Weekend question II: Does “Obama rapes Liberty” cartoon go too far?
The Left is complaining about this March 23 cartoon by Protein Wisdom (click to enlarge)….
Thoughts?
Mar.27, 2010 9:10 am |
Weekend question |
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Jill Stanek is a nurse turned speaker, columnist and blogger, a national figure in the effort to protect both preborn and postborn innocent human life.
I would definately have to say that using a violent crime, such as rape (or even abuse), to make a political statement is taking it too far and comes of as tasteless and offensive.
Very crude and better left undrawn, unwritten, unseen.
Hi Rachel C and Debbie,
I second both of you.
Yes. I am certainly no fan of Obama and I do think he is demonic, but this is crude and tasteless. It’s really quite disturbing too. I’m sure anyone who has ever experienced something like this would find this horribly unsettling.
Powerful. Intense. Accurate. Which is worse? Overlooking the abuse of our country or symbology used to portray it? For decades the Liberal art community has used intense, graphic art, drama and language to attack conservative thinking. Perhaps, the sting that they may feel is really the point. Do they not realize that what they are doing is as painful, degrading, invasive, controlling, unwelcome, undeserving, immoral and lasting as rape?
They reach into our bank accounts to take money to give in their own names to others. They ignore our cries to be heard, listened to and respected. They force open our most private records to use for political purposes and for power over us. And in the end, after they have done their abuse and we are licking our wounds, do they not ridicule us and slander us with claims of “RACIST!”, “ANGRY MOB!”, “STUPID HICKS!”?
Their outrage is shallow and narcissistic. They fail to see that it is a mirror on their own behaviors and well-deserved and accurate.
This goes way too far. Way too far.
Vulgar. I had a hard time even reading the whole thing. Let’s not make a cartoon about of such a violent act against women. This isn’t helpful to anyone.
It’s really quite disturbing too. I’m sure anyone who has ever experienced something like this would find this horribly unsettling.
I agree, Bobby, I can only image how disturbing, offensive, or even triggering this could be to a victim or a sexual crime (whether recent or years ago).
Initial reaction was, no, that’s too far. But in my heart of hearts, that’s what I feel he is doing to the US.
I have to agree with swizzlethis:
“Powerful. Intense. Accurate. Which is worse? Overlooking the abuse of our country or symbology used to portray it? For decades the Liberal art community has used intense, graphic art, drama and language to attack conservative thinking. Perhaps, the sting that they may feel is really the point. Do they not realize that what they are doing is as painful, degrading, invasive, controlling, unwelcome, undeserving, immoral and lasting as rape?”
Maybe distasteful but kinda accurate to what he just did to the US. He violated our liberty without our consent.
The person who created this cartoon, conservative OR liberal, is no better than any political leader responsible for what is going on in our country. It makes me ashamed to be a conservative.
The cartoon is inaccurate only in that it portrays Obama and fails to show the rest of Congress who went ahead with the deed despite demands to stop. The only thing bipartisan about what happened was opposition to the monstrosity that was unleashed upon the US.
Stupak and others defend aborting those conceived in rape – and consent (choice) is the hinge-pin of the left.
They hate this cartoon because it exposes their hypocritical philosophy that pretends to advocate for the helpless, but in reality demands that “might makes right”. This cartoon nails down precisely what transpired, and if anyone has any doubts – just go look back at the symbolism with the Air Force One overflight of The Statue of Liberty.
When a party realizes they are in control (which was just demonstrated) then there will be no end to their demands. There is still the belief that fair elections will be held, however an immigration amnesty bill will forever alter the political landscape. It’s not too difficult to imagine any excuse will be used to initiate militaristic/police action.
If you’re offended by this expression of free speech you apparently don’t realize the magnitude of what just happened, and the lessons history has revealed.
What will you do when they vote to outlaw Pregnancy Resource Centers and all pro-life demonstrations?
You’re all correct. This is too graphic and could cause great pain in someone who had been similarly attacked. HOWEVER, Bobbi was the only one who addressed the actual message. What graphic would you propose to powerfully tell the story of how conservatives are being unfairly invaded, degraded, abused, slandered and ridiculed?
Unacceptable, tasteless, and offensive.
Swizzlethis, its not just conservatives. Liberty belongs to ALL AMERICANS, so whether they realize it or not, this cartoon applies to liberals too.
I actually AM a former rape victim. While this is tasteless, the message is true. I wouldn’t say I “support” this… but it does ring true to me.
The Bible uses frighteningly offensive terms to condemn wickedness that are no worse than this, even going so far as describing people eating feces (sorry but it’s true), Bible heroes proclaiming they wish they could completely castrate God’s enemies or wishing they could bathe their feet in the blood of their enemies, and describing political immorality in terms of extreme sexual perversion (as is the case here).
If this goes to far, so did the Holy Spirit in giving us His holy scriptures. If this goes to far… I’m a monkey’s uncle.
I agree it is an in your face shocker, but the truth is the truth.
This is really a bit much.
I agree with the point they’re making. However, there are other metaphors, equally as apt, that would not loose impact simply because they aren’t about rape. And I’m really tired of seeing rape as the “default abuse scenario” for someone to undergo. Liberty could be a hostage, bound and gagged and beaten, for example. That carries violence, imminent danger, and the inability to fight back all here. But so often we see rape used as a sort of shorthand for something really, really bad. This comparison, while it makes the point it ought to, is playing into that set-up when they could make the same point–equally powerfully–in other ways and not contribute to rape culture.
