There’s something wrong when I, as a cartoonist, feel I shouldn’t comment on the latest Anthony Weiner scandal. The reason for this is because the so-called news media seems to think sexting is the most important story (and the royal baby) this morning rather than minor issues like what the NSA is up to or what Congress is doing to America (which is sort of what Weiner is doing).
Author: Ann
Helen Thomas 1920 -2013
Journalist Helen Thomas died yesterday at the age of 92. A tenacious and outspoken trailblazer for many young female reporters, Thomas covered the White House for over fifty years. Her career unfortunately ended in controversy but I will forever remember and thank her for this exchange with then White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan. If only all journalists approached their jobs like Helen did. 
Dear Malala: I am writing this letter to explain why we tried to kill you
In a bizarre development, a senior member of the Pakistani Taliban has written a letter to Malala Yousafzai explaining why the Taliban tried to murder the then 15 year-old school girl. The handwritten, rambling, 4-page letter (which jumps around from British colonialism to pointing out that Henry Kissinger is Jewish) insisted that she was not targeted because of her support for education, but because of her “smearing campaign” against the Taliban. Last Friday Malala delivered a very inspiring speech at the United Nations supporting girls’ education and received a standing ovation. It’s as though the Taliban just realized that they need to launch a PR campaign to fix their misogynistic image.
WANTED: hoodie
I’ve heard many pundits dismiss the issue of “Stand Your Ground” laws in the discussion of the Trayvon Martin case because it wasn’t part of the defense strategy but I think that’s missing the underlying issue. When you combine people’s prejudices with guns and the right to use force in self-defense outside of your home, there will be more killings. Don’t buy it? Well, think about how people act in their cars when you accidentally cut them off. Now put a gun, a perceived threat, and no obligation to retreat first all together.
Sarah Palin considering Senate bid
Look who’s back… the hockey mom-you betcha-drill baby drill-lipstick-gun toting-former Alaska governor and vice president nominee. Thanks again, Senator McCain. Consider this your legacy.
Children having children
Apparently, Chile has it’s own version of Gov. Rick Perry:
“Chilean President Sebastian Pinera has praised as ‘brave and mature’a pregnant 11-year-old rape victim who said she was happy to have the child.” (BBC news)
*Update- the Texas House voted in favor of the 20 week ban on abortion, moving it to the Senate where it’s expected to pass.
Gov. Perry’s reaction to Wendy Davis’ filibuster
While the Supreme Court was concluding their historic 2012 session, there was another important political story last week taking place in the Texas legislature. State Senator Wendy Davis led a 11 hour filibuster against a restrictive anti-abortion bill, which resulted in Gov. Rick Perry calling for another special session after time ran out before the bill could be voted on. Since the drama unfolded last Wednesday, the I-can’t-remember-the-third-one Texas governor has been following the Todd Akin model, giving a speech to a Right to Life group where he mentioned that since Ms. Akin had been a teen-age mom herself and said that it’s “unfortunate that she hasn’t learned from her own example”.
animation: Rick Perry’s condescending response to Wendy Davis’ filibuster
Sketches of SCOTUS gay marriage decisions
Supreme Court rules DOMA unconstitutional
I was busy doing sketches and wrestling with my internet connection yesterday so wasn’t able to post about the 2 huge gay marriage cases the Supreme Court ruled on. Here’s some photos I took of the atmosphere around the Court:
Americans and surveillance
Turkey has her ‘Standing Man’, America has her ‘Sitting Man’.
Standing Man in Turkey-AP
Name the Supreme Court Justices
According to a 2012 FindLaw.com survey, two-thirds of Americans can’t name one Supreme Court justice. Test your knowledge on the pop-up justices above.
A historic week at the Supreme Court
Here’s a few photos from this morning at the Court: 
