Happy? Good Grief!

(Cartoon: Happy? Good Grief!, Cartoonist: Troy Johnson)


Often the best cartoons are those that convey one message very quickly.  At least that sounds good.  What I often find is people of different walks get a different message from the same cartoon.  Especially those analyzer types.  I have to admit it does cause me some anxiety when crafting the cartoons as to what exactly the message will be in the eyes of each observer.

Despite the angst, there is value in seeing things from multiple viewpoints.  I suppose it could be argued that "Happy Holidays" is a more inclusive year end greeting than "Merry Christmas".  Somehow though, dressed differently, it seems like Christmas is smothered in the dress of "Happy Holidays".  Many have turned Christmas into one more stop on the Happy Holiday highway.

It's not for me.  It's not that I don't respect the other holidays.  I'm not out to demean them.  I wonder if those who celebrate Hanukkah, Kwanza, or Ramadan, feel cheated by the generic "Happy Holidays" offering?  It's gone on long enough or perhaps we've settled on some supposed political equivalence that we endure it quietly.

For me the message of this cartoon is that someone else is trying to redecorate my "Merry Christmas".  I'm a  Christian and I want to celebrate it.  Please let others have their opportunity.  The irony of "Happy Holidays" trying to be inclusive leaves me feeling excluded at times.

And "Good Grief" it should be simpler than this!

How about you?

Reaching Out to Our Neighbors

(PARK ANIMAL NETWORKING,  Artist: Troy Johnson)

It's December 1st.  The holiday season is in full swing.  MANY are unemployed or underemployed.  It could be better financially for most everyone, working or not.  Outside of finances, many people are hanging on by a thread health wise.  Many are lonely and need some reassurance.  We have a powerful resource in the help we get from others.  We have a great power in ourselves to reach out and make a difference.

That is the power of America: The People.  People who reach out and lend a helping hand.  People who take time to care and wish others well.  I appreciate the many people who have offered to help or have helped me otherwise during my time of unemployment and underemployment.  It is comforting to know that people do care.  You do make a difference.

So what about that someone you know that needs some help?  They may be too big to admit it, but they do.  Together we can make a difference as we unite as neighbors,  as Americans.  Dang, even the park animals make a difference- well not in the way my cartoon conveys it. 

Make it a good day for someone else too!

Troy Johnson