Israeli Elections and Cartoons

First off, I'm disappointed with the outcome of the Israeli elections. We need more peace, not less, especially at a time when we may need to use force. Doesn't make sense? It's simply: better someone regretful but decisive at the trigger than someone gleeful and happy to pull it.

Of course, I'd much rather no one pulled any triggers: get a Palestinian State in place and let's get on with healing: it'll take long enough as it is!

Great cartoon today by a Jordanian cartoonist (click on the link to access the page for this cartoon). I usually get a real kick out of Arab cartoonists railing at the West and Israel, while all the while they live in totalitarian or repressive regimes. Emad Hajjaj has the creds, though, to overcome his address. Born in Ramallah in 1967, he's done some very good work -- I may not agree with his viewpoint, but he's got a very sharp wit and he's not afraid to use it, even to the Jordanian goverment's displeasure. Please check out Emad's site at www.mahjoob.com.

I think cartoonists are great communicators of passion and "flavor" that printed news simply can't convey. Unfortunately, they're a dying breed, at least in the US: they're seen as superfluous and controvertial by print publishers. Check out Bartholoviews' stuff at Artizans, and pull up Cagle's pages for a wide and multicultural view of the world.

As for the Israeli elections, Emad, unfortunately, said it best.