Is this cartoon racist?

(UPDATE: Looks like I'll be appearing on National Public Radio's All Things Considered discussing this issue later today. I basically said that determining whether or not the cartoon is racist is only half the conversation. Click here to hear the interview.

Because, even if most people don't think the cartoon is consciously racist, why would a major newspaper in the most diverse city in America publish a cartoon which could be taken this way? And is it more disturbing if they published the cartoon with no awareness of its racial connotation, or if they published it after discussing it at length?)

Riddle me this: the New York Post, a famously combative, conservative newspaper owned by Fox News proprietor Rupert Murdoch, runs a cartoon implying that a crazed chimpanzee wrote the recent economic stimulus bill, which was actually championed and developed by our nation's first black president.

Is that a racist joke?

Longtime civil rights activist Al Sharpton thinks it might be. New York Gov. David Paterson, who is that state's first black chief executive, has said "an explanation is in order."

As a media critic, this is where times get interesting. Because our leaders have been aging white guys for so long, pundits, cartoonists, comedians and journalists have had a relatively narrow scope of concerns when it came to pointed political satire.

But we live in a new age. We have a black president; a woman came within a few hundred primary delegates of snagging the job, too. And jokes that might have rolled off the back of a typical politician now take on new resonance when levied against someone from a race of people who were stereotyped as ape-ish animals for hundreds of years.

Frankly, I doubt the Post was smart enough to craft such a ham-handed cartoon to serve such a subtle agenda. Instead, the Post seems to be referencing this awful story of a chimp shot and killed by police after attacking and seriously injuring the owner's best friend.

I think they made an awful joke that had a resonance beyond what they planned -- a lesson, perhaps, in jumping too gleefully on the train of in-your-face parody. A friend online just called it "unintentional racism."

But, as any person of color can tell you, it's tough to know what someone means when they say something like this. And if you really don't mean to be racist, do you really want some people thinking that you might be?

*

Comments

[Brian]

I am sorry but this is sad to see how much the media is coming out against this cartoon. Saying that it should have never been written, condemning him and the Post for this cartoon. Do we not remember about Free Speech these days? I voted for Obama, I am serving in the military and am from Chicago but even if there is a perceived or perpetrated racism here it is not the point of cartoon.

Monkeys = baffoons, if i call you a monkey im not calling you black im calling you stupid.

And as it turns out a certain other President was who was compared to a monkey consistently.

http://www.bradler.com/images/bush-monkey.gif

[Sam Bisquit]

Yes this cartoon is racist, though to disagree with this fact does not make you racist, just oblivious.

Yes this cartoon is not supposed to be "funny". It is intended to be mean and demeaning and the chimp clearly represents Obama, though the cartoonist stopped short of explicitly giving the chimp Obama's face. If there had been no recent "news worthy" event involving the shooting of a chimp then there would be no question as to this cartoon's message. The chimp incident just provides fortuitous cover.

No this is not an "innocent" misinterpretation by overly sensitive liberals. The cartoon is completely consistent with the "Barack the Magic Negro" and "Obama Bucks" theme of that part of conservative opposition directed at Obama that attempts to put him down on the basis of his race.

But lastly, and most importantly, the Post is clearly within it's rights to publish this. Racism is ugly and unfortunate but not a crime, and certainly not worthy of Secret Service or FBI investigation as some prior comment suggests. There is a large, thriving community of racists in the US, and they are not all conservatives, or card carrying KKK members. They happily go about their business coexisting with sexists, misogynists, and other bigots of various stripe. Racism, sexism, or disrespect for authority of the "Chimp-or-Bush?" ilk are not crimes -- though one can justifiably argue that shoe throwing is a crime, just not quite on the scale of mass murder perpetrated in the name of "liberation" based on fabricated evidence of a threat.

The fact that Obama is our president says that at least over half of the US electorate could look past racism (or were more strongly misogynistic than racist?).

At any rate, if the Post wants to publish snide racist cartoons then that's their right. Get over it.

[Eric Deggans]

Ellen, I think some people here are having an honest and heartfelt disagreement on what these images mean.

And I don't think people who disagree with my interpretation of the hurtful element in this cartoon are racist.

But I think there are also some people commenting here who are severely insensitive about the perspectives of others, and are not having an honest, open-minded conversation. They are coming here to spew their opinions in the most caustic way possible, unwilling to consider that there might be a valid point of view different than their own.

Those are the people who disappoint me most.