No, the degree of the comparison does not bother me. The kind of comparison does.
I think it’s in bad taste, and I agree with Keli Hu – why is it always rape?
Posted by: Jamie Schofield at March 27, 2010 11:01 AM
I find it extremely offensive and disturbing.
I also believe it is an accurate portrayal of BO’s determination to use any and all deceptive means necessary to use the tax dollars of Pro-Life Americans to kill innocent children. It even draws a parallel to the common thought that the crime of rape isn’t about sex so much as it is about power.
It’s a very disturbing subject.
While I find the graphic depravity of the cartoon quite upsetting, I can’t help but think of the similar reactions we have viewing gory pictures of aborted babies. We know it is necessary to show these images to awaken people to the atrocities of abortion.
As offensive as it is, will it require this type of imagery to awaken enough voters to get rid of this morally bankrupt politician in 2 3/4 years? (I’m counting the days.) I’m actually praying that God saves him or removes him from office before that. Perhaps we can catch him committing some impeachable act.
Does it go too far? My initial reaction says yes. But then again, what if cartoons like this proved instrumental in helping Pro-Life conservatives win majorities in Congress and the White House in the next 2 elections?
It’s a horrible cartoon, yet it perfectly captures BO’s lust for power.
Keli, I believe that rape was used because of the issue of consent that it deals with. It wouldn’t make much sense for it to say “you gave me all the consent I needed in 2008” if it were talking about a mugging or something.
Kinda reminds me of people who get all upset about abortion pics, saying “theres other ways to combat abortion” etc…
I like your comments Keli Hu.
There probably sre other, more appropriate, less offensive metaphors that would just as effectively show BO’s lust for power instead of rape.
Rape is not so much about sex as it is about power and control.
Obamacare is not so much about healthcare as it is about power and control.
Chris Arsenault, thank you for your reply. I realize that may be the verse that first comes to mind, but I know that verse is not referring to eating feces.
There is a completely different passage, elsewhere, that explicitly refers to people (evil people, in fact) having to eat feces. It has nothing to do with the passage you referred to. But, I don’t have the book, chapter and verse in front of me. I absolutely know it exists, tho, and if I have time to find it later, I’ll post it.
Hi Ed,
I completely agree. What next, a “cartoon” depicting a child molester or wife beater?
Sorry, but some things are just not funny.
Hi Tom,
Absolutely. Obamacare is all about power and control. What has always been among a dictator’s first targets? Controlling the nation’s healthcare along with the major industry and financial institutions.
Another characteristic of dictatorships. The “people’s respresentatives” are nothing more than loyal lapdogs to the dictator. Sound familiar?
This type of “cartoon” is not ment to be funny. It is a political cartoon…that makes a political point.
By the looks of the room (the broken lamp, the torn curtain) Lady Liberty put up a pretty good fight…I am proud of her for that. Why, oh why, did she let the brute in her room to begin with?
He says he is coming back for more. I suggest Miss Liberty use the time wisely and get herself in shape for the next fight. Don’t roll over and take it like a helpless child! You are an intelligent woman. Get busy…set a trap or an ambush or something.
Posted by: Jamie Schofield at March 27, 2010 12:02 PM
—-
That’s okay – no need.
Chris, thanks, I was hoping you wouldn’t make me look up that disgusting passage. LOL
He should follow it up with a cartoon of lady liberty at Planned Parenthood laying on a gurnee with her legs in stirrups aborting healthcare.
Does it go to far?
Duh.
I have long thought that Obama’s seductive speech and manipulative methods are like an abuser who gets his/her way. So while this cartoon is offensive as stands it is also inaccurate because the abused does not yet recognize that she has been used and still thinks she likes it. There are still too many who believe the propaganda. Some see the damage being done to our nation (tea party activists for example) but others are still being fooled. Joe Biden did say that “This is a big f-ing deal” and I thought to myself… yes… we are f-ed. You’re right, Joe. You’re right.
The more I talk to these Obamanites the more this cartoon is justified. They really think that the constitution is too old and outdated and that it deserves no protection. They are and will continue to rape Lady Liberty and hiding your heads in the sand wil not help people.
“So while this cartoon is offensive as stands it is also inaccurate because the abused does not yet recognize that she has been used and still thinks she likes it….
I see,
Of course she knows she’s been used. I don’t know how you can say otherwise.
* * *
My initial reaction – shock. But I have to agree with Tom R. that it makes a political (emphasis mine) point. The women symbolizes Lady Liberty – the United States of America. That’s very clear.
Too far? What IS too far where Free Speech is concerned? Is “too far” even possible? The reason we even HAVE Free Speech is to maintain our FREE REPUBLIC. Speech protected by the First Amendment is not likely to be popular by its very nature. To SUPPRESS such speech out of some sense of “etiquette” makes our Republic succumb to the very Political Correctness that is threatening it.
Furthermore, “Conservatives” “embarrassed” by their own First Amendment do not deserve to claim the title Conservative.
RAPE is a valid verbal description of the FORCED manner in which this travesty has occurred. The arrogance and taunting of the perpetrators is not unlike that depicted visually in this cartoon. Why should we even be bashful about political satire via a political cartoon such as this?
Is the subject of rape “holier” than religion? It would appear to be. Religious symbolism, at least as far as what pertains to Christianity, has long ago been removed from any list of sensibilities to warrant protection.
