#national cartoonists day 2023

[ethancrossmedia]

Happy National Cartoonists Day and Cinco de Mayo! 😀

[mostlysignssomeportents]

This day in history

On SEPTEMBER 24th, I'll be speaking IN PERSON at the BOSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY!

#20yrsago Computer industry to entertainment industry: we lied (right on!) https://www.ecyrd.com/ButtUgly/Wiki.jsp?page=Main_blogentry_210904_1

#20yrsago Weinberger: “free access to every work of creativity in the world is a better world” https://web.archive.org/web/20040924042126/http://www.hyperorg.com/blogger/mtarchive/003080.html

#20yrsago Elvis Costello disclaims antipiracy warnings on his own CD https://web.archive.org/web/20040924000229/http://www.sciencefictiontwin.com/blog/2004/09/elvis-costello-on-anti-piracy.asp

#15yrsago Oligarch’s yacht has a laser anti-photo scre en https://www.wired.com/2009/09/russian-billionaire-installs-anti-photo-shield-on-giant-yacht/

#15yrsago Jack Kirby estate will wrest copyrights back from Disney-Marvel https://archive.nytimes.com/mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/09/20/in-wake-of-disney-marvel-deal-cartoonists-heirs-seek-to-reclaim-rights/

#15yrsago FCC chairman promises net neutrality except that Hollywood can spy on you and screw up your net connection if it wants to https://web.archive.org/web/20090924234046/http://openinternet.gov/read-speech.html

#15yrsago White Sands, Red Menace: Atomic age historical sf novel for young people that is sweet, sneaky, and exciting https://memex.craphound.com/2009/09/21/white-sands-red-menace-atomic-age-historical-sf-novel-for-young-people-that-is-sweet-sneaky-and-exciting/

#5yrsago Why do people believe the Earth is flat? https://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/article-why-do-people-believe-the-earth-is-flat/

#5yrsago Banksy celebrates the erasure of his Brexit mural: “I guess a big white flag says it just as well” https://www.instagram.com/p/B2UFBFYH_XE

#5yrsago Ed Snowden says he’ll stand trial and even go to prison in the USA if he can have a public trial and mount a public interest defense https://www.cbsnews.com/news/edward-snowden-nsa-cbs-this-morning-interview-today-2019-09-16/

#5yrsago On Fire: Naomi Klein’s book is a time-series of the shift from climate denial to nihilism to Green New Deal hope https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/books/story/2019-09-19/on-fire-by-naomi-klein-green-new-deal

#5yrsago Bill Gates: if we break up Big Tech, we’ll just have more bad companies https://memex.craphound.com/2019/09/21/bill-gates-if-we-break-up-big-tech-well-just-have-more-bad-companies/

#5yrsago Propublica finds millions of Americans’ medical images and data sitting on unprotected, publicly accessible servers https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2019/09/millions-of-americans-medical-images-and-data-are-available-on-the-internet/

#5yrsago Republic of Lies: the rise of conspiratorial thinking and the actual conspiracies that fuel it https://memex.craphound.com/2019/09/21/republic-of-lies-the-rise-of-conspiratorial-thinking-and-the-actual-conspiracies-that-fuel-it/

#1yrago "Efficiency" left the Big Three vulnerable to smart UAW tactics https://pluralistic.net/2023/09/21/eight-and-skate/#strike-to-rule

The paperback edition of The Lost Cause, my nationally bestselling, hopeful solarpunk novel is out this month!

[soon-palestine]

With Handala Demanding an immediate ceasefire As Israel's aggression against Palestine intensifies, people around the world are wondering what we can and should do. In Italy, 80 cartoonists drew the backs of their own cartoon characters in a campaign to "demand an immediate ceasefire on all fronts, without flags and united with the Handala". "Handala" is a symbol of Palestinian resistance drawn by Palestinian artist Naji al-Ali, and is still depicted in various places in Palestine. "Handala" means "suffering" in Arabic. The back of Handara still continues to appeal for resistance and liberation. Many people in Japan are also thinking about what we can do. They are taking various actions such as demonstrations, boycotts, signing petitions, and standing for ceasefire. Seeing this campaign in Italy, we planned this project in the hope that we could create an appeal with the cooperation of Cartoonists in Japan, along with Handala, to appeal for the back of their own characters. To cartoonist in Japan who agree, please contribute your characters in the back. Any nationality is welcome, as long as you are a manga artist living in Japan. [Additional Notes]  We began accepting applications on December 31, 2023 and immediately received a great response, and the next day, January 1, 2024, we created a official X (formerly Twitter) account and began reposting pictures of  own character's backside tagged with the #withHandala hashtag.　Many people agreed but some of them commented that both sides should stop attacking each other. We will refrain from reposting on this account because there is room to discuss such matters. Because we consider this "war" to be ethnic cleansing / ethnocide / genocide by Israel.　However, #withHandala has spread as a much larger movement than the three of us had originally anticipated. At the same time, #withHandala has become a big swell that has left our hands. While we respect the wishes of those who agree with the purpose of the #withHandala, we plan to repost mainly "pictures" related to the #withHandala. When we compile the collected drawings, we will mainly select works by professional cartoonists or similar artists, as was our original plan. Please understand that this may be an arbitrary decision. Thank you for your continued support. Italian publisher Eris Edizioni URL ※You can read Naji Al-Ali's books published in Italy in PDF format from this site. ​Campaign introduction site URL in Italy​​​ Naji al-Ali was a Palestinian cartoonist, noted for the political criticism of the Arab regimes and Israel in his works. Al-Ali is best known as the creator of the character Handala, a personification of the Palestinian people that has become prominent symbol of Palestinian nationalism and resistance. One of the best-known cartoonists in the Arab world, and celebrated as the greatest Palestinian cartoon artist. Al-Ali drew over 40,000 cartoons, often reflecting Palestinian and Arab public opinion and offering sharply critical commentaries on Palestinian and Arab politics and political leaders. On 22 July 1987, while outside the London offices of al-Qabas, a Kuwaiti newspaper for which he drew political caricatures, Al-Ali was shot in the neck and mortally wounded.  He died five weeks later in Charing Cross Hospital. He was 50. A Child in Palestine The ruthlessness of Israel, the hypocritical United States, the self-serving Arab ruling class.  Author Naji Al Ali borrowed the perspective of a boy named Handala and quietly and bitterly left Palestinian anger in the form of a single newspaper cartoon. Organizer Tokushige Kawakatsu(cartoonist) Mariko Matsushita(painter) Zohre Miha(photograph artist)

[picturethisshow]

#NY It's time to give thanks for another year of live animated comedy at our FINAL NEW YORK SHOW OF 2023!!!

