the aisle to the other. And, on top of that, the most vocal minority of the right, the Tea-Bagging, Cheering-at-secession-talk, racist, obama-bashing, gay-hating, fundamentalist, right-wing crowd just so happens to be on that fringe where politically motivated violence is most likely to occur.
Re: What Impact Will Texas Secession Have on Video Game Biz?
Well said. I don't always agree with folks on the left. I am more inclined to disagree with folks on the right. However, both sides of the fence harbor intolerance, and that's what breeds terrorism. It's not a result of religion per se, although it's often easier to be intolerant in the name of God than to be tolerant in the name of people.
Many (not all) people who are heavily invested in the religion of their choice feel very threatened by the existance of other points of view, perhaps because it throws doubt in their mind about their way of thinking. For the insanely fanatic (whether religious or otherwise), it's easier to be angry and lash out with violence than it is to attempt to come to an understanding. So, they bomb things and kill people in the name of their cause, their god, their dog, etc., and feel good about what they've done because they know they're right. War heroes who've gone off the deep end are just as likely to feel that they're doing the right thing by killing non-believers as religious fanatics who go off the deep end.
***Homicide-free video gaming since 1972!***
Re: What Impact Will Texas Secession Have on Video Game Biz?
I can understand that but saying that if worse comes to worse they may consider seperateing themselves from the Unites States? They are locked in there pretty tight, states too big to move it into the golf. They just going to close themselves off until they calm down and are ready to talk again?
Re: What Impact Will Texas Secession Have on Video Game Biz?
Hahahahaha. ^^
And the altruistic concerned emerges!
"HEY! LISTEN!"
Re: What Impact Will Texas Secession Have on Video Game Biz?
Come on, surely I am less annoying than Navi? :P
Re: What Impact Will Texas Secession Have on Video Game Biz?
Of course, but Navi can hardly be considered "altruistic." ^^
"HEY! LISTEN!"
Re: What Impact Will Texas Secession Have on Video Game Biz?
Six Days in Austin? There already has been a game about a new US Civil War, I believe it was called Shattered Union, an RTS game. I've no idea if it was any good, I presume it wasn't.
Re: What Impact Will Texas Secession Have on Video Game Biz?
It wasn't any good. Also, it was a hex-tiled turn based strategy not an RTS.
Re: What Impact Will Texas Secession Have on Video Game Biz?
That actually makes it sound BETTER than an RTS. Leaves room for actual "strategy" instead of the usual "tactics" used in most RTS.
Re: What Impact Will Texas Secession Have on Video Game Biz?
Let's just ignore the fact that secession isn't really a viable option in this day and age for the moment.
If it were to happen the impact would likely be negligible as I'm willing to bet the majority of those studios would pull up stakes.
Re: What Impact Will Texas Secession Have on Video Game Biz?
Tell me about it. It's tough enough to create a new state, secseding from another. You have to establish borders, a new government, laws, currency, etc. In NorCal, we tried to make Jefferson a seperate state, and that eventually fell through.
Just think of the problems Texas would have becoming a new country. Ain't gonna fly, Perry.
Re: What Impact Will Texas Secession Have on Video Game Biz?
I agree 100% about the issues surrounding Texas Secession. Honestly, though? I'd almost say, Let em go. Less Conservative Votes in the Senate, and less electoral votes garunteed to go to conservative presidential candidates. Them leaving would be a great thing for Liberalism in the US.
That, and they'd finally realize the error of thier arrogance when, say, a Tornado or Hurricane rips up half of the state, just like a few years back, and they come crying, "Help us! We need aid!" The US can go, "Nope! Good luck recovering without Federal Aid. Oh! And how are your schools and roads doing, without Federal Aid, as well?"
Re: What Impact Will Texas Secession Have on Video Game Biz?
Conservatives and Liberals need each other as much as a hamburger patty needs a bun (or bacon/cheese if you will). Without having these political oppositions there would be no existing middle ground (unless if all shifts to the left and you have Liberals, which would be your new right, and Ultra-Mega Liberals as your new left). The Conservative/Liberal paradigm is a necessary part of the identity of this country, even if we don't always like the other side. It keeps conformity from being the norm. One side tempers the other's position and vice versa.
