On Saturday the editorial board of the Gannett owned Tallahassee Democrat decided it was appropriate to inject Jesus into to the debate over illegal immigration.
In reaching this decision, the board graced its opinion page with a political cartoon depicting an ICE agent arresting Jesus on orders from President Donald Trump.
The cartoon read, “Thirty-Three Year Old Male, Brown Skin, Doesn’t Speak English, Working As A Carpenter…Yes, We’ll Lock Him Up, Mr. President.”
The cartoon is placed above an article critical of the current sanctuary cities debate in the Florida legislature. The article presents the position of the ACLU.
The Tallahassee Democrat’s sudden interest in the teachings of Jesus to sway public opinion appears to be rather selective.
After Planned Parenthood recently announced its presence in our community, I do not recall a cartoon depicting Jesus rescuing a four-month old fetus from the grip of a doctor’s forceps.
While political cartoons have served an important purpose in our history, the current political climate requires that those with the power to move opinion do so with some deference and consideration to the community.
The inclusion of this cartoon implies that the Tallahassee Editorial board –
composed of Skip Foster, William Hatfield, Jennifer Portman, Randi Atwood, and Jim Henry – believes the political message will help clarify the complicated and nuanced debate over illegal immigration for their readers.
Obviously, this is a stretch.
In my opinion, the selective use of Jesus in the political cartoon says more about the leadership at the Tallahassee Democrat than it says about the debate over illegal immigration.
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Christians are definitely selective generalized fodder for today’s “journalists”. How very brave of them. As another commenter pointed out they know they wouldn’t post an equivalent cartoon of Muhammad.
Exactly.
Reposted from above:
https://mobile.wnd.com/2002/12/16441/
The “What Would Muhammad Drive?” ‘toon was penned by Andy Marlette’s brother Doug, a Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist. The cowardly Democrap editor REFUSED to run it.
The best thing you can do for the Democrat is continue to write opinion pieces like this. The best thing you can do for yourself is to not look at the Democrat unless you have the ability to understand that everyone is entitled to their opinion, be it right or wrong in your opinion. Let he who is stoned cast the first sin…
John, all are entitled to their opinion, you are correct. Thus, the opinion-giver is equally subject to the opinions of those who hear or see (in this case a cartoon) the opinion-giver. If you are going to dish it out (publish it), you had better be willing to deal with taking it back in equal or larger amounts. The Democrat (and no media in general) is not some insular, sequestered stronghold of unassailable opinion. If they publish something, they will receive praise or condemnation in whatever amounts presented by the general population.
If this is all it takes to upset you then you have very thin skin. It’s time to grow up and put the big-boy pants on. Sometimes you will be exposed to opinions that differ from your own. If you can’t handle that, don’t read the newspaper. Simple. I also find it hilarious that suddenly conservatives are upset that Jesus is being “injected” into a debate. I thought that’s the kind of thing you guys would like.
You conveniently omitted this part of Steve’s commentary: “After Planned Parenthood recently announced its presence in our community, I do not recall a cartoon depicting Jesus rescuing a four-month old fetus from the grip of a doctor’s forceps.”
It’s about being selective…something way too many people are doing cherry picking a verse here and a verse there to try and support their quasi-theological position.
I’d possibly agree about the “thin-skin” and “easy to get upset” attitude, Bob – but then I have CNN and the MSM regularly going into just-for-cameras histrionics every time some Republican or Conservative uses any word, phrase, deed, or gesture that can be twisted, taken out of context, or downright cut-and-edited to seem racist. All to be followed by demands for job loss, resignation, jail time, tar and feathers, etc.
And while on the subject of “sensitivity to religion”, another predictable habit of the MSM (or the muslim members of congress) is to go into hysterics at any statement (even the slightest suggestion of caution or screening) by Conservatives perceived as “anti-muslim” or “islamaphobic”. Yet often, when Christians and Christian symbols are insulted, misrepresented, vandalized or (in some mideast and communist countries) downright executed, these same news organizations usually make only a mention, if any. The same MSM will often go through torturous efforts to deny any islamic terrorist act is an islamic terror attack until it’s no longer possible to do so. Sensitivity? You bet – all on one side.