Comedy by:  Jes Tom (Less Lonely) Griffin Newman (The Tick) Eman El-Husseini (JFL) Jess Salomon (The Best Show) Wilfred Padua Animation by:  Jason Chatfield (National Cartoonist Society) Chrissy Fellmeth (Titmouse) Emmett Goodman Adam Howard Dima Drjuchin Dan Pinto Hosted by:  Jason Chatfield (The New Yorker)  TICKETS: $10 pre-sale, $15 day-of/at the door  

at Union Hall (702 Union St, Brooklyn, NY 11215)

Masking HIGHLY encouraged when not actively eating or drinking.

21+, Street Parking available, ride share encouraged

Lineup subject to change without notice

Flier art by Jason Chatfield

[uniquejellyfishqueen]

Position #1 (number 2 in order of years )2023 2024 Position #2 (number 3 in order of years )

Position #3 (number 1 in order of years ) 2022 2025 Position #4 (number 4 in order of years )

This makes an X and is 4 years. 4 is red

2022: Sofi

She was here for 6 nights. 2 special guest and three nights of filming.

On night 6 she announced 1989 TV

This is also the Stadium in which TS was removed from being the opening performer, Lover Fest West was supposed to be at Sofi and she was supposed to be the 1st Female Performing Artist to open an NFL Stadium. I understand Covid “happened” but she still could have had that spot when events were allowed to begin again. So honestly they had it coming.

2023: Glendale

The very first 2 nights of the errors tour was at Glendale. Also she did not wear green on 3/17.. probably because she doesn’t like getting pinched since some punk grabbed her ass without permission?

This place is a headquarters of a special kind.

The surprise songs tracks night 1 were 6/1 (mirrored date of 61 or 1/6)

Night 2 were 9/1 (mirrored of 91 or 9/1)

“My next 30 years”

2024: Paradise, NV Allegiant

This game was 7 days after the announcement of TTPD

She was also here on 3/24 and 3/25

3/24/1629 1st game law passes in the American colonies, by Virginia.

“I’ve been the archer, I’ve been the prey”

3/24/1874 Harry Houdini’s birthday, he passed away in 1926 -> Houdini was the lead single from TDOSS

3/24/1882 Robert Kick discovers bacillus cause of TB

3/24/1898 the 1st automobile sold

Benz Patent-Motowagen

3/24/1930 Planet Pluto was named.

RIP little guy

3/24/1937 National Gallery of Art established by Congress

“Clink, clink, being this young is art.” —only the young, but also the clinking of glasses is like a cheers or toast which would be champagne problems..

3/24/1947 Congress proposes 2 term limitation on the US Presidency

3/24/1947 John Rockefeller JR donated NYC East River site to the United Nations.

U can turn into n

3/24/1955 the 1st seagoing oil drill placed in service.

3/24/1958 Elvis is drafted into the US Army

3/24/1961 NY Senate approves $55M for a baseball stadium at Flushing Meadows.

-Citi Field….. city of lover? Welcome to NY

3/24/1964 the Kennedy half dollar issued.

Wowza he only died on 11/22/1963. They sure were ready to have that done weren’t they?

3/24/2989 In Prince William Sound in Alaska, the Exxon Valdez spills 240,000 barrels of petroleum after running aground.

3/24/2008 Britney Spears makes a guest appearance on the CBS sitcom How I Met Your Mother.

-still haven’t watched this since it was ruined for me.

*but also don’t forget the song “Me And Britany” on her 1st demo.

2025: Caesar’s Superdome

Second to last US stop on the tour. 10/25, 10/26, 10/27

Oh I see what we did here

10/25 is:

Chunky day

Frankenstein Friday

International Bandana Day

MDS World Awareness Day

National Cartoonists Against Crime Day

*Nevada day.

The location of the last Super Bowl

World Lemar day

She’s in NOLA this weekend. He’s there in February. Although i might shit my pants if he showed up on stage tonight. Wait are they gonna make out?! They should. I said it.

10/25/1984 Katy Perry was born.

Her cats name is Kitty Purry “Karma is cat purring in my lap cause it loves me”

Also if you follow the strictly “gay” lore of Ts well “I kissed a girl and I liked it..”

10/25/1154 Stephen, King of England died

“Hey Stephen” rest in peace

10/25/1764 John Adam’s 2nd American President marries Abigail Smith

10/25/1777 Patrick Henry, Governor of Virginia marries second wife Dorothea Dandridge

-like the Dandridge school of nursing?

10/25/2009 Ivanka Trump marries Jared Kushner

-Karlie Kloss married Joshua Kushner in 2018

10/25/1861 the Toronto Stock Exchange is created

10/25/1940 Benjamin O Davis Sr is named the first African American General in the United States Army

1025/1944 During WW2 the USS Tang the top American submarine ace of the war is sunk by its own malfunctioning torpedo.

“Timeless”

10/25/1964 Viking Jim Marshall runs 66 yards in the wrong direction for a safety and is known as the wrong way run.

10/25/1986 Cyndi Lauper’s True Colors hits #1

10/25/2006 Forbes declares Kurt Cobain the top-earning dead celebrity…

That’s honestly morbid, and does not respect his art.

10/25/2006 Press Play by Diddy is his first #1 album on the Billboard 200 since 1997

10/25/2008 Womanizer by Britney Spears hits #1 on Hot 100

10/25/2015 Lewis Hamilton wins his 2nd consecutive World Drivers Championship

10/25/2017 Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers duet Island in the Stream

10/26/1863 The Football Association is founded

10/26/1967 is Keith Urban’s Birthday

“That’s When” Fearless TV From The Vault

10/26/1774 The First US Continental Congress adjourns in Philadelphia

10/26/1881 Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday take part in the Gunfight at the O.K Corral in Tombstone, Arizona

“You OK?” Doc… dr… Dre….red

10/26/1936 the first electric generator at the Hoover Dam goes into operation

10/26/1958 Pan Am makes its first commercial flight of the Boeing 707 from NYC to Paris

Welcome to New York, We were in Paris.

