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Cartoon in poor taste

Sat., Jan. 19, 2013

The Jan. 14 cartoon with a caricature of an American Indian on a wooden nickel with the caption “Indian Giver” is beyond poor taste. The term, according to a Google search, is “one who gives a gift and later wants it back.” “Indian Giver” is a racist term that has no foundation in fact, and should not be used today.

A more accurate term based on historical fact would be “government giver.” I think most Americans regardless of ethnic origin have experienced the effects of government giveth and taketh away.

The Spokesman-Review has a responsibility to exercise discretion in publishing political cartoons that are racist or otherwise degrading to others.

Mark Weadick

Coeur d’Alene

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