I would also say that, just as it is wrong to call someone racist for not supporting criticism of the cartoon, I think it is wrong to call people racist for seeing a problem with the image and wanting to talk about that.

In either case, the word racism is being used to shut down debate at a time when we should be talking more about this.

[Wenalway]

And we're off and running. Once again, one isolated incident means "RACISM IS EVERYWHERE!!!!!!!!!!!"

BTW, at the Poynter chat yesterday, the indoctrination started a couple of times. At one point, I was told that only right-wingers can participate in race-baiting. Apparently liberals only point out the existence of racism, and when they do so, it is for educational purposes.

I'm sure this is exactly what some people believe. It shows why they cannot figure out that screaming "RACISM IS EVERYWHERE!" and constantly reciting the laundry list are less-than-helpful actions.

[Ellen]

Eric-what do you think about the comments? Are those who say this cartoon not racist the racists? Do you believe that the race card is played too much?

[Coleen]

How is this a shouting match?

Lets put it simply. If anyone disagrees about this cartoon they are called racist. If anyone does not support Obama they are racist. Mention the color black in any context and you are considered a racist. Yeah there is racism all right. People like Al Sharpton promote it all the time. It is being used as a crutch. If people cannot see that then they are the racist ones. Sorry to those of you who think you are "enlightened". You are the biggest racists of all.

Do you know that in England people consider themselves English? Color and ocuntry of origin does not matter. No such thing as "African Englishmen". English. None of this (insert country/continent here)-American. English. (Or Irish. Scottish. Welsh.)

When people can honestly judge someone or something without bringing up the race card then lets talk. When people consider themselves just American then lets talk. Otherwise look in the mirror. YOU are the racist.

[Carla]

And then you get to the fact that it's a *cop* who's shooting in the cartoon. In a city with a history of tension btwn police and blacks. The NY Post stepped in it big time--and they know that.

[Carla]

In this case, the "stop being so PC" crowd should lay off the reflexive judgment and actually listen. Just as some things aren't racist, some things actually are. The damage this crowd does, in this case, by insisting that the cartoon reaction is PC-ism run amok is that you willfully ignore the historical record. That's fine, if no one cares to get beyond these taxing race shouting matches. But if you care to have a conversation think about what it means when you look another person in the eye (or via internet) and tell them that their perspective, backed up by reams of historical evidence re: the use of primates to belittle African people, is a "matter of perception." The NY Post can publish anything that won't invite a lawsuit. But this cartoon demonstrates a lack of editorial oversight that doesn't speak well for the judgment, nor common sense, of a large metro daily.

[Kevin White]

Kerri,
Your response is exactly the "code language" that your kind like to use when in such discussion.

You are implicitly condoning racism and violence by defending this insensitive cartoon. I won't get into any name calling game with you. I'll invite you though to look at the mirror to see what you truly are.

Cheers!

[Terri]

Be careful. Some of you are upsetting the PC police. They will come for you. How dare you not agree with them. They know what is right and what you should be thinking. Maybe you should be locked up for reeducation.

[Kerri]

Shame on you Kevin White. You are trying to cause trouble where there is none. It is funny-you mention the President. Would you mention this if it were a different president? Did not think so. Free speech unless you do not like what is being said. The way of the future. YOU ARE THE RACIST!

[Kevin White]

This cartoon is racist, unfunny, thoughtless and violent. It's an invitation for violence against a sitting US President. I hope the Secret Service and FBI keep an eye on this sick minded cartoonist and his patron.
To all those who pretend not to see anything racist and violent in this cartoon, I say: shame on you for condoning racism and wishing to perpetrate past sins of the Jim crow area!

[Laurine]

PCism has gone crazy in this country. One person misinterprets something and wham-it is racist. It is ridiculous. Some people have nothing better to do than look for trouble where there is none. For people like Sharpton-his mouth is a distraction. If people truly looked at him and his actions they would realize he is promoting racism. Otherwise he would have nothing to do.

[Mike]

The President was in Canada today. While there, he was served a Beaver Tail, a traditional Canadian pastry. It had a whipped cream "O" and was drizzeled with chocolate.
Is that an insult to the President's bi-racial heritage?
Well, if you're on a witch hunt, you'll find some witches. Then probably burn them at the stake.
See my point?

[TTT]

Racism will not go away because minorities like to play the race card too much. I heard of a city council member (not in the Tampa Bay area) upset that the term "black hole" was used in regard to the budget. He claimed it was a racial slur. When told it is a scientific term he insisted it was still racist.

