In a move that's reportedly supported by the MPAA, NAB, NCTA and Independent Film & Television Alliance, President Obama requested today that the Center for Disease Control begin research on the "the relationship between video games, media images and violence." According to Deadline, the move comes after the President revealed 23 executive actions to reduce gun violence, the biggest gun-control push in U.S. history.
"We don’t benefit from ignorance," the President said in his announcement. "We don’t benefit from not knowing the science of this epidemic of violence." He has also asked Congress for $10 million to support the research of the effects of violent images "on young minds."
In a joint statement, major entertainment organizations including the MPAA voiced their support for the initiative, saying, "It is a complex problem, and as we have said, we stand ready to be part of the conversation and welcome further academic examination and consideration on these issues as the President has proposed."
Along with the CDC's research, Obama's new gun control agenda includes making it easier for the government to perform background checks on prospective gun buyers, launching a campaign promoting safe gun ownership, passing a federal gun trafficking law to keep people from bringing guns into cities from out of state, and developing emergency responses for the event of an attack on schools or churches. He also is calling on Congress to renew a ban on assault weapon sales that expired in 2004.
And yes, Fox News is already mad.
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[via Deadline]
