Point Reyes Light - February 23, 2006

The Editor
By Robert Plotkin

Cartoon contest winner

I am pleased to announce the winner of our cartoon contest – David Jenkins. In addition to regular political cartoons, Jenkins will begin a serialized cartoon for children called Ephram Fomp And His Big Time Sandals.

I would also like to introduce Justin Defreitas, whose work first appears on this page, and who will become a regular contributor. The biographies of both artists accompany their work on this page and page 19. The Light received superior work from a number of cartoonists and still welcomes their submissions. I will print the best every week. Please keep sending them in.

Weeks of cartoons have been a naughty treasure. They are naughty because an editorial cartoon is comprised of lampoon and caricature. This is one of the only ways that a newspaper is able to poke fun at serious issues.

Only the jester could provoke the king without fear of a head-lopping. He was an agent provocateur, who served as a societal relief valve. It was considered bad form to kill your jester. And so it is today with cartoonists.

The cartoonist is the court jester of modern media, a uniquely free journalist in a system that is often suffocated by false objectivity and manufactured balance. Cartoonists make artistic expressions of political or social reality. They are funhouse mirrors into which viewers gaze.

Political poetry contest

The Light is calling for poems on pesticide and encourages poems from both pesticide lovers and haters. The winner will receive $25 from the Light. Submissions must be received in our office by Tuesday, March 7.

Political sculpture contest

The Light is calling for busts of President George W. Bush. The winner will receive $75 (because of increased materials fees) in compensation for the bust that will be displayed prominently in the Light’s reception area. All sculptures submitted by the deadline, Tuesday March 14, will be photographed and displayed in the newspaper.

 

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