My local newspaper had a cartoon in it yesterday that was a picture of the White House that said "We now offer Holiday gift wrapping" it also had a picture of a coffin wrapped in an American Flag!! This is a place that for 7 years (up until May, when my son was born) I worked and my husband worked for 8 years until about 2 yrs ago. I feel so angry and hurt with them! Our local Guard Unit is being deployed as we speak and our local newspaper chooses this cartoon to put in its paper!! I need to let them know how I feel but I am so angry right now that I don't even know what to say. Even if Canny weren't in that Unit I would be hurt for our Soldiers and their families. What bad taste!! Can you guys give me some ideas on what to say?

By Ginny~moderator on Wednesday, December 15, 2004 - 09:01 am:

Ouch. As one who strongly opposed this war before it started and opposes it strongly now, I agree, this is in terribly bad taste and offensive to all who are serving or have family members serving. (Not the least of my opposition is because I do support our military and feel they are being mis-used and undersupported by our goverment.)

Let me think about it today and I'll come back with some suggested wording tonight, to add to what others will certainly propose. My approach to things like this is to use a "more in sorrow than in anger" style, as I find it gets more serious attention and more sympathy from observers.

By Mrsheidi on Wednesday, December 15, 2004 - 09:15 am:

You know, there are 2 kinds of people in this world. Helpful and hurtful...

By Tunnia on Wednesday, December 15, 2004 - 09:36 am:

(((Joelle))) I don't blame you for being offended and upset. If I think of anything I'll let you know.

By Emily7 on Wednesday, December 15, 2004 - 10:59 am:

That is horrible. I can not even imagine what would make them think that was humorus or in good taste. I believe in the freedom of speech, but I also believe if you don't have something nice to say don't say anything. I think I would call and cancel my subscription until they printed an apology to all the troops & their families.

By Jtsmom on Wednesday, December 15, 2004 - 03:58 pm:

They did print an apology letter in todays paper, but I still emailed the publisher and very nicely told him how I was hurt and really shocked that they would do such a thing right now of all times. Our local National Guard Unit is being deployed and what a crummy thing for them to do. They should be supporting our troops!!! Anyway, I was real nice, because after all I worked with these people for a little over 7 yrs but I did want them to know how I felt. He emailed me back a real nice letter. He was not aware that that cartoon was being run or he would have never let it happen.

By Kay on Wednesday, December 15, 2004 - 06:43 pm:

I have a feeling that newspaper received a TON of angry letters and emails. No matter what a person's stance is, I agree that the cartoon was in extremely bad taste. I'm glad they apologized.

Was it a local cartoonist, or one of the nationally syndicated ones?

By Jtsmom on Wednesday, December 15, 2004 - 09:20 pm:

I am sure that it came from the Associated Press. That's where they get most of those things.