It was Franklin (in response to a question about the importance of the Constitution as regards making the US a republic or a monarchy) who responded: “We’ve given you a republic — if you can keep it.”
The Democratic party, who whose members outnumber Republicans in the US, has only two jobs this year: to see to it that all potential voters are registered, and then see to it that they vote. In other words, rolls and polls. That’s how we can keep the republic, in spite of the Republicans.
I believe that the comic refers to the beliefs of Benjamin Franklin about voting. A quote from Ben Franklin: “Thank God! we are in the full enjoyment of all these privileges. But can we be taught to prize them too much? or how can we prize them equal to their value, if we do not know their intrinsic worth, and that they are not a gift bestowed upon us by other men, but a right that belongs to us by the laws of God and nature?”Benjamin FranklinMen, Law, VotingBenjamin Franklin, William Temple Franklin, William Duane (1834). “Memoirs of Benjamin Franklin”, p.440He believed that everyone should take advantage of their right to vote.
The Benjamin needs more shading, since the toon is about the “dark money” polluting our politics since Citizens United. And now, more recently, the Subprime Court legalized bribery!
Whether it’s about Franklin encouraging people to vote, or about how cash influences elections, it’s right on the money (pun intended!). Anyone trying to make it about a specific political party is missing the point.
A Common 'tator about 1 month ago
An explanation, in English, please…
A# 466 about 1 month ago
It was Franklin (in response to a question about the importance of the Constitution as regards making the US a republic or a monarchy) who responded: “We’ve given you a republic — if you can keep it.”
The Democratic party, who whose members outnumber Republicans in the US, has only two jobs this year: to see to it that all potential voters are registered, and then see to it that they vote. In other words, rolls and polls. That’s how we can keep the republic, in spite of the Republicans.
Jayalexander about 1 month ago
Wonder what our founders would say if they could see how far we’ve strayed from what they set up?
gammaguy about 1 month ago
An alternative interpretation, though not necessarily the cartoonist’s intent: Money buys votes.
djarneco about 1 month ago
I believe that the comic refers to the beliefs of Benjamin Franklin about voting. A quote from Ben Franklin: “Thank God! we are in the full enjoyment of all these privileges. But can we be taught to prize them too much? or how can we prize them equal to their value, if we do not know their intrinsic worth, and that they are not a gift bestowed upon us by other men, but a right that belongs to us by the laws of God and nature?”Benjamin FranklinMen, Law, VotingBenjamin Franklin, William Temple Franklin, William Duane (1834). “Memoirs of Benjamin Franklin”, p.440He believed that everyone should take advantage of their right to vote.
potfarmer about 1 month ago
Quite an atypical Coverly strip.
Superfrog about 1 month ago
It’s the best government money can buy.
mfrasca about 1 month ago
Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, 558 U.S. 310 (2010).
Thank you John Roberts. /s
joegeethree about 1 month ago
The “get out to vote” strategy currently employed by the DNC.
gene06825 Premium Member about 1 month ago
DC is great, but for some reason this one strikes me as too cute by half…
ncorgbl about 1 month ago
For those who think their vote doesn’t mean anything stop and think about how much money is spent just to get your vote.
Jml58 about 1 month ago
The United States of America has the best government that money can buy.
Godfreydaniel about 1 month ago
The Benjamin needs more shading, since the toon is about the “dark money” polluting our politics since Citizens United. And now, more recently, the Subprime Court legalized bribery!
lnrokr55 about 1 month ago
So did I !
mistercatworks about 1 month ago
Voting is the way we traditionally “overthrow the government” by non-violent means. Try it instead of wingeing and lying about it.
JoeMartinFan Premium Member about 1 month ago
Whether it’s about Franklin encouraging people to vote, or about how cash influences elections, it’s right on the money (pun intended!). Anyone trying to make it about a specific political party is missing the point.
mikesr1 about 1 month ago
Mark Twain once said that "If voting made a difference, they wouldn’t let us do it. "
Drag0nr1der about 1 month ago
Bummer. Happens more frequently of late
Darryl Heine about 1 month ago
Election Day is 3 months away.
Spacetech about 1 month ago
Yes even the Dead Dead Dead Vote….
j.l.farmer about 1 month ago
That is a disgusting, disrespectful remark to make about Pres Carter. You must be a Trumper who believes Trump is in his right mind….NOT!
Shikamoo Premium Member about 1 month ago
I thought political comments were banned. Just on the political cartoons?