Too far? What IS too far where Free Speech is concerned? Is “too far” even possible? The reason we even HAVE Free Speech is to maintain our FREE REPUBLIC. Speech protected by the First Amendment is not likely to be popular by its very nature. To SUPPRESS such speech out of some sense of “etiquette” makes our Republic succumb to the very Political Correctness that is threatening it.
Furthermore, “Conservatives” “embarrassed” by their own First Amendment do not deserve to claim the title Conservative.
RAPE is a valid verbal description of the FORCED manner in which this travesty has occurred. The arrogance and taunting of/by the perpetrators is not unlike that depicted visually in this cartoon. Why should we even be bashful about political satire via a political cartoon such as this?
Is the subject of rape “holier” than religion? It would appear to be. Religious symbolism, at least as far as what pertains to Christianity, has long ago been removed from any list of sensibilities to warrant protection.
crude and tastless – just like the current Administration……Plus – having a Black Man raping a Green Woman might be RACIST…..But, even with these comments – I think the cartoon is perfect.
We will be there to protect her and restore her purity.
When all else fails,
Vote from the rooftops.
I find this cartoon to be quite apropos. The way Obama has treated the Constitution and disrespected the citizens of this country with his constant apologizing for our nation and political agenda is akin to raping liberty.
I agree with @truthseeker comments, the next cartoon should depict Lady liberty aborting the healthcare bill.
For all of you who find this cartoon offensive, I would be willing to bet that if it was George Bush instead of Obama, you would be applauding the artist.
I think it’s a perfect, and quite appropriately ugly, analogy to Obama’s behavior, his character, and his lack of human decency.
That is about as accurate as a cartoon can be. Obama and the socialist dem party are raping our liberty and our country. Keep up the good work Jill.
Spot on! This is a metaphor which accurately portrays this Marxist nut POS President and his Liberal ilk in how they feel about Liberty and little-people.
Yes… it is brutal, violent but definitely honest.
No way different or less obscene in its vulgarity which was and still is of MANY illustrations/acts depicting Bush and the Conservatives & Religious Right in horrific light. Libs are pure hypocrites.
Sauce for the goose…
Oh, no! No abortion — a miscarriage instead.
“If someone is so fearful that they’re going to start using their weapons to PROTECT THEIR RIGHTS, makes me very nervous that these people have weapons at all!”
— Rep. Henry A. Waxman – Progressive Democrat California
I don’t think cartoons are always meant to be funny. I agree with Chris, this was not a “lone” act by Obama, but an act pursued with seduction and temptation from many of our own elected officials and even those we consider friends. When the deception comes to be felt in full force, we can expect every blaming finger to point to Obama, Pelosi, Reid, Stupak, etc.
That’s not going to help.
The only finger we can accurately point, is the finger we point at ourselves. As well, if anyone asks who can save this nation, likewise, my finger will not point to any politician, but to the One who can truly save, Our Lord, Jesus Christ.
God bless you.
Yes that certainly goes to far and I denounce it. But Obama is raping this country from it’s liberty and freedom. We are now forced to pay for abortion. The sad thing is that the liberals are blinded to this rape and in several years they will feel the rape too! If things keep going the way they are and predicted they will Obama could have full control of America before the liberals feel the pain of Obamacare. Before they have the chance to vote him out. He is very cunning and calculated and knows what he is doing every step of the way. This needs to be exposed and talked about a lot. He knows how to get the votes, just watch what he does with illegal aliens, he will pardon them which equals votes. Entitlements for the poor and needy equals votes. Obama raping this country I say yes he is, the cartoon is quite a bit over the top.
This is quite a good cartoon and very accurately reflects the situation. The time is long past for salon sensibilities and politically correct notions. This is a fight for our nation and our liberties.
In the now immortal words of Joe Biden, “This is a big f***ing deal.” When crudity becomes ever more the patois of political exchange, this will seem tame in retrospect. Whether it is crude or not, it expresses a powerfully emotional perspective, and that emotional response seems to be everyone’s bugaboo. But double standards still linger in the air….
Why is everybody complaining? He raped her, not murdered her, which is what he really is in the process of doing.
Yes, this is the perfect depiction of what is happening to our country and the tyrannical laws comming out of DC are much more vulgar than this Constitutionally protected cartoon.
These new despotic progams will last forever, this cartoon will fade, so which is really the more disgusting act…..
Good Job, please create some more truths…..
I don’t think that any of the cartoons aimed at Bush or now Palin are right and along that same line, this isn’t right either. Why? Because it depicts a real type of degradation to women. There is such a thing as “raping the land” but anymore people can only think of death and sex to get a point across. And this is rape, not sex, of course. I think BOTH sides are sorely lacking in good taste, manners and morals. Two wrongs don’t make a right, period. And I just happen to passionately NOT like Obama’s way of govt or any of his minions ways.
They could have done this in a better way though it is offensive as well to watch how our arrogant government treats the Constitution!
One thing I’d like to point out that even the offended conservatives are not rioting demanding the artist’s head to be cut off! I expect even the left won’t demand that, let’s hope not!
The thing I disagree with this cartoon besides causing any further pain to physically raped victims is that the news will yet again be loaded with the usual flap from Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton.
Anyone who did not realize that BHO was a radical left wing guy just was not paying attention. There was no one to the left of him in politics. So if you voted for him this is what you asked for.
I hate it, and yes, it went too far.
If this cartoon is offensive then what do we say about what Obama and the Democrat Congress did to us?
How can we express the enormity of what has just happened? How do we express the feelings of beng totally violated, used, ignored and thrown away?