10/26/1970 Your Song is released by Elton John

10/26/2003 The Cedar Fire in California kills 15 people, burns 250,000 acres and destroys 2,200 homes in San Diego to become the 3rd largest fire in California’s history

-but she said the vault tracks are gonna be fire

-ok but 22.. there were 22 songs on the 1989 Deluxe Version, which came out on 10/27/2023 which is the following day.

19 s

8 h

9 i

HIS

10/27/1275 Amsterdam is founded

10/27/1682 Philly is founded

10/27/1810 The US annexes the former Spanish colony of West Florida

10/27/1904 The first underground NYC Subway line named the IRT Broadway Seventh Avenue Line Opens.

10/27/1954 Benjamin O. Davis Jr Becomes the first African American General in the U.S. Airforce

10/27/2006 St Louis beats Detroit 4-2 in game 5 of the World Series at Busch Stadium, making it the Cardinals 10th title in franchise history.

10/27/2018 a gunman kills 11 and injures six when he opens fire on a Pittsburgh Synagogue.

[sa7abnews]

Egyptian authorities arrest former government official

New Post has been published on https://sa7ab.info/2024/08/06/egyptian-authorities-arrest-former-government-official/

Egyptian authorities arrest former government official

Egyptian authorities arrested political activist and the former spokesperson of the Civil Democratic Movement Yehia Hussein Abdel Hady early on Thursday for a social media post, his lawyer Khaled Ali said.

Security personnel in civilian clothing arrested him while he was in a car with the former coordinator of the National Association for Change, Abdel Galil Mostafa.

According to Mostafa, they were in the car together on their way to an event at the headquarters of the opposition Karama Party when a car stopped next to them at a traffic light to arrest Abdel Hady.

Abdel Hady was brought before the State Security Prosecution and was handed a 15-day detention, pending further investigations according to Mada Masr.

The charges against him included “joining a terrorist organisation”, “misusing social media platforms” and “broadcasting and publishing false news” and “financing and inciting terrorism” .

Abdel Hady’s post on Facebook on 23 July read “for how long will the army remain silent?” and also included criticism of the state, political opposition and leaders of the Armed Forces.

The prosecution quizzed Abdel Hady over his posts before transferring him to the 10th of Ramadan detention facility.

The Civil Democratic Movement condemned Abdel Hady’s arrest, saying it was a “negative signal aimed at terrorising and contradicting the claims of a breakthrough,” in a statement.

The Secretary-General of the Egyptian Socialist Party, Ahmed Bahaa Shaaban, proposed the idea of implementing a symbolic strike if such arrests continue, The New Arab’s Arabic language sister publication, Al-Araby Al-Jadeed reported.

“The arrest of Yehia Hussein Abdel Hadi, in this brutal manner, has a very negative impact on the climate in Egypt, which is already tense due to the huge number of detainees, the latest of whom is the cartoonist Ashraf Omar for his criticism of the blatant extravagance in spending on a monorail project at the expense of the livelihood of millions of ordinary people…” he told Al-Araby Al-Jadeed.

The Egyptian government has jailed tens of thousands of dissidents and political opponents, often on trumped-up “terrorism” and “fake news” charges ever since the 2013 military coup that brought current President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to cover.

This is not the first time Abdel Hady has been sentenced to prison. In January, the Nasr City Misdemeanour Court gave him a one year sentence on charges of spreading false news inside and outside the country.

The sentencing was based on three articles he wrote between August 2022 and March 2023, which criticised state bodies. However, the ruling was later  suspended.

According to Amnesty International, since July Egyptian authorities have arrested 119 people, including at least seven women and one child amid calls for ant-government protests and rising public discontent over increased costs of living and ongoing power outages.

[chazzbot]

My Year in Reading: 2023

Here is every book I read over the last year, listed in the order I read them. These are the books I read cover-to-cover and completed. Books I particularly enjoyed are in boldface. Books I’ve read multiple times are marked with an asterisk.

James Tiptree, Jr. - The Girl Who Was Plugged In*

Kazuo Umezz - The Drifting Classroom, Vol. 2

Vonda N. McIntyre - Screwtop*

Hitoshi Iwaaki - Parasyte 8

James Spooner - The High Desert

Ernest Hemingway - True at First Light

Adrian Tomine - The Loneliness of the Long-Distance Cartoonist

Jeff Lemire - Mazebook

Neil Gaiman & P. Craig Russell - Norse Mythology, Vol. 1

Veronica Roth - Arch-Conspirator

Annie Ernaux - Getting Lost

Seamus Heaney - The Burial at Thebes

John Connolly - Every Dead Thing

Alexander Theroux - The Enigma of Al Capp

Ed Brubaker & Sean Phillips - Fatale, Book Two: The Devil's Business

Ed Brubaker & Sean Phillips - Fatale, Book Three: West of Hell

Jason - Upside Dawn

Nick Hornby - Dickens and Prince: A Particular Kind of Genius

Scott Snyder & Jeff Lemire - A. D. : After Death

Kurt Cobain: The Last Interview and Other Conversations

Alisa Kwitney & Mike Norton - Mystik U

Kelly Barnhill - The Crane Husband

Steve Brodner - Living and Dying in America: A Daily Chronicle, 2020 - 2022

Hua Hsu - Stay True

Stephen King - Billy Summers

Heidi Julavits - The Folded Clock: A Diary

Salman Rushdie - Joseph Anton: A Memoir

Alberto Moravia - Agostino

Don Winslow - City on Fire

Paul Auster & Spencer Ostrander - Bloodbath Nation

David Milch - Life's Work: A Memoir

Larry McMurtry - Horseman, Pass By

Patti Smith - A Book of Days

Gahan Wilson - Fifty Years of Playboy Cartoons, Book Three: 1994 - 2008

Claire Keegan - Foster

Lucinda Williams - Don't Tell Anybody the Secrets I Told You

Fantasy & Science Fiction (Oct/Nov 2000)

Fantasy & Science Fiction (January 1972)

Michael Connelly - Dark Sacred Night

Denise Mina - Three Fires

Jon Fosse - Aliss at the Fire

Kristen Radtke - Seek You: A Journey Through American Loneliness

Bob Layton - Hercules: Prince of Power*

Gahan Wilson - Fifty Years of Playboy Cartoons, Book One: 1957 - 1973

Annie Ernaux - The Young Man

Julia Wertz - Impossible People: A Completely Average Recovery Story

Sean Murphy - Batman: Curse of the White Knight

Paul McCartney - 1964: Eyes of the Storm

[theattainer]

Charlie Brown’s Christmas Message to America

https://i0.wp.com/theattainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/peanuts-christmas-690x450-1.jpg?fit=690%2C450&ssl=1

https://theattainer.com/charlie-browns-christmas-message-to-america/

Charlie Brown’s Christmas Message to America

Simple, timeless, and unpretentious, “A Charlie Brown Christmas Special” became a holiday tradition since its first airing on Dec. 9, 1965. Its beginnings were simple: a television producer approached cartoonist Charles Schulz with a general idea for an animated special featuring the Peanuts gang. Soon, the idea for a Christmas special, written by Schulz himself, became a mission for the man. Having seen the commercialization of the Christmas holidays, Schulz decided to focus his project on the true meaning of Christmas: Christ. When asked why, he responded, “If we don’t do it, who will?”