This cartoon is not racist. People like Sharpton could do so much good in the world yet insist on keeping racism alive.

[NdueCzon]

I have to chime in on this conversation because I am getting far too many email messages from friends asking me to complain to the NY Post or to support Rev. Al Sharpton's most recent power-play.

As an African-American Democrat who ascribes to fiscal conservatism and responsibility, (stop laughing, we do actually exist), I have to admit that the cartoon was a bit insensitive, but it wasn't until someone else said something to me that I even considered that the cartoon could have been directed at the President. It never occurred to me because I never saw the President as the author of the bill.

Even though I was not particularly offended because of its racial undertones, if I were an editor, I would never have published it because I am aware that it would prove offensive to many. What this says to me is that there is an obvious void of people of color in decision-making roles in the media. There is a lack of training and cultural sensitivity among media's managing editors. Where were they during the late '90's when diversity training was all the rage?

Moreover, while Rev. Sharpton is out marching around some building, why is he not meeting with diverse members of the media who are bumping into a glass ceiling in their attempts to progress to positions of power (decision-makers) within the media? I am sure that if his efforts were directed toward ensuring that more people of color were able to progress to the decision-making levels of media management, it would prove more valuable to our country than us having to suffer through another episode of watching the wind blow through is permed hair as he "huffs and puffs."

[Barbara]

As a white, upper middle class registered republican who voted for President Obama, I was completely offended by the insensitive and racist cartoon. The news media plays as great a role in the detriment of our economy and the perpetuation of racism by printing such things.

[Brad]

Obama didn't write the bill.
Is it racist to compare Pelosi to a chimp that was involved in "interspecial intimacy" with its owner?
I long for a post-racial society, where Sharpton becomes as invisible as he is irrelevant.

[machiner]

Seeing things that aren't there? Oh, my - what a country we have today.

Just yesterday I saw Jesus' face in the clouds. I snapped a picture of it...anyone wanna buy one?

Ba hahahahahaaaa.

If you don't understand what I am saying - and I bet you don't, because you're so engrossed in yourself - I'll spell it out: The cartoon wasn't racist. If it's racist -- you made it so.

It simply depicts some cops (representative of us?) having enough of Congress and taking them out.

Now -- you and I know that our congress is filled with just so many corrupt folk that need a decent cleansing. Maybe not with a .45, but replacement seems necessary.

Trouble with Americans is - we tend to be too cowardly to act upon things that make us crazy (politicians, etc.) and allow them to keep on keeping on. When we do finally act, we tend to go overboard. So, I can see that typical Americans had had enough and solved the problem.

Ugly, but that's what we are.

Al Sharpton is just a media-hag and a trouble maker. I can't believe anyone still listens to that dolt. Oh - if you're black are you obligated?

Ba hahahahahaa. I'm a shade of beige, caucasian, I certainly don't feel obligated to step in line behind Ann Coulter.

Sheesh.

Some of you really need to get over yourselves. Honestly.

--machiner

[Hal]

This is such a well written, well thought out editorial. Thank you, Eric, for the insight. Keep up the good work!

[Jerry]

It raises it's ugly head, no matter what historic event takes place in this country. Which leaves me to believe it is somehow genetically imbeded in both blacks and whites. Just the same as the gay issue is.

[Jerry]

It raises it's ugly head, no matter what historic event takes place in this country. Which leaves me to believe it is somehow genetically imbeded in both blacks and whites. Just the same as the gay issue is.

[shuturyap]

This is not an accurate cartoon. The cop would have emptied his clip and the statement should say "spending" instead of "stimulus". This should never had been released. Done probably for exposure.

[dobie315]

Hey losers! Where were you when a shoe was thrown at our president? Regardless of whether you like him or not, that shoe wasn't just thrown at his face, it was thrown in your face and you didn't give a damn! How ironic that you speak out against a cartoon but could care less about an actual incident.

[Bill B]

Yes, Pam, we do have an awesome God.

And he is forgiving God, too. He has forgiven America for the sins of slavery (which ended, what, more than 150 years ago?). The KKK was cooked a long time ago. Hard-core racists - white, and minority - are few and far between, thankfully. Exhibit A in post-racial America: The election of Barack Obama, a biracial man, for president.

Now it's up to you. Can you forgive America, and move on? Dwelling on the sins of the past won't do a thing to help solve the race-related issues of the day.

Stop focusing on the hate, and maybe we can move forward.