Here’s an idea: I dare the Democrat Editorial board, Wash Post, or NYT to run an editorial cartoon that uses Mohammed or Islam as a prop. Last I recall, the “thin skinned” islamics put out death sentences on those cartoonists who did so. Gosh, some people get upset so easy!
“But the stranger that dwelleth with you shall be unto you as one born among you, and thou shalt love him as thyself; for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God.”
– Some Libtard Socialist
Mike,
To be “Accurate with definitions” , please provide your reference for your definition of “Immigrants.” Couldn’t find it in any reputable publication.
Happy to provide clarity During the mid 1800s and early 1900s , many thousands of immigrants poured into America from Europe and the East European countries, along with some from China and the East. The definition of “immigrants” (both then and now) is self-explanatory in the rigorous requirement of compliance to go through the American citizenship legal process for “immigrants” – and that was (and is) the process demanded of everyone who stepped off the ships who wanted to stay in our country. Anyone who didn’t go through the LEGAL citizenship process (and demonstrate such willingness to do so) was denied or deported.
The vast majority of “Immigrants” came ashore in New York, Boston, and Baltimore. All either went through the LEGAL American citizenship process or were otherwise (and justifiably), denied citizenship or deported. These are not my facts – they are facts of history.
Another fact: The President of the United States has the Constitutional power to suspend and cancel ANY and ALL forms of immigration if he deems it a threat to American security. Pres. Eisenhower deported thousands of illegals during WWII – All Constitutionally legal and empowered.
So all this noise and just-for-cameras hand-wringing from Dem-Socialists about ILLEGAL aliens entering is the country is only that: noise. “Immigrants” go through our legal citizenship process, illegals do not, thus their marking as illegals.
The Truth is that Dem-Socialists know well that they can no longer win American elections with natural-born Americans that have been here for generations. So the DS now are pushing to flood America with ILLEGALS – all that is simply a DS voter drive to replace American voters, and they’ve already started that with the DS push to allow illegals to vote in municipal elections.
If you like your life as an American citizen now, fight (and vote) like hell to stop the flood of illegals or look at Venezuela and every other country in history that went Socialist and see your pitiiful furure. Socialism never is, nor can never be, the utopia promised. History has proven this time after time and will do so again if we don’t control our American borders.
Maybe some of you should stop overreacting and start using your brain and think about WHY Jesus is depicted. It’s making a point that if Jesus himself was seeking asylum at the southern border he’d be profiled and arrested.
All those drug traffickers you love to point out, the vast majority are smuggling through legal ports of entry.
MS-13? lol scaremongering tactics. Immigrants are 10 times less likely to commit crimes because they don’t’ want to be deported.
@Mike please check your facts before spewing Russian planted lies
https://www.factcheck.org/2018/06/did-the-obama-administration-separate-families/
The only time children were separated from their guardians under the Bush/Obama administrations is when they were suspect of human trafficking and in VERY limited numbers, not the thousands we’ve seen from the Trump administration.
Many many people want immigration reform. Nobody is pushing for open borders, that is a blatant misguided point right-wing entertainment media likes to repeatedly shout.
@gail Nice list of misconceptions and Russian propaganda you’ve got. Keep to your echo-chamber. Maybe you’ll find satisfaction one day.
But don’t worry, there’s another recession coming, not to mention the painfully obvious effects of climate change so you’ll have something else to whine about how those sneaky Dems are ruining everything.
Please don’t waste time referencing factcheck.org. I may as well quote breitbart.com to you as “factual”. The inarguable truth is that during obama’s administration, illegal families were separated at the border, and the MSM obediently buried it – not that DS’s or the MSM would complain about anything “the one” decreed anyway.
Another inarguable truth: Trump ordered this family separation policy stopped. But no matter, Trump remained conveniently guilty of a policy from prior administrations – with wall-to-wall media persecution obediently provided in lockstep with the DNC.
Believe there’s another recession coming? You have company in Paul Krugman, the ever-insightful writer for NYT, predicting that Trump’s election would bring “global recession with no end in sight”. That was Nov. 9, 2016, and things are looking far better in 2019 America than they ever possibly could be under obama. Presently: Record American job growth, GDP growth, and unemployment numbers for all at record lows (especially blacks and hispanics) . So predict as you wish and hope for an economic slump for your own country if that floats your boat, but don’t hold your breath. Gee – I recall when things were miserable for 8 years under obama and the MSM kept telling us all was great. Now it’s actually great and the MSM is telling us it’s miserable. What a contrast in MSM perceptions of reality.
