Stephen King, he's the King of horror (no pun intended) and he appears to believe in freedom of speach in not only books and movies, but also games. Although admitting he has little interest in video games, the horror-writer has used his Entertainment Weekly column to strike out at those who want to ban the sale of violent video games to minors. He believes, like many of have been trying to explain for years, that it's up to the parents to monitor their own children's entertainment with games and movies.

Story goes after learning of a bill in Massachusetts which is to ban the sale of games deemed violent to persons under the age of 18, King decided he needed to voice his opinion

"What makes me crazy is when politicians take it upon themselves to play surrogate parents. The results of that are usually disastrous. Not to mention undemocratic,"

"What really makes me insane is how eager politicians are to use the pop culture as a whipping boy. It's easy for them, even sort of fun, because the pop-cult always hollers nice and loud. Also, it allows legislators to ignore the elephants in the living room,"

He also mentions banning games that have already been released, or about to be released doesn't stop minors getting hold of them. Obviously many can import the game from countries that have not banned the game, or even use the internet now days.

We'll leave you to read up more on King's comments, we just think it's great to see someone who writes horror for a living state what we have all been trying to get politicians and game activists to understand for years. Nice work Stephen King, I'm an even bigger fan of your work now.

Thanks AfterDawn.