Dear Mr. Mccullough,

  After reading the recent web comic listed at www.pennyarcade.com (PA), I did a search for your name.  In an attempt to educate myself on who you are, I found the article listed here and immediately understood the stance by PA. 

  I am a GamerNerd, as you affectionately refer to those that enjoy video games.  I also have played through the video game Mass Effect, twice.  I would just like to counter-point the statements you make.

1.  Most realistic sex scenes in a video game?  Hardly, but not my point, and I hope not yours.  Have you ever watched a movie with nudity in it?  The game is interactive, not the sex scenes.  This is a common argument from sexually repressed (read: self-hating homosexual right-wing nut jobs) republicans.  You cannot single out video games as the corruption of youth.  This same material is presented in every form of media in our culture.  Stop trying to pigeon hole one part of the group, because you don't have the courage to take on the whole pack.

2.  Breast size?  Okay, I'm not going to take this too far except to say....camera angle.  Other than that, I think you trying to hard.

3.  Sex with aliens.  If you are going to keep pushing the issue on sex with aliens, you should be going after the sci-fi movie genre before coming down to video games.  Where do you think the writers for these games come up with the ideas?  To stop the spread of the disease, you fight the disease, not the symptoms.  These are basic problem solving skills.  You have a problem with intergalactic nookie; you need to start by banning the sale and replay of the original Star-Trek series.  Then work your way back.

4.  Gamer ages.  When I was I kid, I would go to Blockbuster and rent R-rated movies.  I could go into Wal-mart and buy R-rated movies.  I could buy music with explicit lyrics on it.  Add all the labels you want.  The problem cannot be fixed by attacking the gaming industry.  First you have to attack the stores carrying them, and the parents supplying the funds.  This goes back to basic problem solving, and I hate repeating myself. 

5.  You playing the game...You should not play the game.  Absolutely not.  You should not provide any type of support to any form of commerce that you find offensive.  However, comparing this to hookers?  I don't even have a clue where you’re going with that.  That's like saying:  I know my neighbor has Cinemax, I know that channel shows "skin flicks" late at night, I know he watches TV late at night, he must be masturbating, I hate my neighbor....Do you see what I mean.  Video games don't put on stiletto boots and walk door to door, looking for someone to play them....enough of that.

In closing, your article is rather dry and is a point that mud slinging writers such as yourself having been vomiting at the public for a decade.  You bring up the same flaccid points that any Republican without a cause, have been babbling on about for years ad nausea.

  I am a husband of 8 years, a father of a intelligent and creative 6 year old, and a Gamer-Nerd since Mario broke his block.  In closing, your article lacks original substance, as an argument you lack solid ground to stand on, and as a debate I find you lacking in your want to insult rather that to persuade.  Consider it constructive criticism.  Thank you.