Shooting at County Hospital

Why do the media continue to use the term “survivalist” in a negative connotation? People who buy gas wrenches, strap their water heaters to the wall and prepare for the “big one” aren’t “survivalists” according to the media. No, It’s always the camouflaged-clad wacko who sprays bullets in crowded shopping malls. It’s always the guy who has books on bomb making, mercenaries and killing people who is labeled a “survivalist.”

Damacio Ybarra Torres, the suspect in the shooing at County-USC Medical Center, is painted as a “survivalist” (Feb. 10). Why should people like these be labeled survivalists? Survivalists are concerned about living, not dying. Survivalists want to protect life and property, not destroy it.

SCOTT STODDARD

Anaheim