Climate change: a DS mantra for controlling populations – can you say “carbon credit”? The Earth’s climate has changed constantly and extremely, millions of years before the dinosaurs first walked – and many eons later, was still changing before the first man ever lit his first fire. The Earth’s climate will go on changing, despite the existence of man, which will be a few seconds in geologic time. The Earth has been through far more extreme climate changes long before Man ever existed, and the climate will continue to change long after we are gone.
Some Of These Comments U Would Think The Earth Was Created Just For The Privilege ?? According To The Word He Shall Return – To Make All Things Straight.
Democrat 2020 Platform & Goals:
*Open Borders.
*Sanctuary Cities.
*Elimination of ICE
*Disarming Americans.
*Infanticide..
*Voting rights for illegal aliens.
*Pack the courts with radical liberal judges (Like the 9th circuit)
*Increase refugee’s from the third world.
*Illegal aliens allowed to hold public office.
*Socialism.
*Free Abortions (Taxpayer funded)
*The green new deal.
*End of Electoral College
*Free health care for all including non citizens (taxpayer funded)
*Raise Minimum Wage
*Have adolescents vote
*!00% free college for all, including non citizens. (tax payer funded)
*Reparations for every race “harmed” by the white man.
*Convicts, Terrorists voting.
*Susie & Bobby using the same restrooms.
*Late term abortions.
Republican Goals 2020:
-Define others positions for them, and then be outraged when the others define ours.
-Infect ourselves with the zombie virus so that we can consume the world just to own the libs.
THE STAMPEDE:
Lets see, we have Democrat / Socialist / Activist / Lawyers in the Northern Triangle of South America & Mexico; even as you read this instructing the populations the “benefits” & laws of coming top the USA…..”credible fear.” Then you have a Democrat House saying the crisis is “manufactured” as literally thousands attack our border daily? National Sovereignty is a myth to Democrats. The crisis is manufactured…by the Democrats themselves. Make no mistake about this, Democrats want this to happen and never stop.. They will with hold support allowing as many illegal aliens to enter the country before assisting in border security (if ever). Democrats offer rewards, incentives so…..More caravans on the way.
The current migration at our border is costing U.S taxpayers a Kings ransom. Fleeing persecution? or fleeing for freebies? they sure don’t stay in Mexico when they reach “safety” or ask or offered political asylum in Mexico. Why? because Mexico will give them NOTHING. So they make the long journey to our border, our generous Democrats, and our tax dollars. Notice how many have made the long, difficult, dangerous journey to our country 8-9 months pregnant? Give birth on American soil and the U.S. taxpayers will not only pay for the birth of you’re child but will also give you state government assistance.
TPS / DACA
To Democrats/Progressives/Socialists (whats the difference?) programs like Temporary Protective Status (TPS) or Deferred Action for Childhood arrivals (DACA) are permanent programs. There is nothing “temporary or deferred” about these programs to Democrats. These programs are designed to admit refugees (usually from the third world) then Democrats fight to keep them here permanently using the charge of racism, religion, guilt against anyone opposed. Simple formula works great.
THE PRICE:
It seems Democrats view U.S. citizens as acceptable collateral damage to their future long range goals of flooding the country with refugees & illegal aliens and having taxpayers paying the cost. Democrat politicians and their voters have put families at risk of being victimized by illegal aliens as in the cases Kate Steinly (nothing done) then, Mollie Tibbetts, (nothing done) Police Cpl. Ronil Singh, (nothing done) now Bambi Larson; butchered in her home, nothing will be done…who’s next? These victims would be alive today if our border was secured. Most of these killers have been deported numerous times. Bambi ‘s killer claimed “amnesty” to get into the country.
Google search “illegal alien crime” or “victims.”
Just a few examples of the more outrageous costs associated with illegal immigration, we will pass this burden on to our children & grand children as has been passed on to us.
* City emergency services Taxpayer pay for every police, fire, paramedic service call for illegal aliens in their city. Taxpayers also pay for all hospital, emergency room treatments, ambulances, medications….everything. Hospital wait times for citizens are negatively impacted.
