Toon and text by John Auchter
One of the big downsides to January in Michigan is the annual State of the State address. (Of course, the main upside to January in Michigan is that it isn’t February.) We have not been blessed with governors who are accomplished orators, at least not during the time that I’ve been editorial cartooning.
John Engler was so bad it was actually part of his charm. (That may be the only published instance where you will see “charm” and “John Engler” in the same sentence.) He was an effective behind-the-scenes guy who was clearly uncomfortable speechifying. You could almost see the thought balloon above his head as he talked, “My hands. What do I do with my hands?”
Jennifer Granholm had skills but in the “smart kid hitting all her marks” sense. Technically there, but something much less than inspiring. True, as governor during Michigan’s lost decade, she had some pretty grim material to work with. But then so did Churchill, and he did okay. (Perhaps governors should be required to deliver all future speeches using a British accent.)
Before I dump on Governor Snyder, I should mention my own deficiencies in this area. When I was in high school I purposely took debate and forensics in an effort to become decent at public speaking. Thank goodness this was before ubiquitous recording devices and YouTube because I was bad. Legendarily bad. There were times when I could see in a judge’s eyes her longing for a tranquilizer gun to put me down and end everybody’s misery.
The remarkable thing about Snyder’s address wasn’t the expected not-so-great delivery, it was the content. Both Engler and Granholm pretty much gave up in their last terms, but here Rick Snyder seemed to be announcing “I’m kinda done with this” ahead of time!
Especially the infrastructure thing. I know it’s a tough gig with a Republican legislature actively working against him. (Admittedly, drawing him disappearing into a sinkhole probably isn’t helping, either.) But I think this would have been a good time to rally Michigan citizens with some sort of definitive plan! Oy.
I guess what I’m saying is, out of the two farewell addresses I heard in the last week, I preferred Obama’s.
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.
John, You can learn to have fun with speaking. I myself was a performer already, but I learned a heck of a lot from the Toastmasters club. It is a place where you go once a week, and people teach you how to speak, very quickly, and it is fun. Way better than a couple hours of watching TV at home.
Just public speaking, no annoying public service or any such. Where are you? Lots of Toastmasters clubs everywhere. Take a look at the web site, and find a local club.
http://www.toastmasters.org/
Thanks, Tom. I appreciate the tip!
Ha ha ha ha heeeeee….. I was staring at the third frame thinking “what? what? ”
The fourth frame–the sinkhole–sent me into hysterics. Well done, sir. Well DONE!
Thanks, Kathy!
I also preferred Obamas farewell speech! Only it was 8 years too late! Get out and stay out Barry!
Amen!
Michigan infrastructure can never be properly maintained while we support generations of welfare lifers who suck up $40k/year + in total annual benefits. The solution to this is drastic reform of all social welfare programs. Cut those costs by 90% and watch how easy it is to maintain infrastructure while also providing tax cuts to working people.
Amen!