What was it that drove him to relentlessly invest his time and talents in this project? Perhaps he was compelled by the events he saw unfolding on the national stage.

In 1951, the New York State Board of Regents approved a nondenominational prayer that was to be recited at the beginning of each school day. It read, “Almighty God, we acknowledge our dependence upon Thee, and we beg Thy blessings upon us, our parents, our teachers and our Country.” The purpose of this 22-word prayer, according to the Regents, was partially to encourage the development of good, law-abiding citizens. Participation in the prayer was voluntary.

After almost a decade later, some parents said the prayer violated the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment by establishing a state-imposed religion. However, the New York State Supreme Court upheld the legality of the prayer. This ruling was appealed, and the appellate court said, “The state is not imposing a religious belief by using this prayer.” This ruling was also appealed, and the New York Court of Appeals agreed with the other two courts, stating, “There was a sufficient separation of church and state so that the First Amendment was not infringed.”

The case then was appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, and in 1962, the Engel v. Vitale decision held that the lower three courts had been wrong: The prayer did indeed violate the Establishment Clause. The majority did not cite a single Supreme Court case in its opinion (except in a footnote) and overturned more than 200 years of public-school practice.

The dissent argued that the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment was designed to prohibit the establishment of a state-sponsored church, not to prohibit government involvement with religion. It said that the majority decision denied schoolchildren “the opportunity of sharing in the spiritual heritage of our Nation” and noted numerous instances of religion in the public square, such as “In God We Trust” on money or “God Save This Honorable Court” at the opening of Supreme Court sessions.

Engel v. Vitale was the beginning of a series of like-minded decisions. The next year, in Abingdon v. Schempp, the same court ruled that Bible readings and recitations of the Lord’s Prayer likewise violated the Establishment Clause.

It was in this precedent-upsetting milieu that Charles Schultz wrote the script for “A Charlie Brown Christmas.”

Linus, in the climax of the show, recites Luke 2:8-14. When he comes to the phrase “Fear not,” he drops his blanket. What a poignant symbol of reliance on God! Casting away his dependence, he shows that his true security is in faith, not in things.

In these secular times, “A Charlie Brown Christmas” might be the only way some children will learn the true meaning of Christmas:

“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, ‘Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.’”

Linus concludes his recitation by saying, “That’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.”

It sometimes takes time for cultural changes wrought by the Supreme Court to trickle down to actual practice. For example, a look at the beliefs of public-school administrators over time demonstrates how these Supreme Court rulings impacted the goals of public schools. The National Association of Secondary Schools Principals (NASSP), which polled middle and high school administrators in 1966, found that the development of “moral and spiritual values” was the second most important task of public schools, ranking only after the acquisition of basic skills (reading, writing, math). By 1992, it was at the bottom of the list.

Thus, in our recent past, school officials recognized the importance of instilling common values and a common heritage. So, apparently, did the entertainment industry. In 1966, “A Charlie Brown Christmas” received the Emmy for Outstanding Children’s Program.

Most Americans do not realize that Linus’ recitation of the nativity narrative takes place on a public-school stage and likewise do not recall a time when prayer, Christmas pageants, and Bible readings were allowed in public schools. It’s time we remind them.

“If we don’t do it, who will?”

—

A version of this article was published at Intellectual Takeout in December 2020.

Image credit: Flickr-22860, CC BY-SA 2.0

What do you think?

[goggledoddle]

Farooq Qaiser's 78th Birthday Date: November 1, 2023 Today’s Doodle celebrates the 78th birthday of Farooq Qaiser, famous Pakistani puppeteer, artist, writer, and voice actor. He’s most known for creating Uncle Sargam, a fictional puppet character that stole the hearts of many children and adults alike, and became a household name throughout the country. Uncle Sargam and his companion, Masi Museebtay, are featured in today’s Doodle artwork!  Qaiser was born on this day in 1945 in Sialkot, Punjab. He studied Fine Art at the National College of Arts in Lahore, where he was first introduced to the world of puppetry. While there, he was invited to work on a children’s television program called Akka Bakkar (1971) as a show writer and puppet maker. Qaiser also attended the University of Bucharest for his bachelor’s in graphic design and the University of Southern California for a master’s in mass communications. In 1976, the puppeteer started creating his own children’s show and eventually landed a broadcasting opportunity on Pakistani Television (PTV). It wasn’t long before Kaliyan (which translates to flower bud) found its way onto family TV screens across the nation. The show brilliantly balanced humor and satire to teach valuable life lessons to its young audience. Uncle Sargam, the main character, was also charming and relatable enough that parents enjoyed watching alongside their kids. Beyond puppetry, Qaiser had his hand in other pursuits. He worked as a columnist and cartoonist for the Daily Nai Baat, an Urdu newspaper, and taught at the Fatima Jinnah Women’s University in Rawalpindi. He also co-founded the Pakistani branch of  Union Internationale de la Marionnette (UNIMA) and served as its long-time vice president. For his contributions, Qaiser has been awarded the Presidential Pride of Performance in 1993, the title of “Master Puppeteer” from UNICEF in 1997, and the PTV Lifetime Achievement Award in 2010. He played a vital role in educating and entertaining the people of Pakistan through television, and is remembered for his irreplaceable, unmatchable spirit. Happy birthday, Farooq Qaiser!   Pictured: Farooq Qaiser Courtesy Ali Farooq Pictured: Farooq Qaiser with statues of his puppets Courtesy Ali Farooq   Location: Pakistan Tags: @GoggleDoddle

[swldx]

