Above the crowd, chants Americans can hear the roar of resentment. The Republicans have weighed in. Sarah Palin is the saintly small town American. She has traditional conservative values. And the venom needed to spread the McCain message with a vengeance. The Grand Old Party says, Sarah Palin is just what they needed to excite the base. The senior Senator, John McCain, the Republican Presidential pick was too dry, too dull, or too dogmatic. He did not seem to possess the magnificence of a maverick as he once did.
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BuzzIt bethink 'we know what we are, but know not what we may be.' ~
What do you talk about when you, a Presidential or Vice Presidential candidate have nothing good to say of yourself? What can be said to encourage people to endorse you when your proposed policies will hurt them? What do you talk about when you cannot explain, the last years that define the failure of your Party?
You speak of others. Then, no one will notice what you do not want them to acknowledge. When you are not as wondrous as people hope you will be, criticize someone else. Slice, dice, and place people on the defensive. Lessen the worth of one who looms too large for your liking. Then, attention will be diverted away from you. A common enemy can be your cause. If people in your Party have someone to actively oppose they will joyfully join you in a quest to conquer.
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BuzzIt bethink 'we know what we are, but know not what we may be.' ~
Women are in leadership roles in every avenue of life. Today, two have risen far above the fray. They have accomplished more than many a man. Senator Hillary Clinton and Governor Sarah Palin each saw the top of glass ceiling and put cracks in the upper limits. For these exceptional persons, the sky was not high enough. They sought to be more, to be all that they could be. Perchance, the pair succeeded. Yet, as these skillful and courageous females spoke of what they had achieved, or could, were there no constraints, frequently, the reaction from others was sadly, as could have been expected. For centuries, conventional wisdom may have weighed women down. At least words of woe have dampened the spirit of daughters of Eve who hoped to soar.
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BuzzIt bethink 'we know what we are, but know not what we may be.' ~
Man, not even a week in, and the Palin family is a gift that won't stop giving. This Alaskan crew comes with more baggage than the Clintons (but hopefully not with as much political skill!) So many scandals, so little cartoon space: I decided to go with "Having It Both Ways" [Archive No. 0830], an angle on the McCain campaign and the Right's deliberate attempt to reignite the culture wars. I'm sure there will be plenty of future chances to come back and visit the colorful (though not in skin tone) Palin clan.
Speaking of the future, I'm back at my art board and settled in to deliver weekly toons for the Election '08 homestretch. The hand is pretty much healed; thanks for all the kind e-mails!
Back in seven,
Andrew toon@offthewahl.com
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BuzzIt bethink 'we know what we are, but know not what we may be.' ~
A Vietnam veteran and America's potential Commander-In-Chief, needed to make the decision of a lifetime. As a candidate for President, would he superficially vet his choice for a possible Vice Presidential candidate, or might he substantially examine what could be exposed in the press before he picked the preferred Sarah Palin. The choice was clear. Yes, he, a former prisoner of war, would prepare for what could be a battle. This crucial determination might define his career. Presidential aspirant, John McCain would evaluate the essentials. However, he did not engage in this process post-haste.
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BuzzIt bethink 'we know what we are, but know not what we may be.' ~
Without a good education, children are left behind. Americans understand this. Yet, most do not acknowledge, in the United States, very few young persons receive quality instruction. American children do not learn to think critically, creatively, or comprehensively in comparison to those in other countries. Even students enrolled in excellent schools do not excel as children elsewhere do. Internationally, the information published in a 2002, United Nations Children's Fund, [UNICEF] study exposed a frightening truth; America pupils and schools receive poor grades when student performance and instruction are assessed. Today, the American education system remains at risk. As a recent report reinforces, today as we observe our offspring, we must consider the necessity of change. It is time to make Tough Choices (in these) Tough Times. This nation, left behind, must commit to teach our children well.
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BuzzIt bethink 'we know what we are, but know not what we may be.' ~
People may wish that the fuel tanks on the automobile they drive were full of gas. Yet, recently, due to the rising price of petroleum, many crude containers are empty. American citizens feel the crunch, the energy, and economic crunch. They have cried. They clamored. The public craves attention for what they think is issue number one, the cost of Texas Tea, Alaskan oil, and fossil fuels from foreign sources. John McCain hears the call. His Vice Presidential pick, Sarah Palin feels the pain of the poor persons, of all Americans, who scream for relief at the pump. Even Barack Obama has proposed a compromise on a previously held position.
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BuzzIt bethink 'we know what we are, but know not what we may be.' ~
A year ago, Andrew Wahl addressed the economic issue that confronts every American. A lack of income causes the average American great angst. Today, just as a year later, citizens of this country clamor. Money is tight. Some may say, "The more things change the more they stay the same." Perchance, economically, the situation is worse. As people are laid off, jobs are shipped overseas, and businesses here at home go bankrupt, we collect coins. In a desire to pay our mounting bills, the people of this prosperous nation ask for change that amounts to dollars and sense.
Andrew extends his apology for a delayed return to novel toons.