It is not this cartoon that we should be outraged at, it is what this government has done to us that we should be outraged at.
The question is, will we accept this treatment and pull back in fear and do nothing, or will we fight and go after these criminals, identify them, testify against them and lock them away in the shame they deserve?
That is the question and our answer will define us forever. Are we victims and cowards or will we roar back in courage like a lion?
I think the cartoon is a homerun on many levels right down the the rapist telling us we gave consent to the crime.
Political cartoons are affective if they provoke thought and contain an element truth. This is an excellent cartoon reflecting the arrogance with which the president has assaulted Liberty. It’s difficult to view, but accurate.
He has no regard for the liberties and honor of the average American. It’s about power and he is taking it from us.
This goes way too far. Hard to imagine it got printed. It is disgusting on all counts.
Eileen, I think it was only printed on a blog.
How about displaying the Constitution as a roll of toilet paper or on the bottom of a birdcage?
That would make a great “cartoon” and get the message across loud and clear.
I look at this cartoon and say, yes, that’s exactly how I felt when I saw our Congress throwing “consent of the governed” out the window as we watched in helpless horror. It is ugly, but this scandal, this crude violation of our deepest values, all done over our loudest screams of protest, is rape on a grand scale, and it is ugly, and the artist’s statement rings a true and clear message: We have a right to be angry, to be outraged, and to defend ourselves with the fullest vigor from any further abuse. As in Tennyson, “My strength is as the strength of ten men, because my heart is pure!”
The time for being genteel and polite to the people who are destroying this country is over.
Obama and planned parenthood are one, and their industry thrives from concealing rape and sexual abuse of women and girls.
This cartoon is aptly descriptive of Obama on at least two levels, with respect to the political divide (and Obama stepping on the popular majority opposed to him), as well as to the moral issue of respect for life, and the life-bearers.
More levels of appropriateness will become apparent as the Obama plan, and his personal issues are further revealed.
It is accurate.
It is timely.
It is “lowest common denominator: which the mafia Democrats and communists, should be able to understand.
Bravo Freedom of Speech
Bravo US Constitution.
Distasteful as it might be, this is pretty much an accurate description of what is happening.
What if the cartoon showed him wiping himself with the Constitution? Same thing.
Or wearing a flag as a diaper (like Larry Flynt did)? Same thing.
I understand if some people think the art that depicts an accurate state of affairs goes to far–these are likely the same people who would not fare well in warfare, where some very ugly things happen.
“Weekend question II: Does “Obama rapes Liberty” cartoon go too far?”
Uh, yeah.
The Chicago Sun Times has a political cartoonist that did a cartoon using Obama and the Statue of Liberty, March 18th, Jack Higgins.
Go to the columnist section, click on Jack Higgins, and then go to pas cartoons- to the March 18th contribution. It is much more tastefully done and it uses some of the same ideas. I am relieved this cartoon is a blogger, but I find it very distasteful. I was just as disgusted when someone drew Condalesa Rice at Aunt Jemima a few years back. There can be no reason for this kind of comparison.
Accurate, but tasteless.
Th more we are tolerant of what people like Obama do and the more we sit back and think, “let’s just given them some time”, the more likely a violent end is the result.
Tasteless waste of great artistic talent.
A much better version would be Obama asking the Declaration of Independence “How much for your sister?” pointing to Lady Liberty.
The DoI would reply, “Over my dead body!”
Obama’s answer would be, “As you wish.”
Testing
No, the cartoon does not go too far. It does not minimize the horror of rape. It does not condone rape. Because it is not pornographic, it does not demean women. Because it is not blasphemous, it does not dishonour God. Contrary to what some have said, there is no more powerful metaphor than the one the cartoonist is chosen. A charming but lying president has for very petty and selfish reasons (the future of the Democrat party) forced his will on Americans and sacrificed the thing they hold most dear, their freedom. Their union’s bastard will be a slave to the government and a slave to China.
Notice that the woman is not put in a bad light. She’s done nothing wrong. Rather, we all despise the rapist. What’s there to disagree with?
Too far… I won’t link to it on my blog.
But I did look at it and many others did too, and free speech is protected, and it does make a good point, so I fully support Protein Wisdom and others showing it.
Many of the commenters who object to the cartoon say that it is tasteless. What does tasteless mean?
According to my 1964 Concise Oxford dictionary, one definition is “not in good taste.” I think that this definition is the one referred to, but what does good taste refer to? Quoting from the same dictionary, I think the relevant definition is “disposition or execution of work of art, choice of language, conduct, etc., dictated by or seen in the light of this faculty.”
That definition’s a little difficult to understand, so I’ll go to the Merriam-Webster online dictionary: “critical judgment, discernment, or appreciation; manner or aesthetic quality indicative of such discernment or appreciation.” I think, then, that good taste refers to knowing your audience and remembering the right time and place.
Political cartoons are meant for those old enough to think critically about current events. Isn’t the “Obama rapes Liberty” cartoon appropriate then?
I really go back and forth about this… if someone had portrayed Bush as a rapist… but I know they called him a mass murderer, a child murderer, etc.
However, something about the image of Obama as a rapist is disturbing, even to someone like me who can’t stand the guy.
What if his daughters were to see this?
I think Obama’s a narcissistic jerk, a terrible President, an enemy of life and freedom and a danger to our country. That said, I am still cautioned by something in my gut not to portray the U.S. President as a rapist.
