This letter is in reaction to the political cartoon that appeared in the Daily Oct. 31. First, to draw any connection between the “D.C. snipers” and violence in the media is way off base, and trivializes the whole event.

There is nothing in the case of John Muhammad or John Malvo to suggest that any kind of media violence inspired their attacks. To comment on the snipers or media violence separately is fine, but it is a stretch to draw the two together.

Blaming media for violence enacted by children is unfounded. People in our society are quick to point at the easiest, most identifiable scapegoat to blame, rather than examining themselves and the real issues behind such actions.

Blaming violence in movies, music, television and video games is much easier than offending someone by saying, “I’m sorry but your child was mentally ill” or “You failed in your parental duties.”

Muhammad and Robert Flores, the man who recently murdered three of his professors in Tucson, Ariz., were products of the military, and their actions were not the result of playing video games for hours.

I am an avid martial artist and video game enthusiast. I own “Grand Theft Auto III” and “Hitman II,” which have been heavily criticized for explicit violence. But I do not work for the mafia or randomly assassinate people, because I was raised with the proper respect for firearms and life.

Killing a mafia goon in a video game as entertainment and fantasy is a far cry from picking up a rifle and killing the mailman.