BBC 0431 22 Sep 2023

12095Khz 0357 22 SEP 2023 - BBC (UNITED KINGDOM) in ENGLISH from TALATA VOLONONDRY. SINPO = 55434. English, dead carrier s/on @0357z then ID@0359z pips and newsday preview. @0401z World News anchored by Chris Berrow. A judge at the US military tribunal in Guantanamo Bay on Thursday ruled that a Yemeni detainee who was tortured by the CIA is unfit to stand trial in a death-penalty case. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is making his first visit to Canada since the war with Russia in February 2022. He aims to garner support from Western allies, including Canada, in their efforts against the Russian invasion. Zelenskyy has already met with U.S. President Joe Biden and lawmakers in Washington and will now address the Canadian Parliament. Sudan's leader has warned the United Nations his country's war could spill over into neighbouring African nations. In a speech, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan also urged the international community to designate his opponents, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a terrorist group. Organised crime groups in Mexico have about 175,000 members, making them the fifth-biggest employer in the country, according to new research published in the journal Science. The Tunisian public prosecutor has ordered the detention of cartoonist Tawfiq Omrane over drawings mocking the prime minister, his lawyer Anas Kadoussi said. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has denied allegations that Armenia has refused to take in refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh. Armenia has prepared accommodation for possible refugees from NK after Azeri attack started. Labour unions and Chevron have agreed to a compromise deal put forward by an industrial umpire, spelling the end to more than two weeks of work stoppages that threatened to disrupt Liquid Natural Gas exports from Western Australia. King Charles and Queen Camilla were welcomed with pomp and ceremony on the first day of their long-delayed state visit to France as the monarch attempts to rebuild bridges between the two nations after Brexit. @0406z "Newsday" begins. 250ft unterminated BoG antenna pointed E/W, Etón e1XM. 250kW, beamAz 315°, bearing 63°. Received at Plymouth, United States, 15359KM from transmitter at Talata Volonondry. Local time: 2257.

[bopinion]

2023 / 32

Aperçu of the Week:

"Bureaucracy is inherently Kafkaesque."

(Elon Musk on Twitter when it was neither his nor X)

Bad News of the Week:

Wirtschaftswunder - the German economy is legendary. Twice it has built a powerhouse with its mix of diligence and discipline and innovation and quality: in the 1950s in post-war ruins, and after reunification with East Germany, whose de facto bankruptcy had to be absorbed and nursed back to health. "Made in Germany" became an international seal of quality. But as is so often the case, legends belong in the past. For the present is rather gloomy, the future questionable.

Because Germany is in an economic crisis. Again. Around the turn of the millennium, according to the Economist, we were "the sick man of Europe," left behind economically by our neighbors. With reforms of the labor market and the social system ("Agenda 2010"), we managed to catch up economically and were in a good position again. Much else was left undone. And now that's coming for us.

Bureaucracy, high costs (for energy and labor) as well as a shortage of skilled workers and an aging population are commonly cited as the reasons why we are struggling - even more than Spain - against external factors such as supply chain problems and dependence on raw materials. Which are problematic enough in themselves. Likewise with inflation. In addition, both digitization and infrastructure renewal have been overslept in recent years. Not to mention dealing with climate change. One could almost say that we have too many bills on the table and too little money in the bank account.

But let's not misunderstand each other: Germany is still doing reasonably well, given the so-called "circumstances". Compared to Great Britain or Japan, for example. But in the day-to-day business of politics, there is far too little courage, spirit of optimism and willingness to take risks to face the coming challenges with confidence. A lukewarm sense of "business as usual" dominates - a legacy of 16 years of Merkel? Yet most of our problems are homemade. Our excessive bureaucracy, for example, is a purely German specialty and can hardly be blamed on globalization.

What can be done? None of our political parties has a recipe for the future. Or does not dare to develop one. After all, you have to take the voters with you. They have no desire for change if it means abandoning habits and comfort. The one golden road that lets us overcome every obstacle without hurting anyone does not exist. Every people has the government it deserves. Always ranting about "those up there" won't get us anywhere. We must start with ourselves. Even if it is unpleasant.

Good News of the Week:

I've always thought that political cartoonists are also excellent commentators. After all, they get to the heart of things with a few strokes of the pen in a picture. One of my favorites, Heiko Sakurai, drew a picture last week that he himself puts into words as follows: "In its (...) European election program, the AfD sees the EU as a failure and advocates its transformation into a confederation of nation states bound only by certain economic interests and a defense against refugees."

So the right-wing populists of the AfD (Alternative für Deutschland / Alternative for Germany) are getting into the election campaign for seats in the European Parliament, so that they can then destroy it from within. Marine Le Pen is already chilling the champagne. The European Union as peace project and community of values, which take responsibility together for each other - abolish. If tariffs are merely not levied and walls are erected at the external borders, the ideal of Europe is dead. Frustrating. So why "good news?"

Because the environmental disaster in Slovenia last week showed us what Europe really stands for. The images were and are horrific: 75% of the small country between the Alps and the Adriatic Sea was affected by unbelievable heavy rains and resulting floods, landslides and mudslides. The outcome is frightening, for example hundreds of bridges were simply torn away - the complete infrastructure no longer exists.

And then came the beautiful pictures: Solidarity among neighbors, willingness to help the unknown, pragmatic politicians. But also relief teams from European countries that were already on site after 24 hours - with makeshift bridges, excavators, generators, helicopters, tents. But above all with commitment. And money. The European Union alone pledged several billion euros from various budgets and as emergency aid. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was there herself. And visibly moved. And the Slovenian prime minister made a remarkable statement: "The European Union is the best thing that has happened to Slovenia in the last 100 years."

That sums it up. Europe is a community of solidarity. The whole is more than just the sum of its parts. Great Britain can sing a song about this, whose economic and social problems are clearly due to the Brexit - at least that's how all political observers outside the country see it. For centuries, wars dominated the history of European nations. That has changed fundamentally. Because cooperation is always better than confrontation. I feel like a European. And it's anything but shameful to say so.

Personal happy moment of the week:

From time to time, I force my kids to watch a movie that I think is important. Or even culturally significant. They are already doing well with this - I could also condemn them to read certain books or visit exhibitions. With Luc Besson's "The Big Blue" or Stanley Kubrick's "2001" they seemed to suffer more, last week they had fun. With "The Big Lebowski" by the Coen brothers. Which my son saw in style with a bathrobe. Apparently we are just a family of cool dudes.

I couldn't care less...