[Pam]

Some people are just ignorant. Theres no ifs, ands or buts about what the intent was. Let me just say, those who have hatred in their hearts will eventually reap what they sow. Further, why do some people put their extreme political views before human kindness. Slavery was real, the KKK was real, the Civil rights movement was and is still real, the greatly needed change that this country needed was real, the people have spoken and we will not tolerate this. Those that hate get over it. Look in the mirror and do a self assessment on yourselves. We serve an awesome God, he is in control, so no matter what RACIST AMERICANS DO, you will not win. WAKE UP!!!!!!!!!!!!

1. It is not funny.

2. We don't shoot people for writing bad legislation -- and THAT is the ugliest part of picturing police killing any writer of a law.

3. Yes, any attempt to tie blacks to apes is, and always has been dehumanizing racism. I'm white and I recognize and object to such stupid bigotry and encouraging violence as a political tool.

[Rob]

I think that this is an extremely insulting to the monkey. I wouldn’t want to be compared to the democrats in congress. Everyone knows the monkey would have done a better job.

[Barry Garrett]

It's some sort of irony and some kind of sadness that AG Holder's comments on race relations("we are a nation of cowards") is in the context of this pseudo-story about Delonas' cartoon.

The amount of energy being expended by the media and pundits and race baiters like Sharpton over a cartoon that is clearly not racist makes me wonder if Holder is really right. Of all the sorts of racism that exist in today's society we decide to focus our efforts on an innocuous cartoon and critics like you come up with half-baked tenuous arguments to prop it up as some sort of story, when what we really have is a clever cartoon that combines two recently sensationalized stories to satire the utter mess that ALL of Washington is.

[M]

I think it would have been more appropriate to show 2 placards - 1 that had "Senate" and 1 that had "House" shown being shot full of bullet holes with the same caption. No possibility of racism there. Can't wonder if, instead of a chimp, it had been a charicature of Pelosi. Oh, then all the hoopla would be coming from just the Dems.

Kudos to everyone who pointed out that the bill WAS written by a barrel of monkeys.

All in all, just plain stupidity and poor taste...

[Racism is over]

What? Are you serious? Racism is over, we have a black president. It's okay to talk about this stuff now.

[Go Rays!]

Remember this?
http://www.opinionbug.com/?p=1517
Didn't think so.
What about this?
http://www.abovetopsecret.com/forum/thread98331/pg1
Remember when Al Sharpton got all upset about this?
http://mensnewsdaily.com/images/misc/articles/PirateCondi.gif

Here's an idea -- have a countrywide ban on racism. No talking about it, no movies, no television shows, no slavery shows, no endless discussion, no Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton making tons of money about it, no complaining about it -- for 40 years. Kids will start being born who have never heard of racism. They will grow into teens who have never even considered treating someone else differently because of their skin color.

Is your three year old racist? If your little five year old pushing food into his mouth at dinner racist? Nope. They are taught. Maybe they are taught by people who hate other cultures....but most are taught about the idea of racism by well meaning people who want them not to be racist. I don't constantly berate my kids "don't climb up the sides of buildings!" We don't listen to lectures and endless mediathons of how evil it is to walk up the side of a skyscraper...and guess what...they never think to do it.

This approach to TOTALLY RIDDING THE COUNRTY OF RACISM is never used, because -- there's no money in it.

[Your worst nightmare]

Where was your "freedom of speech" when you same people were attacking Rev. Wright? If you were so concerned with Freedom of Speech, then you would have backed Rev. Wright, because at least what he said was "protected" under your so called "freedom of speech" rule that you only refer to when you want to say something racist. I don't understand how each and every one of you agrees that there is racism, but when it's pointed out, you defend why it's not. All of you should have backed Rev. Wright according to your rules but all you screamed like little children because your "feelings" were hurt or you were so "scared" for your life. You people are weak, you always have been and you're racists, you hide behind this blog and spit your venom because you're know you can't say this in public. Racists have been pushed underground...cowards...I respect the KKK, Skin Heads, and the Aryan Nations ten times more that I respect you...at least they are true to themselves and you know where they stand, and you men, you are the worst, you are the ones that criticize every thing that happens on the southside and excuse everything that happens on the north. I find it ironic that the same people that you criticize your white sons try to emulate, have you ever seen a black teen rocking heavy metal, or country and western? No, but you always see white teens playing rap, riding around the southside with rims on their cars, and they look at you at the red-light as if to say, "i am as cool as you" It's pathetic...you should see how sad it looks. They want to be like us because they feel it is cool or edgy, different from their corny, uncool vanilla world. You men know that, how about the fact that your white daughters want to be with our sons, you should see how they drive around the southside in heat, it's embarrassing. You men are soft, keep your sons and you daughters out of the southside looking for excitement. That is your problem, you are furious that you family wants to be like us. Well have a sack and stand up to your kids instead of fearing them. Lastly, keep your white wives out of our neighborhoods. You men are cuckold, because when you are on your business trips, your wives are driving through the southside in the middle of the night looking for all kinds of action. I can't tell you how many mercedes benzes, lexuses or other fine cars come trolling through the southside looking for all kinds of things. Your wives criticize you and talk about you behind your back and we just laugh at you. We should expose you to your weak friends but their wives are doing the same thing. No wonder you criticize from this blog. You feel inadequate and you can't measure up so you criticize every chance you get. You don't realize that you are the reason that they are coming here. You drive them here, don't you know people want what they can't have. You have always been soft and always will be. Thank you for my Freedom of Speech and thank you people for backing me up on my freedoms, I appreciate it.