Besides, Valdearg, I think you secretly like Conservatives as either as a source of entertainment or for verbal sparring. You'd probably get pretty bored if everyone mindlessly agreed with your political views.
First secure an independent income, then practice virtue. -Greek Proverb
Re: What Impact Will Texas Secession Have on Video Game Biz?
"Besides, Valdearg, I think you secretly like Conservatives as either as a source of entertainment or for verbal sparring. You'd probably get pretty bored if everyone mindlessly agreed with your political views."
Ah crap, someone's found me out! Believe it or not, I will admit that life would be pretty boring without conservatives to spar with.. Thats also the reason I listen pretty much exclusively to Conservative Talk Radio, with the exception of Rush Limbaugh (I work when he's on in my local area)
I disagree with 90% of what they are saying, but it gives me the oppurtunity to attempt to form logical arguments against what they are saying.
A good summary for my thoughts on conservatives is: Hate thier views, hate it when they have power, but don't hate the people, and love the debate, and love it when they make fools of themselves. :)
Re: What Impact Will Texas Secession Have on Video Game Biz?
Valdearg:
That's pretty much my view of most liberals. I have severe differences with their views on the roles of government, taxation, etc, and will usually poke holes whenever I possibly can. If anything, the other point of view keeps you honest about your own viewpoints.
First secure an independent income, then practice virtue. -Greek Proverb
Re: What Impact Will Texas Secession Have on Video Game Biz?
Haha, I love you GP.. This story was just what I needed to brighten up my day.
Queue the same old "GP is Biased! Waaaahh waaaah waaaah!" crap from angry conservatives in 3..2..1..
Re: What Impact Will Texas Secession Have on Video Game Biz?
Of course GP is biased. Everybody is biased, whether they realize it or not. At the very least, I think we can agree that GP is biased towards gaming and gamers. ;) Now quit trolling. :P
Re: What Impact Will Texas Secession Have on Video Game Biz?
Hey, man, I'm just having fun with it. Trust me, I could say more incendiary things if I really wanted to troll :) That being said, I'm just pointing out that for some reason, people seem to think Dennis is required to keep his opinions to himself, when, in fact, that isn't the case at all :)
Re: What Impact Will Texas Secession Have on Video Game Biz?
Don't forget about Georgia!
blogs.ajc.com/jay-bookman-blog/2009/04/16/georgia-senate-threatens-dismantling-of-usa/
Re: What Impact Will Texas Secession Have on Video Game Biz?
"Or perhaps Gov. Perry is just going off the deep end."
This.
--------------------------------------------------
I LIKE the fence. I get 2 groups to laugh at then.
Re: What Impact Will Texas Secession Have on Video Game Biz?
I'm not from Texas, but I heard from some Texans that Gov. Perry doesn't stand much of a chance to be re-elected, and that the vast majority of the people in big TX cities would punch him in the mouth for this type of talk.
GameSnooper
Re: What Impact Will Texas Secession Have on Video Game Biz?
The scary thing about this is, is that rural areas of Texas make up most of the votes for the state to where city folk don't have much of a say. You have to also consider that there's a lot of wealthy people from that state.
But Texas becoming it's own country would be the stupidest thing that ever happened. It's just going to create more problems that aren't really necessary.
----------------------------------------
"Because this town is under the stranglehold of a few tight eyed Tree Huggers who would rather play Hacky Sack than lock up the homeless" -- Birch Barlow
Re: What Impact Will Texas Secession Have on Video Game Biz?
That's not exactly true. Also there is something about being in the south that when you live in a small town, you can get away with considering yourself "rural". Sure they're not urban by any means, but "rural" is just as much of a stretch.
Re: What Impact Will Texas Secession Have on Video Game Biz?
This. very VERY much this
Perry is an idiot that screwed over college tuition in Texas to the point where a great deal of poeple can't even afford college tuition because of all the hikes associated with his dumb arse policy.
I wish I could say I'd do more than punch him in the face, but i'm not stupid.