The message is strong and unsettling in good ways, yet something about the image doesn’t sit well inside. Doesn’t make sense, I know, but it’s a gut feeling.
I just really hope his wife and girls don’t see this. It also doesn’t do our side any favors in the battle.
Time will be the best judge of this cartoon. Let’s look back on it in fifty years.
It’s unbelievable, really. This ought to be legally obscene.
Jennifer,
Like you I’ve gone back and forth. The cartoon is so objectionable, so offensive, so disgusting…and I’ve been asking myself why.
I believe because like probably all of you, I love America, I really do.
My sons were teasing me the other day because I brought home a T-shirt from the Christian book store with a picture of the Declaration of Indepence on it.
I wear it around the house proudly. (Talk about nerdy!)
I’m the kind of guy that enjoys reading the Declaration in my spare time. That, the Gettysburg Address, the Preamble to the Constitution, Eisenhower’s Letter to the Troops before D-Day, the Emancipation Proclamation…
I love reading the citations of the men who’ve been awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, many of whom paid the ultimate sacrifice, giving their lives for their buddies fighting at their side, and for their country…
you and me.
I love every good thing our Great Nation has stood for: Righteousness, Liberty, Justice, Freedom, Charity…
“Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,…”
I believe the reason I find the cartoon so objectionable is because it is an accurate depiction of what this evil man is doing to our America.
But in reality, we’ve done it to ourselves.
We (as a country) voted the guy into office.
My heart mourns over what we’ve become.
Only God can help us now.
“This ought to be legally obscene.”
No. We have 1st amendment protections for exactly this sort of thing. We wouldn’t need to protect any speech if no one ever said anything that might offend someone. Political speech, however graphic, must be protected.
What graphic would you propose to powerfully tell the story of how conservatives are being unfairly invaded, degraded, abused, slandered and ridiculed?
Posted by: swizzlethis at March 27, 2010 10:23 AM
wow, lose one vote and you’re really playing the victim card. It’s politics. You lost. Time to move on.
You are saying that you all didn’t give consent to Obama putting forth a health care system in line with his platform during election time, or doing other things that were on his platform.
Well, a majority did vote for that platform and did give him a mandate to do as such. They voted in a liberal congress. You did not vote for it, just like we didn’t vote for Bush. Would that be right of us to make a cartoon like this portraying Bush as a rapist b/c we did not “consent” for him to make executive decisions? No? Well, okay then.
I agree with Hal, you are just playing the victim card b/c you are sore losers. If anything the reason why things have been so slow with reform is because some people were trying to bend over backwards to the conservatives instead of doing what was their rightful power to do.
a majority did vote for that platform…
Posted by: prettyinpink at March 28, 2010 6:33 PM
Did Obama stick to the platform that propelled him into office? He campaigned on transparency but we got closed door negotiations. He campaigned on bipartisanship but excluded Republican input except for the sham summit. He campaigned on an end to “business as usual” but has tolerated corruption to an unprecedented degree.
… and did give him a mandate to do as such.
Mandate? The majority of Americans were against this version of HCR. If a president’s election by majority constitutes a mandate for his policy, then Bush’s re-election was a mandate for the Iraq war. All those who opposed the war had no valid reasons and were playing the victim card, right?
I’m a rape victim. While rape is hardly a “polite” subject, it’s obvious this cartoonist did their homework…and looked at rape from the victims’ side…definitely they knew what it was about….and definitely they chose their words carefully. This is very much about the disgusting nature of the rapist, his feeling of entitlement, and the contempt he feels for the victim, utterly disregarding their humanity. The comparison is highly apt.
The reason I say this person did their homework is the 2ND statement in the cartoon, on which I haven’t really seen any comment, per se. “Get yourself cleaned up,” or a variation of that is a pretty common statement made to a victim after this type of assault. I’m presuming they say it as just one last way of humiliating the victim; shaming them because they now are dirty or damaged…and THEY (the rapist) are the cause of it! And they’re DEFINITELY not the one to ask, to help you clean up the damage they did! This illustrator knows exactly what the experience is, and portrayed it very well.
Off the top of my head, I can’t think of a better way to describe the way Obama & his gang has taken over the administration of this nation. If you’re on this side of it, dedicating your life to protecting and saving the innocent victims of the Culture of Death, and knowing that you’re fighting against some serious power; you’re probably feeling just exactly how the Lady in this cartoon feels…I know I am.
While the cartoon sickens me, it’s because it’s SO appropriate, not because it’s gone too far. It’s Obama who has gone too far. The allegory is SPOT-ON!
What is all this talk about Obama forcing these things on us and how it is like rape, in defense of this cartoon.
Maybe people don’t understand how our constitutional republic works, so I’ll go through it for you.
We have elections, after those elections our representatives make laws and administer to various governmental purgatives.
If people dislike any of their representative they have the ability to vote for another representative during the next election cycle.
And this process reminds you of rape?
It’s called a representative democracy, the majority of people voted for Obama and their respective Democratic congressmen. The president and congress are doing their best to stay in office and complete whatever tasks legislatively they believe they need to. The vast majority of these things were not secrets when they were elected.
If the general populace doesn’t like it they should have thought it through better before the election. If they still don’t like it during the next election they can do something about it. Nothing “forced” about it.
Obama’s approval rating is around the same place as Ronald Reagan’s was at the same time in his presidency… was he raping america as well?
This is just ridiculous.
