An evolving conversation between myself and conservative...

[FVZA_Colonel]

political cartoonist Eric Allie of Chicago (I am unsure of which newspaper he works for at this time):

Here is the initial message I sent to him after reading some of his cartoons on Daryl Cagle's Professional Cartoonists Index (http://cagle.msnbc.com/main.asp)

I don’t think I’ve ever seen such vitriol in any
> political cartoonist. From accusing proponents of
> evolution to be fundamentalists to declaring
> Democrats to be the same as dead beat dads in
> regards to Iraq, from calling Howard Dean a
> stumbling, antiquated machine to accusing liberals
> of not caring about the war on terror, you certainly
> don’t hold anything back. Perhaps, if you did, by
> exercising this critical thinking, you might also
> see that you might not be so correct in your
> assumptions. Sincerely, Michael Lis-Sette

Here is his response:

If you haven't seen similar levels of vitriol then you
must not read many editorial cartoons. I think,
rather, that you've never seen the language of the
left used against the left. It's easy for me- I used
to be on the left. But then I grew up.

Thanks for writing

Here is my planned response:

Actually, I have read a number of political cartoons, and most, of the left and the right, maintain a humorous sort of edge that lets you know that these are exagerated characatures that you shouldn't take too seriously. Your cartoons seem conspicuously devoid of this. Also, to claim that you use the language of "the left" against "the left" is unfair, as not only does it imply that "the left" is a monolithic body, but it implies an inherrent superiority of "the right" over "the left," as if to say that "the right" is not capable of any sort of original hatred. Finally, saying that you used to be on the left, but then you "grew up," is a common tactic amongst certain (and I emphasize certain) conservative ideologists, seemingly in an attempt to portray liberalism as a ideology of children and fools.
This is far from an accurate reality, as it discounts people who began their adult lives as conservatives but then "grew up" and became liberals, and it fundamentally reduces the level of political discourse to name calling ("you're dumb because you're liberal!" "No, you're dumb for being conservative!"). Thank you for responding so quickly, and I hope you have a nice day.

[GreenPartyVoter]

1. libeals who "grew up" either lost their stones or never

understood true liberalism in the first place.

[Tace]

2. He Made A Few Buck, Bought A House, And Has A Portfolio

Happens to a lot of folks when they grow up and make some money.

[TheMadHatter]

3. You just brought up an interesting dilemma

It is true that many people get more conservative as they get more successful. How do we retain the liberal ideology amongst these people? I don't think its enough to say "well, they're rich now, so screw 'em!". Like it or not, people with money control the direction of this country and the world.

[MsTryska]

8. I think it's quite easy to become

"conservative" as you "grow up".


the more you have materially, the more you have to lose, ergo the more selfish you wind up being.


it's about soul evolution i think.


some people can't evolve, for whatever reason.

[sinkingfeeling]

4. We oldsters from the 60's call that 'selling out'!!

[Oeditpus Rex]

5. Spell check

One 'r' in "inherent."
Otherwise, say on. :headbang:

[kath]

6. also "caricature" is the correct spelling (not chara... or whatever)

[spuddonna]

7. Great job! Just spell check... :) n/t