The Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund asks each of us to consider our values and the ethics of Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin. Environmental experts also join these protectors of the natural world when they inquire, would we rather have science survive or the ideology of a singular prominent person, Alaskan Governor, Sarah Palin. A woman who could potentially be a heartbeat away from the presidency holds dear a practice that might cause some to cry or cry out. Governor Palin, as an elected official, a churchgoer, and as a citizen promotes her personal fondness for aerial wolf and bear hunts.
Mother of five Sarah Palin ignites the race for the White House. Like an arsonist, this female is the flame, and every moth is drawn to her. Men and women alike, crowd into community events just to gaze upon this combustible personality. Since the Republican Convention ended, everywhere Sarah Palin travels, throngs of voters follow. The constituents wish to catch a glimpse of this Hockey Mom. "Sarah" as she is called, is thought to be one of them. She is the average American.
Sarah Palin must be the final insult to poor Hillary. To be so close to breaking the ultimate glass ceiling, and to feel you were mistreated by the media, and then to see some gun-tottin', Bible-thumpin' hottie hockey mom, with even less experience than that punk you were supposed to have crushed, strut in using a ready-made "the media is sexist" defense. Every time Palin evokes her name on the campaign trail, Hillary must die a thousand deaths.
When I first sketched this toon, I had Hillary saying something like "What have I begot?" But as I was looking at it on the art board, the final caption wrote itself. It's the unspoken word that's been in the background this entire whole campaign (and notice that it's still unspoken). It seemed pretty obvious that's "What Hillary Must Be Thinking." (Archive 0831)
That's all for this week. Back in seven.
Cheers,
Andrew toon@offthewahl.com
Post Script . . . Please peruse the news share just a journey away. Click the "There's More" phrase at the bottom of this treatise and travel further into times and toons.
Whether you are a Republican or a Democrat the cry is the same, "We want change!" For well over a year Americans have heard the words. Barack Obama is "The change we can believe in." Currently, the cry is McCain is the change candidate, and certainly, he is. This Presidential aspirant, a celebrated "maverick," has altered the conversation and transformed his candidacy. More than once, the media counted the former prisoner of war, John McCain, down and out; yet, the Arizona Senator rose as a Phoenix from the flames. Many Americans trust that the formidable fellow who fought for his country with blood, sweat, and tears is the best person to serve as President of the United States.
Above the crowd chants, Americans can hear the roar of resentment. The Republicans have weighed in. Sarah Palin is the saintly small town American. She has traditional conservative values. And the venom needed to spread the McCain message with a vengeance. The Grand Old Party says, Sarah Palin is just what they needed to excite the base. The senior Senator, John McCain, the Republican Presidential pick was too dry, too dull, or too dogmatic. He did not seem to possess the magnificence of a maverick as he once did.
Women are in leadership roles in every avenue of life. Today, two have risen far above the fray. They have accomplished more than many a man. Senator Hillary Clinton and Governor Sarah Palin each saw the top of glass ceiling and put cracks in the upper limits. For these exceptional persons, the sky was not high enough. They sought to be more, to be all that they could be. Perchance, the pair succeeded. Yet, as these skillful and courageous females spoke of what they had achieved, or could, were there no constraints, frequently, the reaction from others was sadly, as could have been expected. For centuries, conventional wisdom may have weighed women down. At least words of woe have dampened the spirit of daughters of Eve who hoped to soar.
Man, not even a week in, and the Palin family is a gift that won't stop giving. This Alaskan crew comes with more baggage than the Clintons (but hopefully not with as much political skill!) So many scandals, so little cartoon space: I decided to go with "Having It Both Ways" [Archive No. 0830], an angle on the McCain campaign and the Right's deliberate attempt to reignite the culture wars. I'm sure there will be plenty of future chances to come back and visit the colorful (though not in skin tone) Palin clan.
Speaking of the future, I'm back at my art board and settled in to deliver weekly toons for the Election '08 homestretch. The hand is pretty much healed; thanks for all the kind e-mails!
A Vietnam veteran and America's potential Commander-In-Chief, needed to make the decision of a lifetime. As a candidate for President, would he superficially vet his choice for a possible Vice Presidential candidate, or might he substantially examine what could be exposed in the press before he picked the preferred Sarah Palin. The choice was clear. Yes, he, a former prisoner of war, would prepare for what could be a battle. This crucial determination might define his career. Presidential aspirant, John McCain would evaluate the essentials. However, he did not engage in this process post-haste.