Texas isn't going to leave the United States. Honestly, anyone who takes this seriously is... well I don't know but it's beyond hope.
Re: What Impact Will Texas Secession Have on Video Game Biz?
I just hope they take other states that want to teach creationism in schools. Once they are out, the US will be able to have little problem making leaps and bounds with scientific findings, passing same sex marriage across the country, and everyone will get cookies!
[Edit: Please take Sarah Palin when you succeed, please take Sarah Palin...]
Nido Web Flash Tutorials AS2 and AS3 Tutorials for anyone interested.
How to set Xbox 360 Parental Controls
How to set Xbox 360 Parental Controls
Re: What Impact Will Texas Secession Have on Video Game Biz?
I'd like to think you are being satirical, but I have no hope for humanity so it's just as likely that you aren't. I'll just point out that Texas doesn't want to teach creationism in schools.
Eggy Weggs
Re: What Impact Will Texas Secession Have on Video Game Biz?
Our God is an awesome God
He reigns from Heaven above with wisdom power and love
Our God is an awesome God.
Nido Web Flash Tutorials AS2 and AS3 Tutorials for anyone interested.
How to set Xbox 360 Parental Controls
How to set Xbox 360 Parental Controls
Re: What Impact Will Texas Secession Have on Video Game Biz?
It's "secede". It sounds like the last thing you want is for them to succeed. ;)
Re: What Impact Will Texas Secession Have on Video Game Biz?
I think he wants them to succeed in seceding
***Homicide-free video gaming since 1972!***
Re: What Impact Will Texas Secession Have on Video Game Biz?
Exactly, that is how much I want Palin gone. Though I have friends in Texas, they would move if that happened anyways.
Nido Web Flash Tutorials AS2 and AS3 Tutorials for anyone interested.
How to set Xbox 360 Parental Controls
How to set Xbox 360 Parental Controls
Re: What Impact Will Texas Secession Have on Video Game Biz?
Now... how exactly would The secession of Texas have any impact whatsoever on Alaska's Palin? Also, PALIN?! That bitch hasn't been a real threat since November.
If anything, it's the conservative "news" media that's pereptuating the bullshit.
Re: What Impact Will Texas Secession Have on Video Game Biz?
Point being, they already tried that. Texas and the entire SE US. And it resulted in the greatest pain this nation ever caused itself. Bro-on-bro? Do we really want to go through that again? Can Obama be the next Lincoln? OR is that too much for him to live up to?
Re: What Impact Will Texas Secession Have on Video Game Biz?
I'd doubt we'd go to war over it, the states leaving the union wasn't what caused the Civil War it was just the spark that ignited the powder keg. Since we don't really have that powder keg right now I see no reason for a war.
Eggy Weggs
Re: What Impact Will Texas Secession Have on Video Game Biz?
It was because the US government wanted to change their way of life by converting all their farming equipment into citizens that caused the secession. Which threatened the economic and social conditions of the Union, whose leaders decided to fight agianst with military force.
So yes, the projected results of the secession was enough to convince the Union to remove the opposition.
Personally I don't think either side was truly "right" in the Civil War.
Re: What Impact Will Texas Secession Have on Video Game Biz?
Sorry, the teacher in me has to come out. The problem was that, even with the 3/5ths compromise (meaning that in the census that slaves would be counted as 60% of a person and 5 slaves would equal 3 people in an official count) with the explosive growth in the North (both through immigration and the Industrial Revolution) the South was lossing power. With Lincoln winning the presidency when his name wasn't even on the ballot in the South showed just how little power they had left. That was the reason for secession.
As for Texas seceding, due to the fact that as an economic power it is second to California (I believe in the recession it has jumped New York) I don't think that the Country would allow it. Plus Texas doesn't have the right (unlike what most people think it was not part of the deal upon being accepted in the Union). Texas does have the right to split into 5 more states though, but the people are too proud to allow this to happen.
Foaming at the mouth
Re: What Impact Will Texas Secession Have on Video Game Biz?
We only have the rights we are willing to fight for.
Re: What Impact Will Texas Secession Have on Video Game Biz?
Who says we'd go to war over it?