...about opinion polls. To the question "Do you think the U.S. will elect Trump president again?" 69% of Germans answered "Yes, I can imagine that." I'm not sure who I'm supposed to be upset about now. But I'm starting to feel queasy, too.

As I write this...

...the FIFA Women's World Cup is looking to become a European competition. Today, Japan and Colombia were eliminated in the quarterfinals. So Spain, England, Sweden are in the semifinals. And co-host Australia. But they only got further with luck in a penalty shootout against France. My sympathy was first with Colombia (yes, even if they beat Germany) and now with the Matildas from Downunder. You go, girls. No worries!

Post Scriptum

The Left (Die Linke) in Germany is disassembling itself. For years it has been struggling with weak values, barely making it into the federal parliament. And yet it is primarily concerned with its own trench warfare. Currently, its most prominent politician, Sahra Wagenknecht, is being forced to likely found her own party. This would result in a few small splinter groups that would only operate in the shadows. That would be bad.

Okay, I would never be able to vote for the Left. Their program is too radical ("Expropriate banks and key industries!"), too unrealistic ("Dissolve NATO!") or just plain stupid ("Abolish the euro!") for that. But a voice from the left is good for any party landscape. Since the Social Democrats have positioned themselves in the center and the Greens have become liberal, only they remain as a national conscience for the socially weak and against the omnipotence of money. They would be missed.

[xtruss]

Coronation Caricatures: Has Charlie Hebdo Gone Too Far?

— By David Mouriquand • May 04, 2023 | EuroNews.Com

Coronation Caricatures: Has Charlie Hebdo gone too far? — Charlie Hebdo

The latest issue of controversial French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo is out, and features a coronation caricature that aims to shock those eagerly awaiting Charles III's ascension to the throne this weekend...

French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo has released its newest issue and controversy awaits...

Predictably, with the upcoming coronation of King Charles III this weekend, the cover features the soon-to-be king, with the title: “A successful coronation”.

So far, so tame. However, the cover image depicts a cretinous-looking Charles wearing his late wife Diana’s maggot-filled skull on his head, with both William and Harry exclaiming: “Even mum came!”

Distasteful, maybe, but definitely on brand for a publication that has never been accused of lacking temerity. The image clearly shows that Charlie Hebdo has had enough of the chokehold the coronation currently has on the media, and reflects the sentiment still held by a great number of the British public that Camilla is not deserving of the title of Queen.

Charlie Hebdo's Latest Cover Charlie Hebdo

With Charlie Hebdo’s cover in mind (it’s a hard image to shake, to be fair), here are some of the best and most controversial caricatures released prior to the coronation.

Harry and The Sacred Texts — Peter Brookes

A recent caricature from Peter Brookes in The Times sees Prince Harry distributing sacred texts at the coronation. The release of his book ‘Spare’ further widened the rift in the royal family - even if the Prince will be in attendance for the big day. Euronews Culture spoke to royal commentator and biographer Angela Levin about 'Spare', Harry’s accusations, and how the negative ripple effects created by Harry’s revelations could irreversibly damage the monarchy – an interview in which she called Harry “a neurotic bully”.

The King and The Queen Camilla — Marian Kamesky

Another caricature published last month (30 April 2023) from Austrian caricaturist Marian Kamesky, titled ‘The King and The Queen Camilla’, plays on the well-trodden stereotype that the two future monarchs complement each other well… as well as mockingly highlighting the fact that many have described Camilla’s face as horsey. It’s worth noting that a recent poll conducted by the National Centre for Social Research shows that support for the monarchy is currently at an all-time low, and that while Camilla’s image has improved over the years, many still feel that she does not deserve to be crowned Queen Consort, let alone Queen. There have also been several anti-monarchy groups who have made their displeasure known, with the group Republic introducing the hashtag #NotMyKing.

King Charles III — Francesco Frank Federighi

Italian cartoonist Francesco Frank Federighi is behind the above caricature of King Charles, excitedly announcing the arrival of his imminent coronation with cymbals. Note Charles’ exaggerated distinguishing features, such as his swollen sausage fingers (the new monarch’s lymphatic system doesn’t work properly, meaning that fluid gets stuck outside the blood vessels, thereby causing extreme swelling), his prominent ears, and a dentist’s nightmare when it comes to his pearly whites.

Charles Edging Towards The Crown — Wimar Verdecia Fuentes

Cuban artist Wimar Verdecia Fuentes highlighted in their caricature that King Charles III is essentially the world’s oldest intern, who is finally getting his first job at the tender age of 74. The inclusion of a Harry Potter quote is the perfect touch...

Heavy Lies The Crown... — Tjeerd Royaards

A new reign begins, with the drawing of Dutch artist Tjeerd Royaards, the editorial cartoonist and cartoon editor for Cartoon Movement. The shadow of the late Queen Elisabeth II looms over this new era, and how one of the key features that will define (a miserable looking) King Charles III's reign will be how Britain's place in the world changes and if the 14 Commonwealth nations drop him as their head of state.

No Australian Bill For Charles — Bart van Leeuwen

Speaking of the Commonwealth, another Dutch artist, Bart van Leeuwen, made reference to the fact that (a gormless looking) King Charles III will not feature on Australia’s new five dollar note, according to the country’s central bank.

Top: Heavy lies the hat... — Dave Whamond Bottom: The Ills of Colonialism — This is Africa

Caricaturist Dave Whamond, whose work has appeared in Reader’s Digest, Wall Street Journal and Sports Illustrated, highlighted in his drawing how Charles is more than aware of how heavy lies the crown / hat. The monarch has attempted to rejuvenate the image of the monarchy, but many of his attempts have failed, including a rather tone-deaf coronation playlist, as well as the so-called “modern" touch of introducing a (widely mocked) pledge of allegiance.

This is Africa referred to the UK’s “disregard for the rights of those affected by colonial looting”, with this caricature alluding to the crown and sceptre - which both feature diamonds taken from colonial-era South Africa. Indeed, St Edward’s Crown is adorned with 2,868 diamonds, 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds, four rubies and 269 pearls. The crown’s exact value is a matter of debate, but experts have speculated that it is worth between £3 billion and £5 billion (up to €5.6 billion). Many African countries and other former colonies have repeatedly asked for the return of stolen minerals and artefacts, but the pleas have fallen on deaf ears. That said, Camilla has rejected the controversial Koh-i-Noor diamond for her crown. Baby steps and all...