I had the incredible privilege of hearing, seeing, and being with the glorious Michele Obama a few weeks ago. Near a month earlier, I listened intently to the speech she shared in Miami. It was in the twilight of the day when Michelle Obama presented just a bit of the story she told the nation this evening. Although, at that event, the entirety of her narrative was yet to be revealed, I knew then, that this woman was, is wondrous. I said so when given the chance.
I saw them. I heard them. The undecided voters were no longer in the shadows. The seven, eleven, or fourteen percent, the unpersuadables who either decline to state a preference, or have not yet determined whether they could or would support the presumptive nominees, Barack Obama or John McCain, were there. They stood at the door of the Arena. It was a Thursday afternoon, in Boca Raton, Florida. Hundreds, myself among them, stood in wait as the storms overhead threatened. Rain clouds did not deter us. What some thought oppressive heat did not dissuade the many who wished to hear the former First Lady. As we stood outside and discussed when the doors might open, many shared their deeply held conviction. Obama could not possibly beat Senator McCain without Clinton, and her supporters. If Hillary was at the top of the Democratic ticket, several speculated, we could crush John McCain.
Throughout the ages, life has been but an allegory for the Shakespearean drama Macbeth. When people observe the strength of a wedded woman, they wonder. Might she be the spouse behind the man? Couples whose passion for power burns brightly may be reminiscent of those who perform in the tragedy played out on many a theatre stage. A pair, married partners, in the present, may be as characters in a revival of the this best-known of William Shakespeare's tragic productions. The tale, written in centuries long past, often evokes reverie of today's truths. Only the characters differ.
If this dramatic piece, were to be performed today, possibly, Hillary and Bill Clinton would be cast as the main characters. The two are slightly more modern, and a bit less morose than the actors in years gone by.
As Americans await the action in Denver, as the people look forward to the Democratic Convention, citizens are reminded of what was once thought inevitable. Hillary Clinton will be on center stage. The "juggernaut's" name will be placed into nomination. Barack Obama continues to run.
I ran into one of my co-workers in the break room at The Wenatchee World today, shortly after my latest cartoon came off the press.
"I don't understand your cartoon today," he said.
I asked him what he didn't understand. He wanted to know if I was trying to say Hillary is cold and emotionless - almost robotic - in her pursuit of the presidency, or was it that the Clinton campaign was an unstoppable juggernaut racing toward the nomination.
"Yes," I said.
"The Clinton Machine" has been a marvel to behold this primary season. And my co-worker understood this cartoon just fine.
This election season, perhaps, more so than any other, has produced a plethora of policy proposals. Frequently, a single candidate will show how well he [or she] can strut his [or her] stuff. Americans experience that each of the anointed nominees introduces an idea and then, they offer another that is in direct opposition to the original plan. It is beautiful to behold. The current presumptive challengers have demonstrated how well they dance.
Since Political Parties no longer craft platforms, Presidential hopefuls can truly swoon and croon. The songs aspirants sing sound so serene. The tangos are anything but timid. Democrat or Republican, these guys can do the twist and shout. Each can perform the Hustle like no disco dancer could. Barack Obama and John McCain trip over their feet; and the two, tip toe on the dance floor. The "old guy" and the "celebrity" are really able to maneuver . . . around issues. The "white-haired dude" and the "other guy" have preformed well, at least in comparison to each other.
However, neither holds a candle to the newest entrant to the Presidential election, Paris Hilton.
Three words inspire us all. There are "Gonna be wars," and yes, we are going to "Bomb, bomb Iran." As every inhabitant of the globe knows, "withdraw [from Iraq or Afghanistan] means chaos." If Americans and citizens around the world think things are bad now, you ain't "seen nothin' yet." "It, [this war and that one] was ugly." However, each of us can be assured the combat will continue. Engagement may be impossible to escape. The fight may flourish for "maybe a hundred" years. As Presidential hopeful so eloquent stated, that is "fine with me." However, a perpetual war is not satisfactory for those who advocate for peace.
It begins again. Each election season the public hears promises, "I will not go negative." This candidate or that will state, "Attack advertisements are unacceptable." A husband or wife will reassure the people; "Certainly, my spouse will not engage in such shameful exchanges." Yet, no matter how honorable a Presidential hopeful may seem, commercials they approve can be arguably ignominious.