Hand Injury Delays Toon Return Till Next Week
Hey, all:
A quick note to let you know my editorial cartoons won't be returning from hiatus until next week. During the first week of my vacation, I slipped and landed on a barnacle-encrusted rock, resulting in several cuts on my drawing hand and a trip to the ER. It's all healing remarkably well, but I'm still finding it tough to do brushwork. So I'm going to have to pass on the Democratic National Convention, but should be back in the saddle for next week's GOP brouhaha.
Till then,
Andrew toon@offthewahl.com
Until then, please enjoy the Labor Day holiday and a thought on the subject of work, wages, and survival in America.
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BuzzIt bethink 'we know what we are, but know not what we may be.' ~
What does one say when, by acclamation, a man whose background and experience may be more American than most who have been nominated to be the Presidential candidate , is chosen to represent the his Party? How might one find words for this moment? Overwhelmed with feelings, does an individual shout, Hooray? Through the tears of happiness, might we exclaim, "This is incredible!" Can we communicate the sensation. The possibilities are phenomenal. This historic moment is fascinating. Oh joy; oh bliss. Perchance we can believe not only in change, but also in the beauty of people dedicated to a cause. Possibly each of us can have faith in unity. We can perchance, begin anew. Hope is alive. The dream survives. The impossible is probable.
It is important to express a deep, sincere, and special gratitude to Hillary Rodham Clinton. Every one of us might acknowledge our earnest appreciation for those Clinton supporters who cast a delegate ballot for Barack Obama.
Let us each wish upon the stars in the skies and those in our eyes. Democrats, Independents, Republicans who remember the intent of our forefathers, let us do what we must to ensure government is again, of, by, and for the people.
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BuzzIt bethink 'we know what we are, but know not what we may be.' ~
Tonight Hillary Clinton, I thank you. Your speech was sensational. The words were welcome. A call for unity could not be more needed. I believe only you could make this plea in a meaningful manner. As grateful as I am, and indeed, I am truly pleased that you spoke as you did. I wonder if this pronouncement, as presented, will solve what some see as the dilemma of the disaffected. Will your words alleviate the concern too often expressed about the Democratic candidate, Barack Obama?
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BuzzIt bethink 'we know what we are, but know not what we may be.' ~
I had the incredible privilege of hearing, seeing, and being with the glorious Michele Obama a few weeks ago. Near a month earlier, I listened intently to the speech she shared in Miami. It was in the twilight of the day when Michelle Obama presented just a bit of the story she told the nation this evening. Although, at that event, the entirety of her narrative was yet to be revealed, I knew then, that this woman was, is wondrous. I said so when given the chance.
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BuzzIt bethink 'we know what we are, but know not what we may be.' ~
What is black and white and read all over? Associated Press reports written by the "respectable" albeit some would say disreputable Ron Fournier. Few Journalists foment interest in this Presidential election in the way this whimsical writer does. His prose is not dry. Detachment does not define the Washington Bureau Chief. Conventional standards, set by the information industry, might label this laudable lackey as less than logical. For logic is rarely found in flaming rhetoric. Fournier describes his approach as "accountability journalism" and "liberating . . . the truth," as well it should be.
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BuzzIt bethink 'we know what we are, but know not what we may be.' ~
I saw them. I heard them. The undecided voters were no longer in the shadows. The seven, eleven, or fourteen percent, the unpersuadables who either decline to state a preference, or have not yet determined whether they could or would support the presumptive nominees, Barack Obama or John McCain, were there. They stood at the door of the Arena. It was a Thursday afternoon, in Boca Raton, Florida. Hundreds, myself among them, stood in wait as the storms overhead threatened. Rain clouds did not deter us. What some thought oppressive heat did not dissuade the many who wished to hear the former First Lady. As we stood outside and discussed when the doors might open, many shared their deeply held conviction. Obama could not possibly beat Senator McCain without Clinton, and her supporters. If Hillary was at the top of the Democratic ticket, several speculated, we could crush John McCain.
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BuzzIt bethink 'we know what we are, but know not what we may be.' ~
My cartoons have been drawing heat lately in the letters section of my home newspaper, The Wenatchee World. One writer accused me of "defeatism," while another wrote that my cartoons "embolden our enemies." "Despicable" was the word from another letter writer, along with "hateful," "insulting" and "reprehensible."
Working where I do, it's really not a surprise that no one has written in to mount a public defense of my cartoons. The Wenatchee Valley is red territory - really red; for perspective, 63 percent of voters in North Central Washington's Chelan County and 67 in Douglas County voted for Bush in 2004, compared to 66 percent of voters in the president's home county of McLennan in Texas. So I thought I'd go ahead and defend myself with this week's toon, ."Shhh" [Archive No. 0721]
The result? Another "fan" letter - along with a subscription cancellation - within hours of the paper coming off the press.
I know nastygrams are supposed to be a sign of a job well done in this field, but sheesh ...
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BuzzIt bethink 'we know what we are, but know not what we may be.' ~
Americans, addicted to oil and quick fixes, embrace a man and a mantra; yet, most are unwilling to envelop themselves in a cause. The public appreciates the need for clean energy. Accolades are bestowed upon the former Vice President, author, Nobel Peace Prize winner, and environmentalist Albert Gore for the work he has done to inform us of an inconvenient truth. Nonetheless, as knowledgeable as the public may be, nothing truly changes. Intellectually, nearly everyone accepts what a myriad of experts emphasize. The planet is in peril. However, emotionally, few internalize the urgency of what must be a global priority. There is a problem. We cannot wait to employ solutions.