[angel smoke]

One thing is clear about this whole situation, there are a lot of people who clearly did not support Barack Obama becoming president. With that being said it is so very easy for you all to say that this is not a racial matter. Well on behalf of of all ethnic americans I will honorably say we have come this far with lots of great history to show that we are the fonders of this country and ignorance like this has not held us back. We have shown the US over and over again that we are smart and strong and unstoppable. Yes President Obama is biracial but isn't it true that all of you non supporters consider him black unless you're being called out for your racial cowardness! I have a lot of love for my country and I will continue to teach my kids that in this country you can do say and go anywhere and make a positive mark on the map while holding your head up and being proud about it. This is my comment and just like you other bloggers I don't care who is offended by it, after all we do have freedom of speech, which is clearly displayed in the NY post over and over again.

[dobie315]

Steve O'neal must be a liberal who refuses to take off his Barack colored glasses. Again, why hasn't anyone addressed the fact that Barrack referred to Sarah Palin as a pig? She said she was like a pit bull with lipstick and he said if you "put lipstick on a pig, it's still a pig". Now, that is racist and sexist! Do a google search in relation to the cartoons that were drawn portraying Condeleezza Rice. She is cast in a terrible light. However, not one peep from women's groups, or the black community. Sooooo hypocritical. You don't have the guts to rebut me! Hilarious! What about the George Bush assasination movie by Oliver Stone? Where's the uproar. Typical lib's, you let delusions interfere with reality.

[Howard Cosel]

Trust me, you can not jokingly call anyone a monkey.

[justin]

It has undeniable racist overtones and that was the intent.

[Alvin]

Not racist, just stupid. My first thought was, is this the 800-pound gorilla in the room nobody wants to talk about? Or King Kong, the gorilla from the skyscraper? Or the animal the police had to shoot the other day? I hope nobody believes any President would sit down, pen in hand, and write any piece of legislation. The cartoon makes no sense.

[Peg C.]

Pelosi, Reid and their minions wrote the bill, and they ARE monkeys. Amoral and very dangerous. Hopefully no one with an IQ above 60 actually thinks Obama wrote this bill. (Not defending him; he will be the worst president ever.)

[Paul]

...very interesting when disingenuous hypocrites want to retain comforting items in a historical context, however, when uncomforting issue, especially RACE are addressed they are desired absent historical context. Modern day bigots hide behind the curtain of perceived clear articulation and logic but their colors show through very clearly. Additionally, the ancestors of the perpetrators will not decide when I should get over it...if you're anything close to a Christian...the sins of the Fathers...read your Bible...BOY!!!

[Paul]

...very interesting when disingenuous hypocrites want to retain comforting items in a historical context, however, when uncomforting issue, especially RACE are addressed they are desired absent historical context. Modern day bigots hide behind the curtain of perceived clear articulation and logic but their colors show through very clearly. Additionally, the ancestors of the perpetrators will not decide when I should get over it...if you're anything close to a Christian...the sins of the Fathers...read your Bible...BOY!!!

[fred]

The only one who should be offended is the monkey, for being compared to politician. The only racialists are the people who quickly said it was the president, when I saw it the first thing that came to mind was not the president it was the democrats. And if you have read the bill a monkey could have done a better job.