It is the day of my father's birth, July 24th. The man who taught me to dream of unity gave me the freedom to aspire. Leon inspired and inspires me today. Since earliest childhood, Daddy ensured I saw no walls and created no barriers. My father, through his actions, helped me to understand the importance of fellowship. He demonstrated the need to build bridges in federations with those we call foreign. Whether Daddy spoke of companions or countries, he emphasized the strength of coalitions. Lee, as others might label him, taught me the value alliances, in every association. With thanks to Daddy, I have the Audacity to Hope. Barack Obama also has the courage of conviction. Illinois Senator, and Presidential hopeful Obama communicated this commitment to a broader community, today, on July 24, 2008, in Berlin, Germany.
Barack Obama spoke of the belief he holds dear, and the one my father shared with me. Perchance, Dreams From My Father, and his, were evident in a speech given this afternoon on distant soil. Citizen Obama expressed a belief in the power of partnerships. He advanced the notion, when we come "together to work, and struggle, and sacrifice for that better life, all is finer.
The presumptive Democratic Presidential nominee, and potential President of the United States, declared, as a community, large or small, people connected can strive to achieve for the commonweal. Individually and as a culture, we thrive when we are united. Divided, we worldwide will fall. Whether it be in Berlin, or at an American border, when people build walls, society is weakened.
This sentiment resonated within me. People abroad responded as well.
Possibly, we all have fathers, mothers, sisters, and brothers that help us to acknowledge "the greatest danger of all is to allow new walls to divide us from one another." As the assembly in Germany applauded the words "this is the moment when we must" trust, give hope, come together, "summon that spirit [of promise] anew," and "renew our resolve," I choked back tears.
I do not agree with the thought that any of us is, or has an enemy. Nonetheless, I greatly appreciate the broader concept offered; compassion towards all beings is vital. The thought expressed frequently in Barack Obama's address that touched me is, empathy is essential. I too believe that we must join as one. As a whole we need to act on our spoken intention. All individuals say they crave global tranquility. If each of us embraces the "fierce urgency of now" much will be achieved.
The time is upon us. Each of us can choose to act on our hopes and our desires. I have faith that if we recall, as my Dad taught me, no one person is our leader; no one is, or can be the person in charge, then, we can truly prosper. (I thank you Daddy for the lesson. 'All are equal. An egalitarian society is essential if humans are to live in harmony. As you said today Daddy, we each must have an opportunity to shine.)
Today, and every day, the man with a dream is not necessarily a person of any particular gender, race, color, creed, or ethnicity. He is you, me, my Dad, Barack Obama's father, and yours. The person with vision is a woman, a child. He or she is every being. If we are ever to end the nightmare of an era bent on destruction, we must join hands, extend our hearts, empathize, and endeavor to be one.
I offer an invitation, an inspirational speech. May you peruse the text, reflect on the transcript, and live as a person with intent. May I present, Barack Obama and his speech delivered in Berlin on the date of my Dad's birth.
As Governor of Texas, the Presidential hopeful warned us. If we were to select him as Commander-In-Chief he would not send mixed messages. Americans might have read George W. Bush's lips. Pressure would be applied in abundance. A thousand points of light illuminated the path the then possible Chief Executive proposed. Yet, no one wished to believe a prominent person, the son of a former President of the United States could be so cruel. Certainly, a candidate to the highest office in the land would not suggest that he would be happy to start a war while he worked to win the support of American people. Yet, there it was, in the smirk, in the statement, in the glint seen in the eyes of Governor George W. Bush. The date, January 16, 2000, one year and four days before the ready and willing combatant placed his hand on the Bible and recited the Presidential Oath of Office.
The consensus is this election year is like no other. It is more dynamic than those in the past. The times they are a changing. Indeed, there is much to substantiate this proclamation.
Presidential aspirant John McCain is in Florida this week. Five days into the hurricane season that typically haunts this South Eastern State, Senator McCain, grapples with his own disaster. The Arizona Senator, proud of his opposition to a proposed National Catastrophe Fund, needs dollars to restore order to his political house. Hence, the Arizona Senator has come to the Sunshine State to catch some rays, or more accurately to raise the necessary green.
As much as I would wish to congratulate you on your win in Puerto Rico, I cannot. I offer my condolences. I trust that you hoped for a substantial victory. I have faith that you yearned to, as they say, "seal the deal." However, you Senator Clinton did not receive the delegates necessary to cinch the nomination. Nor did you bring a divided nation together. Indeed, Senator Clinton, the results of this most recent race in Puerto Rico give credence to the argument that you, dear First Lady, are a divider, not a uniter.
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