‘Toon & Text by John Auchter
Are you guys exhausted? I know I am. I don’t know that I can continue to maintain this level of political outrage. I mean, I draw editorial cartoons, so political outraged is something of a default mode. But lately — especially this past month — it’s been like drinking from a fire hose. There is just so much to be relentlessly outraged about.
I’ve read that the process for effecting political change is more of a marathon than a sprint. I think that’s true. The prudent plan is to pick key battles and set an even pace. But it is difficult to think long term when it feels like the house is on fire.
That’s actually where the idea for this week’s comic started. I recently bought a t-shirt featuring a very popular meme taken from KC Green and his webcomic, “Gunshow.” It’s an image of a placid little doggie with a bowler hat sitting in a house that is engulfed in flames saying, “This is fine.” (http://gunshowcomic.com/648)
It got me to thinking — what’s the inverse of that? If it’s bad to be completely numb to the danger that surrounds you, what’s the consequence of perpetual reaction and losing sight of the beauty that surrounds you? What is the right level of vigilance?
One of the benefits of living in Michigan is the harsh lessons the weather can teach us. It was nice this week. Incredibly nice for February, and a gift that should be appreciated. A typical Michigan spring lasts all of 20 minutes, and this may have been the only one we’re gonna get. I hope you were able to take a moment away from the fire hose to enjoy it!
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.
I did enjoy the wonderful weather. Seems like everything in this world has gone weird. Hopefully the so called pres will last as long as a Michigan spring. I do believe that this fool will do something to implode himself. I just hope he doesn’t take us all with him!
Hate filled liberals are pathetic losers. This ignorant series of endless attacks against every policy proposed by the Trump administration proves this out.
I propose that the Trump administration never try to work with the Democrats. They will always be bomb vest wearing jihadists. Don’t compromise with Democrats. Don’t give them an inch….. Ever….
Ya bud I would love to work with someone that calls me a pathetic loser. Just like trump. Run mouth think later.
Dear Daddy,
I am paying my Federal Income Taxes today. Is your pal Mr. Trump paying ANY income taxes? Inquiring minds want to know.
He tells IT like it is. Think many wonder what IT is?
What will our medical choices be? Lots of questions around just this one issue. Medicare to be changed, vouchers, tax credit????? Mitch McConnell saying at a town hall mtg. We won, the winners make policy, the losers go home. Too much insecurity.
I feel we all have lost sight of our republic/democracy and are acting like rabid football fans.
I definitely took time to enjoy the tease of spring. I played golf, checked for signs of spring flowers, and implored the maple trees to stop budding. Oh. And I contacted my State Legislator about HB 4001. It was a good week.
Yeah, Kathy… What about those early tree buds? Will they freeze? Will that harm the trees? On the Trump front, there is this preposterous story about Federal Customs people hassling Muhammad Ali Jr. and his mom, when they returned to Fort Lauderdale, after giving a speech in Jamaica. An American with a famous name!
http://www.freep.com/story/news/2017/02/24/muhammad-ali-jr-detained-airport/98381940/
Ya’ see Auchter there is a difference between passion and angst. Liberals see the world through the lens of rage and outrage while offering no cogent program only their hate and rage. I was chagrined at the election of the socialist Obama but instead of being angry I looked for an antidote for his poison. The antidote is President Trump. Obama was my president and I acknowledged that fact and honored the office (not the man). It is liberals turn to now honor the office no matter how you feel about the man. Are you even capable of that?
Actually Mr/Ms flushed, the cartoon and even the article purposely didn’t have a specific political ideology angle. I was simply saying that there is a healthy level of engagement somewhere between total denial and total immersion (no matter which supposed side you are on). In any case, that was my intention, but I understand these things are subject to interpretation.
But since you asked about my capability, I will add this: President Trump is most definitely my president. I am a citizen; he was elected; he is my (emphasis on “my”) president. And I have very high standards for my president. Among them is an absolute commitment to the integrity of the office. He must be President first and everything else second. As such, transparency is essential, so I am still very much looking forward to him releasing his tax returns. I think we are all better Americans when we back up our words and actions with our own name. I’m sure you are capable of understanding that, right Mr/Ms flushed?
All the best,
John Auchter