Toon and Text by John Auchter
Probably the easiest way for editorial cartoonists to get readers on their side is to make a general target of politicians. You know, not really saying anything, but instead depending on people’s recognition of the stereotype to do all the work — kind of like a hack standup comedian, “And hey, what’s up with those politicians? Have you seen these guys? They’re killing me with their this and their that. Who’s with me? Am I right?!”
I do my best to avoid that. Although on those days when the deadline is looming and that one really good idea has yet to make its appearance, it can be awfully tempting.
The thing is, I have no doubt that being a US representative or senator is a very, very difficult job. I mean, if you’re doing it right, you are beholden to your constituents, who are (as it turns out) real live people. And anytime there are more than a handful of people, there is going to be disagreement. I imagine it is an enormous challenge to navigate that for an entire district or a state.
But this is exactly why I have such disdain for those politicians who are weaseling out of having live, in-person town hall meetings (and in venues large enough to accommodate all those who are interested). It just feeds that negative politician stereotype.
Of course these town hall meetings are likely to be uncomfortable. The politicians will face difficult questions. They will face difficult people. Get over it! Voters literally gave them their jobs with those sweet, sweet healthcare benefits. They will never have to worry about the quality of medical care for themselves or their family. They will never have to imagine financial ruin from an unfortunate illness. The very least they can do is explain to us why all Americans can’t have that, too.
C’mon now! Politicians! Am I right?
John Auchter draws cartoons. Lots and lots of them. You can find them at his incredibly popular website auchtoon.com. You can also find his stuff on Michigan Public Radio’s website under Opinion.
The townhall with Huizenga Monday evening in Grand Haven should be interesting. Your cartoons are on the mark. After some not very intelligent remarks from Betsy, perhaps a future cartoon with her sitting in the corner wearing a dunce hat?
Yes! As a teacher and parent, yes!
Here is relevant info about the House of Reps: Originally, back in 1790, each US Rep. represented about 30,000 people. Now, though, each US Rep. represents about 700,000 people.
So, our US Representatives are 233% further away from their constituents than they were meant to be. And, they cannot represent us very well, compared with what our Founding Fathers intended.
Town Hall, my foot! these are “towns” of about three-quarters of a million people!
(And, the only real reason for this change in our representation is that the chamber of the House of Representatives, in Washington, will not hold more Representatives! Sort of outrageous!)
If you have a good US Rep. whom you like, Hooray! My Rep. is a grown-up rich-kid abstract-thinker ninny. My closest 30,000 neighbors never would have elected him, nor anybody like him.
Good luck with your Fed. Gov! Most of them stink.
I believe I did that percentage wrong. I should have written that we are only four and a half as well-represented as what the Famous Founding Fathers intended.
Four and a half PERCENT as well-represented.
Oy, Daddy. You are living in a different world from the USA in 2017. Please keep your pistols away from me and my family and my neighborhood.
Daddy Dearest, It appears you are trying to live in Dodge City, Kansas, in about 1870 CE. (Do I need to explain that CE is the same as AD?) Marshall Dillon, Miss Kitty, Festus, and all that bunch. Wrong! That world is gone forever, thank goodness. Please put your pistols away, and get on with life.
I carry daily. I neither require nor desire your approval. Millions more also carry daily. We are not going away and you will not deny us our rights. You are too weak.
Does that chip ever get heavy?