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BuzzIt bethink 'we know what we are, but know not what we may be.' ~
It is becoming more apparent with each passing day that the American lifestyle as it currently exists is unsustainable. For more than three decades, we have accepted the false narrative that we can live beyond our means and there will be no cost for the extravagance. Not only has our government accepted and promoted this falsehood, but we as a nation have accepted it as well. It has become so engrained into our national psyche that anyone who dares to point out its inherent flaws is immediately ridiculed by politicians, the media, and their fellow citizens.
You see rather than looking at the real culprits of our failed domestic and foreign policies we want to create these "bogeymen" who want to destroy our sacred way of life. The truth is that it is always easier to blame others for our shortsightedness and faults.??
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BuzzIt bethink 'we know what we are, but know not what we may be.' ~
Throughout the ages, life has been but an allegory for the Shakespearean drama Macbeth. When people observe the strength of a wedded woman, they wonder. Might she be the spouse behind the man? Couples whose passion for power burns brightly may be reminiscent of those who perform in the tragedy played out on many a theatre stage. A pair, married partners, in the present, may be as characters in a revival of the this best-known of William Shakespeare's tragic productions. The tale, written in centuries long past, often evokes reverie of today's truths. Only the characters differ.
If this dramatic piece, were to be performed today, possibly, Hillary and Bill Clinton would be cast as the main characters. The two are slightly more modern, and a bit less morose than the actors in years gone by.
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BuzzIt bethink 'we know what we are, but know not what we may be.' ~
As Americans await the action in Denver, as the people look forward to the Democratic Convention, citizens are reminded of what was once thought inevitable. Hillary Clinton will be on center stage. The "juggernaut's" name will be placed into nomination. Barack Obama continues to run.
I ran into one of my co-workers in the break room at The Wenatchee World today, shortly after my latest cartoon came off the press.
"I don't understand your cartoon today," he said.
I asked him what he didn't understand. He wanted to know if I was trying to say Hillary is cold and emotionless - almost robotic - in her pursuit of the presidency, or was it that the Clinton campaign was an unstoppable juggernaut racing toward the nomination.
"Yes," I said.
"The Clinton Machine" has been a marvel to behold this primary season. And my co-worker understood this cartoon just fine.
What do you think?
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BuzzIt bethink 'we know what we are, but know not what we may be.' ~
MoveOn.org presents this production with a desire to seek donations. This self-proclaimed "Progressive" organization hopes to advance the Democratic candidate, and look for dollars to do so. In essence, MoveOn would wish the public to think that if we advocate for Barack Obama then the Party platform will be fulfilled. As one who does not necessarily see these two entities as equivalent, I offer this audio-visual presentation more as a tool to inform than a request for a contribution.
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BuzzIt bethink 'we know what we are, but know not what we may be.' ~
It is ironic that with the ascension of the Barack Obama candidacy many people believe that it is ringing the death knell for the civil rights movement as we have known it. After 50 years of struggle, are we reaching the end of the movement that has defined the state of black America for decades? Has America or more importantly the black community outgrown the type of politics and confrontational style of the previous generation? Is black America better served by the rhetoric of reconciliation and personal responsibility being touted by Senator Obama. The answer largely depends on who you ask.
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BuzzIt bethink 'we know what we are, but know not what we may be.' ~
Has there ever been a more politically tone-deaf administration than this one? I can understand Bush's need to score points with the base. But if you're going to veto legislation to take a stand against "big government," couldn't you pick something more palatable than quashing healthcare for poor children? And to say we can't afford $35 billion for sick kids, at the same time you're asking for around $190 billion - that's $190,000,000,000! - in additional war spending?
How did this numbskull ever get to be president? No, really.
As I was sitting down to tackle this week's toon, I was looking to do something with that notion of tone deafness. But as I brainstormed symbols that spoke to children paying the price for America's war machine, I kept coming back to the same image: Jules Feiffer's Munro.
For those not familiar with Feiffer, the guy is on the top rung in my pantheon of creative heroes. Pulitzer-winning editorial cartoonist. Obie-winning playwright. And, in 1961, he was the writer of an Academy-Award-winning animated short called "Munro."
"Munro" started life as a short story in Feiffer's 1957 cartoon collection, "Passionella." The story revolves around a four-year-old boy named Munro who is drafted into the U.S. Army and can't seem to convince anyone that there's been a mistake. It's a brilliant piece of work, one that still has wonderful resonance today. (If you haven't seen the animated version, treat yourself on YouTube.)
Feiffer retired from editorial cartooning on a regular basis in 2000.
With our young again being victimized by a misguided military effort, it seemed a good time to pay homage to one of my greatest influences. "Munro, 2007," below, is the result. I think it works fine with no knowledge of the "Munro" back-story, and offers deeper meaning for those in the know (which now includes everyone reading this). I'm pretty tickled with this one.
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