*Cost of educating illegal aliens is staggering. From K-12 it costs taxpayers on average $122,000 for EACH illegal alien student. This does not include the millions spent on bilingual ED, instructors, special need children & day care. It is estimated nearly 100,000 illegal aliens graduate each year……you do the math. School class size are also negatively impacted by illegal aliens and our students suffer as a result.
*Taxpayers in some states are funding “in state college tuition” discounts for illegal aliens. (AZ voted to terminate this taxpayer expense.) Cost to taxpayers over a billion dollars annually.
*About one in five inmates in federal prison are foreign-born, & more than 90% of those are in the U.S illegally. This does not include local jails and state prisons. At roughly $24,000 per year expense per inmate.
*$3Million Dollars a DAY is spent to incarcerate, process Illegal aliens in the criminal justice system.
*$2.2 Billion dollars a year is spent on is spent on food assistance programs such as SNAP, WIC, & taxpayer funded school lunches. Visit youtube search “cost of illegal immigration.”
*Mexico received 33 billion last year in remittance from our country. $120 billion total was sent out of the United States in total remittance last year.
*Every child birth by illegal aliens in the U.S is paid for with tax dollars.In the US, the average cost to have a baby without complications during delivery, is $10,808, which can increase to $30,000 when factoring in care provided before and after pregnancy (July 9, 2018 google.)
* Section 8 housing. Illegal aliens take full advantage of this program. Citizens & their families in poverty in many cases wait years behind non citizens for emergency housing.
Hmmm, so the Democrat wants to take ownership of the Easter Man in order to push its biased political agenda? What a surprise.
Let’s take a breath and ask ourselves;
What would Jesus do about all the oppressed, destitute, penny-less families that come to us for asylum?
Heck, most all that come from the south are already Christians.
Would he turn them away? Arrest them? Separate the families?
Or would he give them solace, food? Would he wash their feet?
Maybe give them the hope that his wise words can heal a broken world?
What do you think he would do?
I’m pretty sure the MS-13 thugs coming across our southern border illegally are not Christians.
Or the drug mules.
Or the human traffickers.
Or the “coyotés.”
Or the eight-month pregnant mom-to-be’s, who know an anchor baby will let them take advantage of us.
But I could be wrong.
Maybe Jesus would fact-check the stats, and see that your MS-13 claim is a lie.
Maybe Jesus would see that those stats say less than 1% of those folks have any criminal record at all.
Maybe Jesus wouldn’t be so distracted and easily frightened by lies, he might even answer the question I asked.
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/ms-13-has-taken-over-el-salvador-and-now-its-everywhere-in-the-us
Maybe when one of them practices their motto (look it up) on a member of your family you’ll get your noggin’ out of your keyster.
I’m sorry that you feel so frightened. I can understand why you would have such opinions, living in constant fear of roving murderous black and hispanic gangs. But dubious news sources like the washington examiner post that kind of fake news all the time.
The statistics we have on immigrants and illegals shows us that you’re more likely to find criminals in your own church than among the majority of those fleeing south american gang violence.
Could you do more than I predict, and at least read this article that gives more detail, and even supports a bit of your view.
https://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2018/feb/07/donald-trump/immigration-ms-13-and-crime-facts-behind-donald-tr/
Fact: Separation of familes at the border is an obama policy, and yes, the kids were placed in cages, there are photographs (carefully ignored by the media). The Fake News mantra that family separation is a Trump policy is a lie, and Trump ordered this obama policy stopped, so you want to blame somebody for family separation, blame barak hussein.
I recently read that approximately 63% of illegals end up on some degree of American-taxpayer funded welfare or government assistance, so they’re certainly not being ignored and turned away. They’re also not being ignored by the hordes of smugglers and human traffickers from their own countries,
who have built an entire industry around encouraging illegal migration so they have a ready supply of victims.
The argument of “asylum” is being used simply as a ploy by many illegals. Liberal and Dem-Socialist operatives back in their home countries coach them on how to plead “asylum” when they reach the border, many times they are given cards with instructions. They parrot what they’ve been told and get a date set ater for a court hearing on their “asylum”. Nine-tenths of them disappear and never show up for those hearings.
