Military bans game that “kills” troops

Military bases across the U.S. have banned the sale of a new video game that casts players in the role of a Taliban fighter that attacks US troops in Afghanistan. That game is Medal of Honor. Gamers worldwide scoff at the decision, and let’s face it folks, it’s the digital age, such bans have no effect since they can’t ban the soldiers and sailors from playing the title, and it can easily be ordered/pre-ordered online for those overseas or at sea. It’s also more than a little silly since it’s become commonplace to let players switch sides and play the bad guy. AP reports that after public protests, including by British Defense Secretary Liam Fox, U.S. military officials decided not to stock the game in any of the nearly 300 base exchange shops. The game also won’t be sold at any of the 49 GameStop stores located on various military bases. Troops will be allowed to own copies, but they would have to buy them off-base. What’s next? Are they going to close down the base paintball ranges because they simulate combat against “friendlies”? It’s fiction people! Would they do something like this if the name Tom Clancy were in the title?