Let’s assume the placement of those signs is random and not commentary because that would be nonsensical. The right wants neither reform nor Re-envisioning of what the police ought to be in the first place. Reform is probably all the left really has the stomach for, but what’s needed is a total overhaul and a reallocation or resources to services better equipped to meet the needs of the public.
Some of you other “boomers” will remember the early black and white ‘Candid Camera’ TV shows with Allen Funt. In one a car splits in half and goes two different directions. The same thing is going to happen in this cartoon. As Trump would say, “Go Funt Yourselves”
I honestly believe the Left/Right placement of the signs was a cartooning decision rather than a political statement, but if you must read a meaning into it consider this:
On American highways, “bearing left” usually results in continuing one’s prior course, while “bearing right” more often leads to a distinct change of direction (one usually exits right even to reach destinations on one’s left).
Democrats brought you Social Security, the 40 hour work week, Medicare, and the Affordable Care Act. Were they all perfect out of the box? No. Each major social program needs tweeking and refining to improve it. Republicans have been trying to find ways to take away these benefits since they started. And all they offer is tax cuts for corporations and the rich.
Please note also the lights on top of the police car – red for ‘lip service’, blue for ‘reform’. I suspect that reflects the cartoon’s sentiment, more than the right/left choice.
A bit of a conundrum—might have been worse if Rod Serling was announcing “at the sign post ahead….” but going RIGHT doesn’t mean you are leaning right, just being right….
It is either dishonest or misinformed to equate the Republican and Democratic parties. A person who runs for office has to choose. In reality, the choice will probably be for the party that will support them.. The Republicans vote and work for the rich, working on the notion that giving rich folks money will cause it to “trickle down” and improve the whole society. At least that’s what they say. I don’t think they really believe it themselves, and it has never worked anywhere it has been tried. And, the Democratic party represents the middle class, and votes that way in congress. Granted, they are not doing a terrific job, largely because the Republicans are working really hard to prevent them from doing any good, but they are at least trying. Both parties are going to choose to throw their ample support behind the candidate that at least says they agree with the goals that make up the party platform.
Consequently, the Democrats lie less and are more honorable than Republicans, because they can be. Not that that’s a very high bar.
Republicans HAVE to lie and cheat in any way they can. When people are given a choice of two statements on issues that actually affect their everyday life, one that describes the Republican position and the other the Democrat’s, the Democratic position is chosen by about 85% of Democrats and Independents. No surprise there. The weird part is that just under half of Republicans also choose Democrat positions, unless they are told which position is supported by each party. Then they fall into line and choose the Republican option- 78% of the time. So, it is entirely reasonable for Republicans to lie a lot. The people running the Republican party actually believe in Republican positions. They are roughly 25% of the voting public. They have no chance of ever winning a national election unless they keep as many people as possible from voting and keep the rest of them confused enough to vote against their own best interests.
superposition about 4 years ago
Huh? Which ideology is known to be the do-nothing status quo party and which is the one that makes changes?
cdward about 4 years ago
Let’s assume the placement of those signs is random and not commentary because that would be nonsensical. The right wants neither reform nor Re-envisioning of what the police ought to be in the first place. Reform is probably all the left really has the stomach for, but what’s needed is a total overhaul and a reallocation or resources to services better equipped to meet the needs of the public.
well-i-never about 4 years ago
The police unions don’t even allow lip service.
The Love of Money is . . . about 4 years ago
Some of you other “boomers” will remember the early black and white ‘Candid Camera’ TV shows with Allen Funt. In one a car splits in half and goes two different directions. The same thing is going to happen in this cartoon. As Trump would say, “Go Funt Yourselves”
mourdac Premium Member about 4 years ago
We will see if there is the political will to finally take the right path over the objections of many in the U.S.
trimguy about 4 years ago
Notice Lip Service has no speed limit, but Reform does
Bookworm about 4 years ago
“Two roads diverged in a wood. . .” said Robert Frost. I wonder which road America will travel?
Ally2005 about 4 years ago
Reform has been the road less traveled and most difficult to traverse.
Alberta Oil Premium Member about 4 years ago
Indecision time .. so they will take the road that has the doughnut shop and stay there till this tempest in a teapot blows over.
fritzoid Premium Member about 4 years ago
I honestly believe the Left/Right placement of the signs was a cartooning decision rather than a political statement, but if you must read a meaning into it consider this:
On American highways, “bearing left” usually results in continuing one’s prior course, while “bearing right” more often leads to a distinct change of direction (one usually exits right even to reach destinations on one’s left).
Radish the wordsmith about 4 years ago
The police car is stopped there to stop anyone from taking either road.
Radish the wordsmith about 4 years ago
Did you see that? He didn’t use his signal! Citizens arrest!
ferddo about 4 years ago
What isn’t shown is that the “Reform” ramp just loops around to rejoin the “Lip Service” road…
dickanders Premium Member about 4 years ago
Democrats brought you Social Security, the 40 hour work week, Medicare, and the Affordable Care Act. Were they all perfect out of the box? No. Each major social program needs tweeking and refining to improve it. Republicans have been trying to find ways to take away these benefits since they started. And all they offer is tax cuts for corporations and the rich.
CatStaff Premium Member about 4 years ago
Please note also the lights on top of the police car – red for ‘lip service’, blue for ‘reform’. I suspect that reflects the cartoon’s sentiment, more than the right/left choice.
tee929 about 4 years ago
A bit of a conundrum—might have been worse if Rod Serling was announcing “at the sign post ahead….” but going RIGHT doesn’t mean you are leaning right, just being right….
Diane Lee Premium Member about 4 years ago
It is either dishonest or misinformed to equate the Republican and Democratic parties. A person who runs for office has to choose. In reality, the choice will probably be for the party that will support them.. The Republicans vote and work for the rich, working on the notion that giving rich folks money will cause it to “trickle down” and improve the whole society. At least that’s what they say. I don’t think they really believe it themselves, and it has never worked anywhere it has been tried. And, the Democratic party represents the middle class, and votes that way in congress. Granted, they are not doing a terrific job, largely because the Republicans are working really hard to prevent them from doing any good, but they are at least trying. Both parties are going to choose to throw their ample support behind the candidate that at least says they agree with the goals that make up the party platform.
Consequently, the Democrats lie less and are more honorable than Republicans, because they can be. Not that that’s a very high bar.
Republicans HAVE to lie and cheat in any way they can. When people are given a choice of two statements on issues that actually affect their everyday life, one that describes the Republican position and the other the Democrat’s, the Democratic position is chosen by about 85% of Democrats and Independents. No surprise there. The weird part is that just under half of Republicans also choose Democrat positions, unless they are told which position is supported by each party. Then they fall into line and choose the Republican option- 78% of the time. So, it is entirely reasonable for Republicans to lie a lot. The people running the Republican party actually believe in Republican positions. They are roughly 25% of the voting public. They have no chance of ever winning a national election unless they keep as many people as possible from voting and keep the rest of them confused enough to vote against their own best interests.
pamela welch Premium Member about 4 years ago
David Huie Green ForceIsAUsefulFiction about 4 years ago
Decisions, decisions…
gammaguy about 4 years ago
I’m not in favor of veering to the “right”, to join those who want to form again (RE-form) the Confederacy or the Nazi “Reich”.
AndrewSihler about 4 years ago
Not realistic. “Reform” should have a bunch of orange barrels and Boston barricades and rubbish strewn about and maybe a wrecked vehicle or two.