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LTE: Modern Warfare 3 and a Call of Duty Print
Written by Tim Vaughan   
Friday, November 11 2011 03:45
Recently I witnessed a video game tournament hosted in a local retailer’s electronics department to promote the launch of Activision Publishing’s Call of Duty – Modern Warfare 3®. 

Twenty or twenty-five young men and older boys were clustered around a video screen, as contestant after contestant took his turn at the challenge.  It was late in the evening, well after sunset.

As the tournament continued, I wondered how many young combat soldiers in another part of the world generically referred to as “Southwest Asia,”  were hunkered down in foxholes, or were cautiously exploring the next urban corner or doorway, weapon at the ready.  Elsewhere, our brothers, fathers, daughters, moms, and sons might be traveling down a rutted trail, laughingly called a “road,” hoping that an improvised explosive device will not find its mark tonight. 

As the night progresses, these brave Americans are praying for nothing more than to see the next sunrise without injury or death being visited upon them.

It’s been said and written by many, including Winda Benedetti of msnbc.com in her piece of the launch of COD-MW3, that it’s the “biggest video game launch of the year and perhaps of all time.” 

I’m sure many thousands, if not millions of hours will be spent learning and playing this video game by those who find it amusing.  This brings me to this question, “Is this a proper use of the freedom our service members and their families provide for us, through their sacrifice?” 

I know, one camp will say a resounding, “Yes,” because that is what freedom means; freedom to do as we please.  The camp I subscribe to says something else.  Certainly we should be free to choose our pursuits, but don’t we have a responsibility to make some productive use of the freedom which has been earned for us?  Is the glorification of war for entertainment’s sake a good thing? 

If one speaks with combat veterans, as I have, one quickly learns there’s nothing glorious about combat.  It’s a dirty, dangerous, frightening and all too often a maiming and fatal business.  They will usually give the credit to buddies they left behind, rather than look for any praise for themselves.  Ask them if they’d want a son or daughter to follow in their footsteps, I think most would prefer to go themselves rather than force it upon their children. 

So where am I going with this?  I suggest rather than exposing oneself to a potential case of carpel tunnel syndrome or “gamer’s thumb,” why not develop a few blisters on a community service project.  All of our local service clubs and organizations can use more volunteer help.  In other words, put the joystick down and pick up a shovel or grab a hammer; then in the words of the Infantry, “Follow me.” 

Tim Vaughan
Winnemucca
 
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