Let me frame your questions from the American perspective: Should we just open up our borders to anyone and everyone who asks for aid and let America become a limitless supply of food, water, medical and financial aid? Welcoming anyone and everyone, until our own resources begin to run out and now America falls to ruin? How is America to help anyone then? Are we a country or simply a large area of land that anyone can occupy and take from when they wish?
Kat, what are you doing? See above regarding the courage of your convictions.
Sorry Kat. Theseare not refugees fleeing an oppressive government. These are economic refugees who are given instructions, before they leave home in dramatic fashion, on how to game our system.
> Would he turn them away? Arrest them? Separate the families?
Kat, try reading Paul’s letter to Philemon. Paul–a personally-chosen representative of Jesus–returned the escaped slave Onesimus to his master, Philemon. Why didn’t Paul do the “right thing” according to the social justice you believe Jesus preached? Should not Paul have disobeyed such an unjust Roman law that treated slaves as property and allowed Onesimus to remain free? Instead, Paul sent Onesimus back and asked Philemon to be reconciled with his new brother-in-Christ.
In fact, reconciliation–not social justice–is God’s message through Jesus. Not simply reconciliation between men, but reconciliation of sinful mankind with a holy God. God loves you so much that the Bible says He’s actually *pleading* with you to believe that Jesus died for your sins, was buried, and rose again so that you will not be eternally separated from Him (2 Cor. 5:18-21).
Excellen post, Rusty!
Since most of the GOP calls themselves “Christian “, it is entirely appropriate. Jesus preached love and tolerance, acceptance of the disenfranchised. I miss this Jesus. The right wing has turned him in to a hatemonger, just like they are.
Then why don’t you sponsor some disenfranchised? Pay for their visas, papers, health insurance, salaries, taxes, transportation, clothing, food, Etc.
“The right wing has turned him in to a hatemonger, just like they are.”
Lara, that is absurd… Nobody could turn Him into a hatemonger…for He is the same yesterday, today, and forever…but your perception of Him may have changed because of untruths you’ve allowed yourself to believe. Following the laws was one of His teachings…”submit to the ruling authorities” and to “give Ceasar his taxes.” This means the rule of law must be followed. Yes He is a God of love, but If you can recall there was strict punishment for those that broke the law.
Lara, “This Jesus” you reference is a myth created by, often, well intentioned people who want to avoid the fundamental issue of sin. A good Bible study would do us all some good. The love, tolerance, et al you reference is followed by, “and sin no more.” Too many, perhaps you, do not care to embrace the accountability which comes with the faith. “Hatemonger?” Hardly, sure there are many who represent Christ poorly, but His message is clear and unambiguous.
Illiberals, Democrats, and the mainstream media have intentionally conflated immigration and illegal immigration. They are two different issues and the difference matters. I am pretty safe when I suggest no country gives more to help others, domestically and internationally, than the USA. If you think it is the compassionate thing to do – let all who come illegally into the nation – I hope you have the courage of your convictions and live with doors and windows open and unlocked, notes detailing where the food and money is located, PIN numbers, etc.
Jesus would not be in that situation as he would not break the law.
I guess you forgot about the time he busted up the temple over the moneychangers.
Nice try at revisionist history there, but you can’t get it by The Maven. Jesus did NOT bust up the Temple Mount. He drove the money changers out of the holiest area, where they were not supposed to be, and overturned their tables. This action expedited his arrest and crucifixion about a week later:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cleansing_of_the_Temple
And I’ll add that this ‘toon ran on the same day a gunman stormed a Temple in California, killed an elderly worshipper and shot 3 others. How insensitive.
“The article presents the position of the ACLU.”
Or those of someone with a smidgeon of Christ-like compassion.
Wow! Didn’t ever think it could get worse than Gabordi, but it’s official – it did!
Hope, READ THIS:
https://mobile.wnd.com/2002/12/16441/
The “What Would Muhammed Drive?” ‘toon was done by Doug Marlette, who I think was Andy’s uncle. He worked at the Democrap under another sorry exec. editor named John Winn Miller. He REFUSED to run that one! HYPOCRACY!
Maybe if they had thought 4,500 Christians would email them and threaten to bomb their place (which would be a waste of a good bomb, lol!) they would have refused to print the ICE ‘toon too?