Finally... — Fabian Sotolongo

Cuban artist Fabian Sotolongo went in strong with this one, a 2022 drawing of Charles waking up and celebrating, thrilled at the prospect of finally acceding to the throne. He is pictured sharing a bed with the Grim Reaper, who was instrumental in his promotion…

[murderousink23]

O5/05/2023 is Dutch Heritage Day 🇨🇦, Liberation Day 🇩🇰, Cinco de Mayo 🌎, National Cartoonists Day 🇺🇲, National Hoagie Day 🇺🇲, National Totally Chipotle Day 🇺🇲, National Space Day 🌌🇺🇲, National Astronaut Day 👩‍🚀👨‍🚀🇺🇲

[nationaldaycalendar]

MAY 5, 2023 | CINCO DE MAYO | SCHOOL LUNCH HERO DAY | NATIONAL ASTRONAUT DAY | AFRICAN WORLD HERITAGE DAY | NATIONAL SILENCE THE SHAME DAY | NATIONAL SPACE DAY | NATIONAL HOAGIE DAY | NATIONAL TOTALLY CHIPOTLE DAY | NATIONAL CARTOONISTS DAY | WORLD PORTUGUESE LANGUAGE DAY | INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE MIDWIFE

MAY 5, 2023 | CINCO DE MAYO | SCHOOL LUNCH HERO DAY | NATIONAL ASTRONAUT DAY | AFRICAN WORLD HERITAGE DAY | NATIONAL SILENCE THE SHAME DAY | NATIONAL SPACE DAY | NATIONAL HOAGIE DAY | NATIONAL TOTALLY CHIPOTLE DAY | NATIONAL CARTOONISTS DAY | WORLD PORTUGUESE LANGUAGE DAY | INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE MIDWIFE Cinco de Mayo | May 5 CINCO DE MAYO Cinco De Mayo’s deeply rooted history in the…

[networthcleb]

Charles Schulz Net Worth 2023-Income, Wife & Biography

Charles Schulz was an American cartoonist and creator of the famous comic strip Peanuts. He was born in 1922 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and died in 2000 at 77. During his lifetime, Schulz wrote and drew 17,000 comic strips published in 2,600 newspapers. In his lifetime, he won many awards and accolades, including the Pulitzer Prize. Charles Schulz’s Net Worth is approximately $`200 Million. Peanuts is one of the most popular and influential comics of all time.

Charles Schulz Biography

Real Name:Charles Monroe "Sparky" SchulzDate of Birth:November 26, 1922Age:77 years oldHeight:181Cm Weight:76 Kg Birthplace:Minneapolis, MinnesotaNationality:AmericanMarital status:Married Husband/WifeJoyce Halverson​Jean Forsyth ClydeProfession:CartoonistCharles Schulz Net Worth 2023:$200 Million (Approx)

Charles Schulz Net Worth

Charles Schulz's Net Worth is approximately $200 Million. Charles M. Schulz, best known by his pen name, "Sparky," was an American cartoonist who created the "Peanuts" comic strip. The strip became one of the most popular and influential in comics. It helped to solidify Schulz's reputation as a leading cartoonist. At the time of his death in 2000, Schulz's net worth was estimated to be $40 million. Charles Schulz Net Worth in 2023 is approximately $`200 Million.

What is Charles Schulz Famous for

Charles Schulz was an American cartoonist best known for creating the comic strip Peanuts. The strip debuted in 1950 and ran for 50 years, making Schulz one of the most successful and longest-running cartoonists in history. In addition to Peanuts, Schulz created two other notable comics: Lil' Folks and Charlie Brown.

Charles Schulz's Early Life

Charles Schulz was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on November 26, 1922. He was the only child of Carl and Dena Schulz. When he was two years old, his father died of cancer. His mother remarried a man named Arthur Melin three years later. Schulz enlisted in the United States Army at seventeen and served during World War II. After the war, Schulz attended art classes at the Art Center School in Los Angeles. In 1948, he moved to Santa Rosa, California, where he worked as a cartoonist for The Santa Rosa Press Democrat. It was there that he created his first comic strip, "Li'l Folks." In 1950, "Li'l Folks" was renamed "Peanuts" and began appearing in national newspapers. Schulz continued to create "Peanuts" until his retirement in 2000. He passed away on February 12, 2000, at 77.

Charles Schulz's Wife

Charles married Joyce Halverson in 1951. They had four children: Charles Monroe (Chip), Meredith, Amy, and Craig. The couple divorced in 1972. In 1973, Charles married Jean Forsyth Clyde. They remained married until he died in 2000.

Charles Schulz Legacy

Charles Schulz would become one of the most beloved cartoonists of all time. One hundred years later, his birthday is celebrated all over the world. Schulz is best known for his creation of Peanuts. The comic strip first appeared in 1950 and ran for 50 years until Schulz's retirement in 2000. In those 50 years, Peanuts became one of the most popular and influential comics ever created. It has been translated into over 21 languages and published in 75 countries. In honor of Schulz's 100th birthday, several events and products are being released to celebrate his life and work. Here are just a few: The Charles M. Schulz Museum in Santa Rosa, California, is hosting a year-long exhibit, "Happy Birthday, Charlie Brown!" The exhibit will feature never-before-seen original art from the early days of Peanuts, as well as some of Schulz's personal belongings. A new book called Good Grief: Life Love and Laughter in the Time of Charlie Brown will be released on October 24. The book is a collection of essays, stories, and tributes written by people who knew or were influenced by Schulz. Contributors include Linus creator Robb Armstrong, Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane, MAD magazine editor John Ficarra, and many others. Charles Schulz Net Worth in 2023 is approximately $`200 Million.

Why Did Peanuts End?

It's been nearly 50 years since the last new Peanuts comic strip was published. Why did Charles Schulz end his beloved creation? There are a few reasons why Schulz may have decided to end Peanuts. First, he was facing some health issues. In 1999, he was diagnosed with colon cancer and had to undergo surgery. This made it difficult for him to continue working on the comic strip. Second, Schulz was getting older and may have wanted to retire. He started working on Peanuts when he was 22 years old, and by the time ended the comic strip, he was 77 years old. It's possible that he wanted to enjoy his retirement and spend more time with his family. Third, some fans believe that Schulz wanted to end Peanuts before it got stale or lost its quality. He didn't want the comic strip to go on without him, so he decided to end it while it was still popular and well-loved by fans. Whatever the reasons behind Charles Schulz's decision to end Peanuts, we're grateful that he gave us such a timeless classic that we can all enjoy for years to come.

