Over the past few months, perhaps it has been longer, I’ve noticed a certain element of HDS (Harper derangement syndrome) in the work of the resident cartoonist. Anything to do with the prime minister, no matter how trivial or tangential, appears worthy of the space.
From what little I know, an editorial cartoon should include the following elements to be effective:
be well drawn
be clever and witty without being bitter
be timely and topical
be willing to take on everyone and ultimately be fair and somewhat balanced.
While the cartoonist’s artistic skill is a matter of taste, the lack of any discernible wit, relevance and balance is another matter.
This paper fails in its mission when it sets aside objectivity and instead continually bombards us with petty and pointless trivia dressed as cleverness.
Ben Moore
Vernon
