Free speech Friday

Cartoon clarification

Artist's intent was not disrespect

Political art is always at its best when the public can share its criticisms with the artist. I am grateful that my Oct. 23 cartoon incited so much feedback. This is something I personally value a great deal, and I admire the writers' opinions and courage in sharing their opinions.

That being said, I also will not and do not allow the opinions of others affect the content of my work. The purpose of a political cartoon is to create a stir within the foundation of society and create realizations of what we may see as flaws in societal structure as it is. In this case, history supported my argument. Yes, it is grossly exaggerated, but you have to understand that the very essence of a political cartoon is in exaggeration.

I am sorry if I have caused offense, but in their protests, most writers are belittling the purpose of the cartoon and overlooking the positive effects I had hoped it would have. Were I not disappointed in the overreaction of our law enforcement, I never would have made such a comparison. The response to minimal illegal activity in the University area is putting unfair restrictions on the student population and counteracting civil liberties.

American ideology is based on personal freedoms and privacy. While these ideals have been threatened, I only saw fit to compare the most hated form of police control in history (the exact opposite of all our nation stands for today) in order to highlight the unjust actions of our own law enforcement. It's unconstitutional for police to enter our homes at their convenience. Everywhere I go, no matter what I am doing, I am under the scrutiny of the law, whether it's an officer in disguise or simply standing on the corner as a pillar to the social destruction that is occurring.

No, it is not the Gestapo in the ghettos of 1936 (The Holocaust did not occur until much later. In 1936 no one could even have imagined such a thing). By using the Gestapo, I have highlighted the ill nature of the Seattle Police Department's actions and, hopefully, created some guilt and awareness about the unjust nature of what is happening at the UW today.

-- Patrick Marich

Daily editorial cartoonist