How Old was Charles Schulz When He Died?

Charles Schulz was 77 years old when he died. He passed away on February 12, 2000, just a few months shy of his 78th birthday. Charles Schulz was an American cartoonist best known for creating the comic strip Peanuts. He began drawing the strip in 1950, and it quickly became one of the most popular comics in the world. Throughout his 50-year career, Schulz wrote and drew more than 17,000 strips.

What was Snoopy'S Original Name Going to Be?

When Charles Schulz created the Peanuts comic strip, he originally wanted to name the main character "Sniffy." However, he eventually settled on "Snoopy" because he thought it had a nicer sound.

Who Owns Snoopy Now?

In 1965, Charles M. Schulz's comic strip "Peanuts" became the most popular syndicated strip in the world. That same year, Schulz sold the rights to his characters to United Feature Syndicate for $1 million. As part of the deal, Schulz retained ownership of all original artwork from the strip and continued to receive two-thirds of the income generated by "Peanuts" merchandise. In 2000, after Schulz's death, United Media merged with Universal Press Syndicate and is now owned by Hearst Communications. The "Peanuts" franchise generates millions of dollars yearly in revenue from merchandising, licensing, and publication rights. Charles Schulz’s Net Worth is approximately $`200 Million. Data Source: Wikipedia Read the full article

[ericfruits]

Malaysia’s callow government has not kept its vows on civil liberties

POTS OF BRUSHES litter the desk of Zulkiflee Anwar Haque, a Malaysian political cartoonist better known as Zunar. Drawings of which he is especially proud decorate the blue walls of his studio in Kuala Lumpur. Several satirise Malaysia’s disgraced former prime minister, Najib Razak, who was booted from office more than a year ago, along with his big-haired wife, Rosmah Mansor. Such cartoons drew the ire of Mr Najib’s government. Zunar was charged with multiple offences under illiberal laws on publishing and sedition. The surprise victory in last year’s elections of a reformist coalition, Pakatan Harapan (PH), brought his legal troubles to an end. But although PH has stopped persecuting journalists, it has not, as it promised, done away with the instruments of repression. “All the laws that the government used against me before still exist,” he grumbles.

Dismantling the oppressive systems put in place by the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), the party that ruled Malaysia for more than six decades, was never going to be quick or easy. Under Mr Najib and, to a lesser extent, his predecessors, the press was cowed, the electoral system was rigged, the judiciary and bureaucracy were pliant and critics, whether within or outside the government, were harassed or imprisoned, often on trumped-up charges. Officials who complained about corruption at 1MDB, a state investment vehicle from which $4.5bn disappeared on Mr Najib’s watch, lost their jobs. Those charged with investigating the affair say they feared for their lives.

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PH, many of whose members were victims of such abuses, promised to change all this. Its manifesto was a liberal wish-list of 464 initiatives, including repealing the Sedition Act, allowing the press greater freedom, reducing the powers of the prime minister and erecting stronger barriers between the executive and the judiciary.

PH has taken some steps in the right direction, most notably by appointing respected figures to pivotal posts such as that of attorney-general, speaker of parliament and chief justice. A former campaigner for fair elections now sits on the Election Commission. The new head of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, Latheefa Koya, is considered independent. And in recent days the lower house of parliament passed an amendment to lower the voting age from 21 to 18. The shift could enfranchise almost 8m young voters in time for the next general election, which is expected in 2023.

But in other respects, the government’s record is chequered. An effort to repeal a law on “fake news”, which allows the government to criminalise unfriendly reporting, was stymied in the upper house last year by the opposition. There has been no effort at all to repeal or amend a law that allows for detention without trial for 28 days, which was used to arrest the leader of demonstrations against corruption when Mr Najib was prime minister. And revisions to other laws, such as the Peaceful Assembly Act of 2012, which in practice curtails protests, are seen as inadequate. For example, the government plans to amend the law to require protesters to give the authorities seven days’ notice of a rally or march, rather than the previous ten. That is still far more, however, than the 48 hours that Human Rights Watch, an international NGO, considers reasonable.

Meanwhile, Malaysians continue to be targeted under the Sedition Act. An outcry followed the High Court’s decision this month to reject the appeal of an Islamic preacher and political activist sentenced to nine months in prison for insulting the Sultan of Selangor, one of the nine monarchs who take turns as Malaysia’s head of state. Instead the activist’s sentence was increased to a year. The government points out that he was originally charged and sentenced, and his appeal lodged, while UMNO was still in power. But democracy advocates do not understand how a government supposedly determined to repeal the Sedition Act can sit by while such abuses continue. Mahathir Mohamad, the current prime minister, insists that change is at hand. “We are in the midst of structuring the new law and it will be concluded as soon as possible,” he declared on July 11th.

But Dr Mahathir may be part of the problem. He is a former UMNO leader who unashamedly used many of the repressive laws that PH is supposed to be repealing during a previous stint as prime minister. More generally, the government is an awkward mix of long-time opposition activists and defectors from UMNO, such as Dr Mahathir, who were put off more by Mr Najib’s alleged corruption than by his authoritarian ways.

Then there are Malaysia’s racial politics. The government was forced to abandon plans to ratify the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, a UN-sponsored treaty, after objections from Malays, the country’s biggest ethnic group, who feared this might threaten the many affirmative-action schemes that favour them and discriminate against other groups. The opposition has painted many of the government’s reforms as harmful to Malays or contrary to Islam (the religion of most Malays)—charges fledgling ministers, many of whom are neither Malay nor Muslim, lack the confidence to rebut forcefully.

Perhaps the biggest problem is that voters, and thus the government, are more interested in other subjects, most notably the economy. Repealing a hated goods-and-services tax was among PH’s first moves upon taking power. “I don’t think human rights is a real top priority,” admits one activist working with the government.

As voters tire of the government, however, reforms will become harder to enact. “If you don’t do it off the bat when you come into power I’m not sure it will ever get done,” says Ambiga Sreenevasan, a prominent lawyer investigated for sedition by Mr Najib’s government. Malaysians voted for a coalition that loudly and explicitly espoused liberal values—but that may not have been why they voted for it. In the meantime, the state retains the power to repress their views. One of Zunar’s drawings captures the situation well. In it the stripes of Malaysia’s flag become bars behind which its people are imprisoned. ■

This article appeared in the Asia section of the print edition under the headline "Spare change"

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