My hometown newspaper normally publishes some superb political cartoons by Ben Sargent, who has been drawing editorial cartoons for the Austin American-Statesman since 1974.
This morning, it published one that I found particularly timely and appropriate. It is one by John Sherffius, who regularly publishes in the “Boulder Daily Camera.”
Sherffius began his editorial cartooning career in college at the UCLA Daily Bruin. Today his work runs regularly in the Camera, and is distributed nationally through Creators Syndicate. John has won many awards, including the 2008 Herblock.
Regrettably I could not find a link to the cartoon itself, but, fortunately, this particular cartoon consists mainly of text (placed below a sketch of Sarah Palin).
It reads:
“sa-rah-gogue \’sa-ra-gäg\n : a leader with few qualifications who makes use of folksy phrases, popular prejudices, false claims and promises in order to gain power, you betcha.”
I think it is quite an accurate definition of the Alaska governor, albeit–after yesterday’s release of the “troopergate” report–one could add:…and a leader who abuses power and then, doggone it, lies about it.
UPDATE: A reader provided the following link to the cartoon. Thank you!
http://www.cagle.com/politicalcartoons/pccartoons/archives/sherffius.asp?Action=GetImage
Note: Once at the site, “dial in” the date 10/09/08 and then click on “get image.” Hopefully it will work. If not, enjoy the other Sherffius cartoons while you are there.
The author is a retired U.S. Air Force officer and a writer.