Annapolis Capital Punishment

Today we sadly learn of the first homicide of the year in Annapolis....and it's still early January. Apparently a man was shot and killed and then his car crashed last night. Not to make a comparison, but we also learn from the local newspaper and the Associated Press that in not-too-far-away Wicomico Church, Va., a 6-year-old Virginia boy who missed his school bus tried to drive to school in his family's sedan - and crashed. The first thing that came to my mind is that's a product of our car-crazed culture which glorifies the automobile and makes driving the goal and dream of even small children who are already completely comfortable with almost living in their cars, watching tv and playing videogames while riding etc., etc.

Then came the killer part of the story: "The boy told police he learned to drive playing Grand Theft Auto and Monster Truck Jam video games."

Ah Hah! That's right. A six-year old played that stupid, mindless, and horribly violent Grand Theft Auto.

Then came the second "killer" part of the story: "This really is a story of miracles," Sheriff Wilkins said. "The Lord was with him, along with everybody else on the highway."

Indeed.

The Lord was with him. Our Lord of the Highways. Where was he when the boy was playing playing Grant Theft Auto and Monster Truck Jam?
See the news story: Monsters of the Motorways .

Indeed. Now watch this trailer for Grand Theft Auto 4:


The trailer does caution that the game is not appropriate for children under 17. I think that would include six year olds. Did you like the part that says, "As an added twist, GTE 4 gives you an occasional morality choice. There are people you don't have to kill in the mission, and you can decide what you want to do...." ????

How nice. Occasional morality choices. When applicable. When convenient. Did last night's murderer also play that game?

I have not even mentioned the other story today of the man accused of immersing a small child in scalding water. What is that-- a new kind of baptism by fire? Will wonders never cease?

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