The country has elected its first black president. Californians have been demonstrating across the state in opposition to and in support of Proposition 8. Amidst the political chaos, one would think that this space could be used to write about something significant. Maybe a piece on what I foresee with the new presidency, or even a little commentary on Prop. 8. But to tell you the truth, politics is the last thing on my mind lately. Why so? Six words: Call of Duty: World at War. I can’t pinpoint the reason, but I can’t seem to get enough of the digital world of imaginary mayhem.

Now before you go on thinking that I’m some hardcore gamer, let me assure you that is not the case. I am nowhere near what any reasonable person would call talented with the controller.

In fact, just until a few months ago I was so bad at video games that I would literally get stuck on corners. Then I discovered what I consider even more addicting than spending money that I don’t have: playing Call of Duty on Xbox LIVE. And apparently I am not the only online gaming addict. There are more than 6 million members on Xbox LIVE, according to Xbox’s website. I’ll admit that figure makes me feel less pathetic.

I never imagined myself as a gamer, especially the “let’s-go-shoot-some-guys-for-fun” type of gamer. I always thought video games with the main purpose of killing other players were disgustingly violent. Isn’t it morally wrong to kill someone? Why would someone even want to pretend to kill another person? How could killing in any way be fun?

Oh, but how wrong I was. There’s something about crouching down, sneaking around the corner, zooming in to hit a target, and earning 10 points for each successful kill that makes me giddy inside.

I accept that that statement may have made me sound like a psychopathic murderer, but those who have played Call of Duty LIVE understand.

There’s nothing like the rush of earning a five-kill streak to call in a friendly artillery strike.

So here’s to you, my fellow Call of Duty fanatics. I admit that at first I was too na’ve, too judgmental to understand your love for the game. Fortunately, I came to my senses and realized that playing violent video games does not make me a violent person. After all, I honestly would never have the guts to shank people in real life.

Princess Calabrese can be reached at [email protected]