Ross Ramsey

1. Cartoon: When the President’s Mini-sters Need Target Practice https://ift.tt/qdvFJSP Cartoon In the realm of political satire, cartoons have long served as a powerful medium to convey complex political scenarios and critiques with humor and wit. One such provocative piece is “When the President’s Mini-sters Need Target Practice.” This cartoon captures the essence of political missteps and the often humorous yet critical perspective on governmental affairs. The Art of Political Cartoons Political cartoons are more than just humorous illustrations; they are visual editorials that use satire to provide commentary on current events, political leaders, and policies. The cartoon in question, “When the President’s Mini-sters Need Target Practice,” employs sharp wit and clever imagery to highlight the inefficiencies and misjudgments within the administration. Historical Context and Relevance Understanding the historical context in which a political cartoon is created is crucial. This particular cartoon can be seen as a reflection of the current political climate, where political leaders are often under intense scrutiny for their decisions and actions. By portraying the president’s ministers as needing target practice, the cartoonist suggests a lack of precision and competence in their duties. Analyzing the Imagery Symbolism in Political Cartoons Political cartoons rely heavily on symbolism to convey their messages. In “When the President’s Mini-sters Need Target Practice,” various elements serve as symbols: The Target: Often represents the goals or issues the administration aims to address. Mini-sters: A play on the word “ministers,” suggesting that these officials are miniature in terms of their capabilities or effectiveness. Target Practice: Implies a need for improvement, training, or correction in their approach to governance. Character Depiction The portrayal of characters in political cartoons is also significant. The ministers in this cartoon are likely depicted in a caricatured manner, exaggerating certain features to highlight their perceived inadequacies or humorous traits. This artistic choice not only entertains but also underscores the cartoonist’s critical viewpoint. Themes and Messages Governmental Inefficiency A recurring theme in political satire is governmental inefficiency. This cartoon taps into this narrative by suggesting that the president’s ministers are not hitting their targets – a metaphor for failing to achieve their policy goals or manage their responsibilities effectively. Accountability and Competence Another central message is the need for accountability and competence in leadership. The notion of target practice implies that the ministers need to improve their skills, which can be interpreted as a call for better leadership and more effective governance. Impact on Public Perception Political cartoons like “When the President’s Mini-sters Need Target Practice” play a significant role in shapin...

Here is a link to my book In Search of Shir Jan. The story is inspired by real-life experiences. https://lnkd.in/gFUYDnH3

Latest story on #Georgia politics

We need a translation of Heritage Foundation's 922-page Project 2025 blueprint for a Trump dictatorship in a readable and viewable format. It's a detailed how-to plan about turning the U.S. into a fascist society. Few will read the entire document so we need a distillation of its bottom line goals (e.g., abolishing Social Security, 23% cut immediately; repeal of the Civil Rights Act; national ban on abortion; ban on teaching mention of slavery or Black American history). I remember we did something at NRDC in the 90s when we flipped the switch on House GOP's "Contract with America" to "Contract on America", and translated right-wing rhetoric into real world consequences. We can do the same now.

Commentary and context are an important part of our news. "The Last American Editor, Vol. 2" is a reminder of that importance. Check it out today. https://lnkd.in/g_q2-uKs

Tune in to tomorrow’s episode on #InsideTheFBI to learn more about the #FBI Police.

More than 5 years after former President Trump signed the bill into law, White House still hasn't released Congressionally mandated guidance on how federal agencies should implement the OPEN Government Data Act: https://lnkd.in/e43VqHCw USGAO has been issuing reports & recommendations on federal information transparency for years: https://lnkd.in/e5jr2rBC but HSGAC & the House Oversight committee haven't convened hearings & held OMB accountable for open implementation. Today, I learned OMB has never responded to a September 2023 letter from Senator Chuck Grassley, who praised the bipartisan goal of making public records open to the public in an email to Fedscoop: “At the heart of this law is our government’s most fundamental purpose: to be a service to the people. Public data is helpful to Americans for a number of reasons, such as solving problems and fostering innovation. Greater transparency will help bring more accountability, as well as efficiency, to government operations.” Implementing an *open government* law should be central to the United States participation in the Open Government Partnership, & yet officials have ignored years of entreaties regarding the absent guidance & failed to provide the necessary leadership, oversight, & resources to move the default on public information to open across the federal government in concert with the Chief Data Officers Council, CISA, the CIO Council, and GSA. Such dysfunction & inaction should be unacceptable to President Biden, Director Young, & Congress, given how important public access to public information is in the 21st century. The best time to act was 2021. The next best time is tomorrow.

Here is a link to my Book In Search of Shir Jan. The story in inspired by real-life experiences. https://lnkd.in/g3e4TnYf

Hereś (see below) Timothy Snyder again lending his supreme expertise to an analysis of events of the day. Snyder reminds readers that when political violence takes place, it is folly to assume that the polar adversaries of its victim(s) are to blame. Iĺl say here, though, that I do not yet consider the assassination attempt against Donald Trump to have been a species of political violence. Until I learn more, my impression will be that Trumpś would-be assassin was yet another gun-crazed young social outcast lashing out against the highest-profile figure available to receive the brunt of this outcastś dark fantasies. In the case at hand, this would describe a scenario in which one of todayś most vocal advocates of gun glorification, in the U.S., has now personally experienced the inevitable outcome of such glorification -- but under circumstances in which taxpayers provided this privileged advocate with moderately effective protection to which the legions of other Americans (e.g. helpless kindergartners and country-music concert-goers) gunned down by misery-driven outcasts never had access:

Here is today's article from my column "Across the Fence" for The Suburban Times. Please, click the pic to read. Hope you enjoy! https://lnkd.in/gwrrEu7U