This is SO wrong! Ugly, violent – brutal, —I just keep hearing that song (lame-o) from way back: “What the world needs now is love sweet love…” and the understanding of sin, and judgment by God.
YIKES – sorry about that. I guess I made it clear – I don’t like it. :D
The president and congress are doing their best to stay in office and complete whatever tasks legislatively they believe they need to.
Posted by: AHBritton at March 28, 2010 10:35 PM
Indeed, they aren’t bashful about enacting their socialistic agenda.
Lisa’s comment is very interesting, and maybe we just don’t want to admit or see that we are (essentially) being raped. ?
Not funny, poor taste!
This is a pious but coarse cartoon would be an apt description, I think,- taken from another character worded description source I heard that stuck in my head – without having fully formed or drawn a religious conclusion on its’ ethical artistic and political appropriateness – does starkly reveal some of the recent wounds and scars experienced by our nation.
“By His stripes we are healed.”, comes to mind.
May all of this evil come to fruition by being turned into good, as our nation is purged from the experience of our sins and, may our nation and world come to know and have deeper conversion in, through, and with Jesus Christ, Our Savior.
We all bear scars in life, as I was just reflecting, having just listened to the words of Bishop Fulton J, Sheen in a Lenten rebroadcast of his show, “His Last Words – Spectators On or About the Cross”. Bishop Sheen read the poem, “Oh Jesus of the Scars” by Edward Shillito (1872-1948) which I just noticed is an important Christian message to reflect upon and share, especially during this penitential liturgical season. I saw a multitude of entries on this theme via my search on the internet.
Here is the poem, if it is acceptable to publish it here without violating any copyright laws, otherwise, if you would like to read it, it is easy to look up.
Jesus of the Scars
If we have never sought, we seek Thee now;
Thine eyes burn through the dark, our only stars;
We must have sight of thorn-pricks on Thy brow;
We must have Thee, O Jesus of the Scars.
The heavens frighten us; they are too calm;
In all the universe we have no place.
Our wounds are hurting us; where is the balm?
Lord Jesus, by Thy Scars we claim Thy grace.
If when the doors are shut, Thou drawest near,
Only reveal those hands, that side of Thine;
We know today what wounds are; have no fear;
Show us Thy Scars; we know the countersign.
The other gods were strong, but Thou wast weak;
They rode, but Thou didst stumble to a throne;
But to our wounds only God’s wounds can speak,
And not a god has wounds, but Thou alone.
May our scars be united with those of Jesus and,
may all who know not what they do, find Christ, forgiveness, and conversion.
As Bishop Sheen would say, God love you,
Jeanne M Van Bellinghen
Chris is correct. It was a ‘gang rape’ of Lady Liberty’.
The progressives are telling us the violation was inevitable and we should just submit and enjoy the sex.
Liberals cousel us that once we had have time to dispassionately consider the violation of our collective will, we will come to realize the therapeutic value of the violent act.
Remember what Chairman Mao, serial rapists of teenage virgens said, “Revolution is NOT a tea party!”
yor bro ken
I do how to spell correctly. I have difficulty typing.
————————————————–
Chris is correct. It was a ‘gang rape’ of Lady Liberty’.
The progressives are telling us the violation was inevitable and we should just submit and enjoy the sex.
Liberals counsel us that once we have had time to dispassionately consider the violation of our collective will, we will come to realize the therapeutic value of the violent act.
Remember what Chairman Mao, serial rapist of teenage virgins, and icon of the progressives said:
“Revolution is NOT a tea party!”
yor bro ken
This cartoon speaks the truth. This is exactly what obama did & he plans to do it again & again & again……until there is nothing left…..or until he is stopped………
“If a president’s election by majority constitutes a mandate for his policy, then Bush’s re-election was a mandate for the Iraq war.”
Uhhhh….do you remember Bush’s 2nd election? He barely won and still it was proclaimed far and wide that this is a mandate for him to continue as usual.
And its true to a real extent. Bush does not represent me but if over 50% of the country vote him to represent them, then he is conferred with those presidential powers.
It’s just politics as usual. Just because you lost and are being dramatic about it doesn’t change those facts.
You didn’t answer my question, PiP. Were opponents of the Iraq war sore losers playing the victim card? Or did they have valid reasons for their opposition?
I didn’t vote for Bush and I didn’t support the Iraq war. Was I a sore loser then? Or just now because I oppose Obamacare?
I just visited the Protein Wisdom site and the level of conversation there is on a lower plane than the level of conversation at this web site is my general impression. Judging the response of this particular audience, it appears that this segment of the population had difficulty with the sexual analogy to the point of bring forth crude jokes in response on the general part of the blog participants. If this is the response, perhaps, another type of cartoon may or may not get the point across in a less degenerative and more refined way to its’ audience, thus, reducing the shock value impact and raising the level of social conscience employed in the discussion. I am not that experienced with blog dialogue but, I suspect that the shock value of this political cartoon may be a part of the attraction of putting it on this site,in the first place. Apparently, it appears to be obtaining a high level of response on both sites, irregardless of the level of discussion taking place. Maybe on an inner level this audience gets the point but, maybe on an outer level is not always ready to admit that there is a point. More bloggers on the Protein Wisdom site need to have the benefit of the conversations found on this site – maybe they need an invitation to change blog locations, so as to engage in consciousness raising! I admire the sense of righteousness employed in the cartoon which emphasizes the sense of violation and betrayal experienced when promises based on trust are broken. The cartoon does underscore how at the heart of all the life issue are the issues of our dignity as human persons being respected by how we treat others and, how our institutions of marriage and family are the basic building block of society upon which the common good are built. When we compromise our consciences, we destroy a lot more humanness than we bargain for and, cause a lot of hurt in the process. I don’t usually follow political cartoons so, I’m out of my element. I would advise the cartoonist to try to illustrate in his next cartoon (if he does a sequel)a more uplifting approach that will help encourage the rescue of Lady Liberty and, give Obama and associates a wake up call regarding their programs. Life is tough, learn it now – easier to learn it while your young – the valuable lessons in life than to learn them the hard way when you’re older – tis true! We all have to learn the lessons, one way or the other. God does have a plan for us – for our own good! It does catch up with us – eventually – we just don’t always know when. I wonder what G K Chesterton would say?
