"From what Atari's putting out, it appears they want to make crime exciting and to teach children how to get away with breaking the law," stated Vallone, a former prosecutor. "I'm just glad they aren't giving out cans of spray paint with this game."
"I think irresponsible corporations like Atari must get the message loud and clear, we don't want them supporting criminals and punks and if they do we won't support them."
Atari has announced that they plan on releasing "Getting Up: Contents Under Pressure" in September 2005. In this game players are encouraged to break the law by destroying property and hiding from the police. Vallone is threatening a boycott of Atari if they decide to release this irresponsible game.
"I think Atari will soon learn that they are going to be a 'Company Under Pressure,'" threatened Vallone.
Vallone recently blasted Time Magazine for promoting graffiti by displaying a gigantic billboard with various art and tags by infamous graffiti artists. One of these vandals Time hired had a long criminal record and was paid over $20,000 for his efforts. Vallone also called on Time to donate at least $20,000 for anti-graffiti and clean up programs throughout New York City. The same criminal that Time Magazine hired is also in this video game as a so-called "mentor" to novices.
"This punk is going to have an awful lot of money to buy spray paint and destroy our city because of two irresponsible corporate neighbors," stated Vallone.
As a result of this recent publicity Vallone's office received numerous calls from a publisher of a graffiti website http://www.animalnewyork.com, stating that Vallone's name would be tagged throughout the city. The website also provided a link calling Vallone a "punk" and urging people to call his office.
Vallone has doubled the penalties for graffiti and introduced a number of anti-graffiti measures to help fight this quality of life crime. He recently drafted legislation banning the possession of spray paint and other graffiti tools by anyone under 21 years of age.
Over the last few years there has been a rise in graffiti throughout New York City. The Mayor even highlighted this growing quality of life problem in his State of the City, announcing a major graffiti initiative including creating an 80 member NYPD anti-graffiti task force with coordinators in every precinct.
"Graffiti is the classic example of a gateway crime. It lets crime and lawlessness get its ugly foot in the door," stated Vallone.