Tom the Dancing Bug by Ruben Bolling for June 12, 2015

Transcript:

news of the times reasonable checks placed on cartoonists' unbridled, unlimited power we all know that cartoonists are so powerful, their drawings can do actual harm to deities! so how can mere mortals withstand a mighty blow from the cartoonist's rapidograph pen? an all-powerful cartoonist practicing his terrible craft. thankfully, in iran, some scrappy underdog despots are taking steps to defend themselves. man: it's scary, but we must! 28-year-old iranian artist atena farghadani drew iranian lawmakers as monkeys and cows, in response to their placing limits on access to contraception and family planning services. iran has protected us all by sentencing her to over 12 years in prison for this awful deed. for too long, cartoonists have used their powers to gain total control over us. cartoonist: senator, i demand more government subsidies for cartoonists, or i shall draw you as a... turtle! senator: no! anything you say, o cartoonist! after all, imagine how much this very cartoon you are reading would change farghadani's situation if it were satirical, and not totally sincere! man: argh! cartoon satire overwhelming! you're free to go!