God bless,
Jeanne M Van Bellinghen
I have no problem with it.
Fed up, you have a right to oppose Obama care just like I had the right to vocally oppose the Iraq war. However, I never said that Bush was raping america and would have found this kind of cartoon offensive even though I didn’t like Bush.
would have found this kind of cartoon offensive even though I didn’t like Bush.
Posted by: prettyinpink at March 30, 2010 8:45 PM
On that we agree, PiP, and FWIW, I find this cartoon tasteless despite my opposition to Obamacare.
When someone does a cartoon with the Pope just getting done with a little boy, may all of you who approve the cartoon above enjoy it. You really have some sick people posting here.
Dear Mason,
Firstly, I am distressed by your remark because, it places the Pope’s actions (who has not been established to be guilty of a wrongdoing) in the same league with Obama’s actions (whose efforts have been clearly established to betray fidelity to the American public)of wrongdoing through supporting a health care insurance bill becoming law while ignoring public outcry which has many gravely disputed ethical and equity issues, among them affordability, immigration,conscience rights and that this law “does not explicitly prohibit taxpayer funding of abortion”. Furthermore,this new law is a piece of socialist legislation which was clearly established when introduced as a bill to be “against the will of a large majority of Americans.”
Secondly, you are making a point to call some of the bloggers who are currently at this blogspot – sick people – which is not a very diplomatic or necessarily respectful thing to say. Maybe,you need to slow down,take a break and, think about how this type of comment may stir up defensive reactions, rather than productive communications.
Yet, moving past this untactful and possibly erroneous remark, as we all need to work on self control to a greater or lesser degree, you do make a good, valid point, one which I have been pondering about, as to whether or not this political cartoon shows sufficient respect for Obama’s value and worth based upon his human dignity – his “personhood”, irregardless, of how his leadership role track record poorly reflects upon his treatment of his fellow Americans. I hope and pray that whoever views this political cartoon expose, including by the grace of God, Obama and his wife,will see this truth uncovered. May they see this truth breaking through like a precise spotlight piercing through the dark, pointing to expose objectively, the callous, manipulative manner in which great harm was done to the American people by those foolish politicians who took orchestrated cues in a symphonic mantra of concordance to Obama’s presidential lead, thus, enabling his quest for dominion and power through the masterful utilization of his public role for the purpose of spreading a magnitude of “ends justify the means” deceptive violations in the many levels of impact of this law which exercises modes of influence, not only in the running our government but, into the realm of an overexpanded,increased, invasive impact upon family and personal decisions.
Do I hope that Obama’s children will not view this cartoon depicting their father in such a negative light? Yes, I hope that they do not see this political cartoon or, have to have struggles dealing with it but, I, also, hope and pray that they learn the truth about abortion as a form of manipulation and a lie – that it kills another human person – and that it is wrong even in cases of rape or incest, and that a child is dead – and, that no one in an family wins with abortion or, other ways that violate others! Both the ends and the means need to be ethical, although,sometimes to achieve a good end a means might incur that is an unintended evil.
Also, in closing, at a nearby Planned Parenthood clinic in a large city in my small state, at least 10 suction abortions will take place on a busy day for business during the Holy Week. Ten more babies dead, not allowed to live! Ten more mothers, fathers, and all their families deadly harmed by this so called right to kill one’s offspring if they are in the womb mentality. This is only one clinic and, I do not wish to have it on my conscience that I am helping to pay for abortions through my taxpayer dollars.
In conclusion, political cartoons is an unusual animal for me, as is the whole topic of ethics in journalism. I do agree with you that Obama, his wife and, his family would, unless suppressed, experience a sense of being violated by this depiction. Also, there is the sense of satisfaction experienced in the victory of seeing a political cartoon of Obama which ridicules his presidency and, all that he represents politically and how that impacts the common good through such a truthful representation. I prefer to see less coarse and kinder approaches taken to get the point across but, this one might work in helping to get out that message, if it does not produce a backlash effect. May God use it for that purpose only, may we hope and pray! As you say, the Pope has been under attack – may St. Michael the archangel protect him!
May God work through all of this work for the conversion of us all and, give us light,
Jeanne M Van Bellinghen
Jeanne, my point is freedom of speech through political cartoons, and what is offensive and what isn’t.
If anything legal goes concerning opposition to abortion, then certainly anything legal goes with regarding to the vile in the Catholic Church.
You can’t have it both ways.
Dear Mason,
As I understand it, your subject is freedom of speech and political cartoons and your particular topic on the subject is what is offensive in free speech and political cartoons and what is not offensive in free speech and political cartoons.
Political cartoons by there very nature are designed to create controversy by the opinions that they convey is their journalistic purpose is
what I think I digested as being said in a few articles I just quickly read or skimmed over in the past couple of days on the subject.
