Another Cartoonist Layoff Today? Here's Your Call to Arms

Most of us can recite how Dr. Seuss, in grand sociopolitical metaphor, asked all of Who-Ville to be heard. The matter was dire, a community's very survival at stake, no matter how small.

Ted Geisel, who did his share of politically laced illustration, would surely appreciate a collective "yawp" in support of editorial cartoonists. (The Chase Group/Dr. Seuss Enterprises)Enlarge Comic

Well this time around, Horton Hears a Cue.

The imperiled community in question here is the fading tribe
of newspaper political cartoonists. They number so few now on the national
plain, they could probably all fit in the same yurt. So with that in mind, that's your cue: If you want your favorite editorial cartoonists to survive the current
economic downturn, it is time now to yawp.

This year alone, the political cartoonists who have been bought out, laid off
or reduced-down include Jim Borgman (Cincinnati), Mike Peters (Dayton), Steve Greenberg (Ventura County, Calif.), Eric Devericks (Seattle), Dave Granlund (MetroWest Daily News) and Gordon Campbell (Inland Valley Daily Bulletin), according to DailyCartoonist.com. UPDATE: And Politicker.com is reporting that Brian Duffy, a 25-year veteran of the Des Moines Register, has just been laid off as part of larger cuts by Gannett.

I stop to consider that toll and can't help but think: There were coordinated hits in "The Godfather" films that were less gruesome.

Our Christmas wish: That the 19th-century editorial spirit of Thomas Nast (who created this Santa character) will live long and prosper.Enlarge Comic

With that in mind, it is time for editors and publishers to hear, in concert,
why the public values political cartoonists. Make a hoot, make a holler, if
you give a hoot about the art form that everyone from Thomas Nast to Jeff
MacNelly has elevated. Comic Riffs hands the soapbox and the megaphone to you and
asks:

Who are your favorite political cartoonists? And why do you value the
continued presence of newspaper editorial cartoons?

Got a missive? Have a rant? Then, like Horton, I'm all ears.