Christmas marks the birth of Our Savior, the Prince of Peace, and it is heartening to know that non-believers, and even those of other faiths, think of Christmas as a time of peace. It is doubly unfortunate that at this time of year, one of the best-selling products is a video game which calls on young people to participate vicariously in the destruction of their fellow man. 

Early on in its history, the League was one of many Christian organizations which opposed prize-fighting. Representatives of the League bravely went to local law enforcement authorities and demanded that boxing matches be shut down, and their organizers arrested. At the time, prize-fighting was illegal in Maine. 

We live in a different age, a time in which the public has been dangerously desensitized to violence. Instead of the normal emotions of remorse and pity called forth when someone commits an act of violence, many find a thrill in participating in violent video games.

But even in our own desensitized age, there are limits. Many members of the public are appalled at a new video game called "Modern Warfare 2."  The script for the game was written by the same screenwriter who writes the popular television series "NCIS." In the game, the player becomes a member of a terrorist gang which guns down helpless men, women, and children waiting at an airport. This scene in the game is called the "Massacre Level."  The game has already been banned overseas, or modified to remove the offending scene, but unfortunately, the change has not been made where it is most needed, the United States.

There is a well-established cause and effect relationship between video games and school shootings, and parents of some of the victims have sued video game makers. Mercifully, our own state has been spared the occurrence of any school shootings, but the danger is growing with each passing day. The ready availability of drugs, violent video games, and outrageous rock music is a witch's brew which will eventually lead to tragedy here in Maine.

All decent people should denounce the video game "Modern Warfare 2;" and join in opposing the sale and use of such games. Moreover, it may be time for Maine to begin a debate over the advisability of banning these games completely, giving due consideration to both the First Amendment, and the danger these violent games pose to the public.