Cartoons are propaganda

I really enjoy good editorial cartoons. They provide unique perspectives and insights into our political life, while bringing a smile to our faces. They can provide a real service by exposing and eviscerating the hypocrisy and half-truths that have been politicians’ stock in trade for time immemorial.

The subtle use of satire and irony to instantaneously make a point can be startling in its clarity and impact. However, the difference between satire and propaganda can sometimes be difficult to distinguish. In the case of Michael Ramirez’s work it is not hard to judge. It is almost always pure propaganda.

For example, his June 30 cartoon, in which he has the president saying, “I am a big fat liar,” is simply coarse and humorless. Contrast it with Nick Anderson’s subtle use of facial expressions and body language to make a cute and comical point without having to put badges on people to explain what he is trying to say.

Before featuring Ramirez’s work so often and prominently in your paper, I urge you to ask yourself this simple question: “Is this satire or propaganda?” I think you will usually find yourself affirming the latter. If so, please don’t publish the piece.

Jim Lee

Spokane

GOP likes this federal control

Time and time again, the Republican Party claims “state’s rights” when it cannot game the system to get what it wants at the national level.

Remember the Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, where the U.S. Supreme Court, in a 5-4 ruling, came to the conclusion that corporations have the right to free speech and money constitutes free speech? The justices in the majority were all appointed by Republican presidents.

When our country was young and growing, we had vast corruption throughout the western United States by corporations. Railroad, cattle, timber and mining barons (aka robber barons) controlled and bought local and state politicians. Montana in its wisdom restricted corporations in state politics.

Montana challenged Citizens United, and the very same Supreme Court justices appointed by Republican presidents that supported the Citizens United case also dismissed the Montana case without any oral arguments.

Many newspapers across America have expressed their opinions on this issue, but refuse to state the obvious fact that this morally offensive act was brought to you by the Republican Party and paid for by corporate America.

Lawrence Schuchart

Spokane