[Kim]

I saw just a few months ago a teacher calling some of her white students little monkeys. I saw on TV a mother calling one of her children a monkey.
I see on TV black men calling women their black ho. Or they call each other n...... It just shows white people of today and tomorrow will contimue to pay and pay for things that they did not do nor have any part of years and years ago. Just so much hate. It is white person's fault that so many can not read or write.
I saw on the news that in an area children are raised on Mountain Dew. Now that they have grown up they have rotten teeth. Now Pepsi is paying to help get them dental care. Yet it was the parents who put the drink in their child baby bottles daily. Always blaming others. So goes life.

[Chris]

Lighten up! Obama is as white as he is black. He is the first non-white president, but he is by no means black. That being said, how many black comedians make worse racist remarks in humor? Slavery was ugly, and not the best, or worst track record of the USA, however, this is still the best damed country on the face of the planet. Love it or leave it. The blacks have not suffered the worst the human race has dealt by any means. Check the history books... or just look at what is going on in Africa presently.

[Joe]

The cartoon is certainly in poor taste, and is racially insensitive, at best. I agree with Mr. Deggans on that point. But I am bothered by a section of his post that reads this way:

"Riddle me this: the New York Post, a famously combative, conservative newspaper owned by Fox News proprietor Rupert Murdoch, runs a cartoon implying that a crazed chimpanzee wrote the recent economic stimulus bill, which was actually championed and developed by our nation's first black president.
Is that a racist joke?"

His implication is obvious: If you are conservative, you must be a racist. And that kind of thinking is as offensive as the cartoon. In reality, there are racists in every political party; Democratic Senator Robert Byrd is a former KKK member, just to name one. To imply that all -- or even many -- conservatives are racists is simply absurd, not to mention wrong and unfair.

It's OK to debate whether the cartoon was racist, but let's leave subtle name-calling out of it.

[marco]

Was freedom of expression CHANGEd with the election of a person who's skin color is not like that of his predecessors? I must not have got the memo. But hey, don't worry, after listening to a speech by Eric Holder makes it sound like we are all going to be forced to love each other. Yay, we are all saved.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/29260992#29260992
I wonder why he emphasizes the black community so much, as if no other minority group has ever had hostilities towards them by the US Government. Just a few that come to mind, Native Americans (some cultures killed to extinction), Chinese, Japanese, and currently, Mexicans. "Illegal Aliens" (read Mexicans) can be detained without reason, indefinitely, with the onus upon the inmate to prove his/her innocence/"right" to be in the country, WITHOUT TRIAL :D After NAFTA forced most Mexicans out of jobs and into poverty and slavery, why shouldn't we try and kick them out of the country. They need to get back down there and make our cars we can’t get loans for even as our government gives billions of dollars to the bankers who are getting record bonuses.
You guys are right, that totally wasn’t about politicians being monkeys or stooges, it was absolutely racist. We should probably focus on some ridiculous drawing instead of looking at the real entity that is forcing everyone into classes and separating by skin color. WAKE UP!!!!

[Steve O'Neal]

You tell em, Bullhooper. I was pleased to meet your fiance this evening. I was feeling a bit under the weather tonight though. I hope to get to see her and you again at the next game.

[Lene]

The comic is racist at least, and scary at best. A dead chimpanzee. Could be seen as an assasination attempt on Obama.

This on top of the Republican Hard Right Wing Nationalists (skinheads, KKK members, white nationalists, Evagelicals) spewing hate and death threat during Obama campaign.

Yes this unsavory comic should be taken seriously.

I have no idea why the Republican Nationalists (pretty much what is left of the party because the moderates like Snowe, Collins, and Spector are being chased out of the party by Reight wing hardliners.

This causes the party to become more and more narrow. Will the Republican Party, Taken over by the Reagan 'Moral Majority' go the way of the Whig Party? If they don't get a clue, they will.

[john]

Didn't the Democrats called George Bush "chimpy" for the last 8 years? (don't believe it, just google it) The analogy between a politician and a monkey has nothing to do with being black, but with being lacking of some "white matter." Besides Obama didn't write the bill. It's just implying that a monkey (which could stand for any politician) wrote the piece of nonsense that is the Stimulus Bill.

[ToddJ]

Apparently Eric and the other complainers don't understand the process of passing bills.

It's a well-known fact that members of Congress - NOT OBAMA - wrote the bill. That's how it works. Look it up. Pelosi and Reid and the rest did it, not the President.

As KC mentions, what's racist about comparing members of Congress to an ape? Why would someone assume that, just because an ape is in the cartoon, it's a reference to Obama or to a black person? And what does that say about someone who would do that?