And trust me, as bad as the ‘toon above is, it’s still not as bad as Gabordi.
Very interesting, thank you!
Jesus was not an illegal immigrant. Anyone who thinks so, needs to read the Gospels.
You have 2 options: either the bible is a fantasy novel that doesn’t have any real world relevance, or it has laws that should be followed. This cartoon points out the blatant hypocrisy in both the current administration’s stance as well as all of yours. If you don’t care what the bible says, then why do you care if the democrat points out that the policy isn’t following it. And if you do care about it, then your anger at the democrat is misguided, at best.
Do better.
People who don’t understand the Bible but try to use it for political benefit are exposed by their ignorance. And anyone who things the Bible applies to society and government is exposed for their ignorance. It emphasises personal choice, personal generosity, personal actions and faith. Thinking that a high tax rate and social justice activities by the government replaces personal charity and support efforts is what is misguided.
I think the Bible clearly shows that God supports a nation’s desires to protect its own borders is legitimate.
Thanks for letting us know about this. If the individuals who allowed this cartoon to be published desire to get into Heaven in the next life, I imagine Jesus wlll have a few few things to discuss with them at the Pearly Gates.
Sounds like a good editorial cartoon. A line of Dem-Socialists at the Pearly Gates, (Bernie, AOC, Tlaib, Omar & Soros) and a sign that says “HELL-Take a Left.”
Jesus is shouting at all of them to move to the Left!
I challenge Leftwing Nut with a Pen Andy to draw that one.
You have crossed the line with injecting Jesus into you political views on immigration. Have been entertaining cancellation of Tallahassee Democrat, you just made up my mind. Good bye.
I like to think and debate ideas, so this is one that makes me think about ideas such as: Should laws be enforced or should they be repealed if they are not to be enforced? Should laws be created for the good of the overall whole to maintain order and fairness or should they change based on mood? Is one person’s rights more important than another’s and on what basis? Should free speech require including differing viewpoints so that we ask ourselves really difficult questions about what we believe and why? Is the point of news to inform or persuade? How can we tell the difference?
I went back and reread your comments and you ask very good questions to make for a very good discussion.
This is so spot on. Such hypocrisy. I listen to you as of as I can on Thursday with Preston Scott. I’m planning on subscribing to your paper. So tired of liberal and lies in the local papers. Thanks for bringing this to our attention who refuse to look at the Tallahassee Demorag.
If any of you still subscribe, I strongly urge you to take the advice below and tell them this editorial cartoon was the last straw for you. And demand a printed apology!
“If you decide to cancel your subscription, contact customer service at 1-800-999-2271. Balances less than $10.00 will not be refunded.”
Customer Service Information
Phone: 1-800-999-2271.
Monday – Friday: 8:00am – 7:00pm.
Saturday: 7:00am – 11:00am.
Sunday and Holidays: 7:00am – 11:00am.
Hypocrisy? Perhaps. But they are not the only ones. The cartoon is spot on. The articles and commentors on here scare me by their blindness.
All the Dem-Socialist hand-wringing over the ILLEGALs assaulting our border is reserved for THEM. However, when an ILLEGAL murders or rapes an American, or kills one while driving drunk, the same DS’s want no mention made nor attention paid – they want that silenced. Pretty much a one-sided DS show of emotion.
Again, the question remains: how can any rational person walk on foot from Guatemala or El Salvador, then think that our LEGAL American citizenship process is “too much trouble” or “too difficult” to go through?
That’s an asinine concept on it’s face.
First, let’s be accurate with definitions: IMMIGRANTS are those who apply for and complete the American citizenship process to become American citizens. ILLEGALS are people that ignored American law and crossed our borders, then skipped off into hiding. Their very first action was to break our laws.
I like the proposal that anyone who crosses the American border illegally is AUTOMATICALLY barred from American citizenship for life.
No, not really. Modern tolerance for illegal immigration is all about spending someone else’s money for the support and care of those people that chose to not wait in line to enter the country legally. The Bible has nothing to do with spending other people’s money, it’s about personal decisions and personal charity. Blindness starts with being unable to discern that reality.
Apology? Jesus. What? This forum has lost all credibility.
Enforcing the law is not hypocrisy. Selective use of the teachings of Christ is.