Furthermore, the integrity of the journalistic artist to truth and how he/she perceives truth to be, an absolute matter of right or wrong or a relativistic matter of right or wrong – i.e. your truth is as good as my truth – will effect the type of political cartoon the artist expresses.
So,I don’t think that there is any getting around the editorial purpose of creating public controversy expressed through artistic expression in cartoon format via scenarios depicted by the chosen caricatures to send the powerful illustrated messages of the artist expressed through his chosen visual images supported by commentary. These messages can reach both the avid readers, the light readers, and even non readers and, can get stuck in the memories of the brains of the readers. From that standpoint, it may be better to raise the political cartoons expressed to a higher level,in order to make the world a more beautiful place that respects the dignity of human persons and, encourages our journalistic endeavors as a culture through example to be less pornographic and more uplifting in expression.
I agree with you that the political cartoonists in opposition to this cartoonist’s presented position might certainly rationalize and utilize the argument which you have made, Mason, that:
“If anything legal goes concerning opposition to abortion, then certainly anything legal goes with regarding to the vile in the Catholic Church.”
(Quote from Mason on the blogspot on 4/1/10 at 12:33 AM)
“You can’t have it both ways.”
(Quote from Mason on the blogspot on 4/1/10 at 12:33 AM)
I do agree with you that this political cartoon may sink to the visual level of depicting ugly, organized and even sexualized power control elements including the control of birth found in our culture which are attacking both marriage and family life including the right to even have a life, let alone a decent life and, which are, also, employed by social opponents in political cartoons on the other side in this culture wars battle in which we are in. However, I disagree with you that I cannot approve of the truth found in this political cartoonist’s expression that, as strongly stated on the Protein Wisdom web site, “American principals were raped.” It is up to the political cartoonists and the public to all do some consciousness raising on the implications of this serious matter both, from the standpoint of the matter, itself, and, artistic expression concerning the matter!
As I said, originally, I think this political cartoon may aptly be described, as a pious but coarse artistic expression, if such a think is possible. I do not think any political truth is expressed by a cartoon depicting the Pope in an imaginary sexual abuse act of pedophilia but, rather that this would be an outright lie and an attempt to defame the Pope. I think this would be an objectively gravely immoral cartoon.
One difference between the two contrasted cartoon ideas would be that in one already created cartoon – a caricature – Lady Liberty – standing for American principals – is being raped through force and violation of consent and, in the other imaginary cartoon – it would be making a false accusation that would be depicting an action in caricature that never occurred – as the Pope is not guilty of committing such a criminal action.
Apparently, war, even cartoon wars are not a pretty picture as they create controversy through ridicule – so, do political cartoons have a legitimate role to play in bringing about true peace or, do they simply further cause matters to escalate into a greater divide? I do not think any political truth is expressed by a cartoon depicting the Pope in a sexual act with a little boy but, rather that this would be an outright lie and an attempt to defame the Pope. I think this would be an objectively gravely immoral cartoon.
I’m signing off until after Easter, I hope.
Happy Easter to All!
God bless you,
Jeanne M Van Bellinghen
Wow, its nice to see that so many people are living up to the criticism put forth.
I disagree with the concept being illustrated, but seriously, if your offended then go get your self knee-deep in the liberal media and stop bitching. AND IF YOU THINK THIS SHOULD BE CENSORED or BANNED…..then get your sensitive feelings out of my free country!!!!
Dear barkowski,
Your remark sounds sarcastic but, I am not sure exactly what it is you are trying to say or which concept you are referring to in your comment. There is more than one way to have a conversation but, one question to ask is what is the best way to communicate? Why should offensive language be chosen in communications when there is a better, kinder, more effective way to communicate? I would encourage you to choose the better way! Yes, you are right, complaining about the ways things are does not always do enough to bring forth changes unless steps are taken to implement a plan of action towards making a difference by our little ways in this world. I’m not an expert on free speech but, I do know the world is a more beautiful place when courtesy and consideration for others is employed. Also, we ourselves become more beautiful when we treat others well.
God bless,
Jeanne M Van B
The things this cartoon is missing are as follows:
1) Pelosi and the rest of the House,
2) Reid and the rest of the Senate,
3) CNN, FOX, and other correspondents, filming celebrities out the window rather than the crime that just occurred in the same room,
4) Two officers, both called “G. Bush,” standing and talking to each other as though that noise behind them is irrelevant to the badges they sport,
5) A tattered resume of Lady Liberty on the dresser that details her wild living and careless regard for her family name over the past 40 years.
6) Don’t forget the Bible, in the trash can in the corner,
7) Liberal pastors in a huddle, agreeing, “Jesus doesn’t want us involved in dirty business like politics!”
8) And finally, the jihadists waiting outside the door with knives to execute “the whore,” peeking in and whispering (Shh! . . . It’s almost time!)
Dear Roundhead,
Maybe your list could be included as part of the total accumulation of people and ideologies already blamed for the rape of Lady Liberty at this blogspot, as most likely this is what barkowski meant when saying, “Wow, its nice to see that so many people are living up to the criticism put forth.” – even though barkowski “disagrees with the concept being illustrated.”
Humility is a great virtue to cultivate when doing inventory and contemplating how to begin changing the world. Sometimes moving one inch in the right direction is a lot, especially, if we all resolve to do our part to start a ripple effect towards generating growing waves for the common good.
God bless,
Jeanne M. Van B