Michael Ramirez: Free Speech Dies in Darkness; An Update 11-11-23
From America's Premier Editorial Cartoonist
Hello friends,
Michael will have more to say about this shortly, but I want to update you on the controversy revolving around his recent cartoon, Human Shields, which was spiked by The Washington Post after the newsroom staff and some readers complained about it. Human Shields was published under contract on Nov. 6 in a unique collaboration where Michael’s home newspaper, the Las Vegas Review-Journal, and the Washington Post share publishing rights to two cartoons for one week. These paywalled cartoons will also be available here under a special agreement with the Washington Post, but only for paid subscribers. Free subscribers will receive the two Washington Post/Las Vegas Review-Journal cartoons one week later.
We’ve released art prints of Human Shields - a limited collector version that Michael will personally sign and number and a more economical version that is identical in quality to the first but with a printed signature. Our print store is HERE.
Michael wants to emphasize that he is not at war with David Shipley, the editor of the editorial page at the Washington Post, and in fact, he’s a big fan and admirer of all that Shipley has accomplished there. We are at war instead with the newsroom culture that grants priority to political advocates rather than objective journalists. Here’s Michael:
“I’m a big fan of David, and while we disagree on this issue, and I’m sad that they did that, I think it was under pressure from a newsroom that has defined words and images as weapons that should be banned for offending political sensibilities. This Orwellian transformation of language threatens to neutralize debate and suppress dissent through language and image policing. Cancel culture utilizes subjective political criteria and threats of alienation to force a consensus rather than one forged through the debate of ideas.”
“It treats people as children who must be shielded from conversation, unable to manage a verbal exchange without supervision and it is a direct threat to freedom of speech and liberty.”
Michael is the editorial cartoonist for the Review-Journal. The simultaneous publication of his cartoon in both papers is an extraordinary collaboration, but the Review-Journal is his home paper, and they stand behind Michael 100%. Click on mylvrj.com/ramirez to enjoy two months of the Review-Journal for just 99 cents.
Over at the outstanding Power Line, Scott Johnson has been covering the story with Ramirez on the Record, A Word From Melissa P. & Thought For The Day, while John Hinderaker shares context with his essay Rampant Anti-Semitism. I make sure to read Power Line every day, and so should you.
Cartoonist discusses his cartoon about Hamas deleted by Washington Post —Smerconish
Political cartoonist speaks out after Washington Post pulls his work mocking Hamas—David Rutz, Joseph Wulfsohn , Fox News
The Washington Post made a huge mistake in killing this cartoon —Post Editorial Board
Washington Post Removes Hamas Cartoon After Backlash From Staff and Readers—Alexandra Bruell, Wall Street Journal
Washington Post apologizes, removes anti-Hamas cartoon after critics called it racist —Kristine Parks, Fox News
Recent essays:
Visit the T-Shirt Store, Prints @ Michael P. Ramirez Store (for special request art prints, please write to: ramireztoons@gmail.com) Original Website: michaelpramirez.com
Click on mylvrj.com/ramirez to enjoy two months of the Review-Journal for just 99 cents.
Newspaper print image:
Sketch:
We’ll return tomorrow with a new cartoon from Michael, plus a special essay. Thank you for your subscription - it supports Michael’s editorial cartooning, writing, and this great independent space at Substack.
As always, let us know what you think of Michael’s work in the comments, or drop us a line at ramireztoons@gmail.com
I’m still working on recording regular Zoom meetings with Michael at his studio, which I will share here exclusively with you. We are so grateful for your support as we continue to add elements to the newsletter.
As you can imagine, we receive many emails, and Michael reads everything you send with one exception: I regret that I cannot share your cartoon ideas. As an editorial artist, every original cartoon he publishes must spring from within his mind, though I will happily forward your good wishes, complaints, concerns about issues, or opinions about politicians who seem to make a mess of everything. Michael tries to keep his finger on the pulse of America, so what’s on your mind? What can we do better? Let us know in the comments or by email. We love hearing from you and will do our best to respond soon.
Best,
Melissa Praemonitus (editor and personal manager for Michael P. Ramirez)
P.S. Don’t forget your Subscriber discounts!
You hit the nail on the head. Keep up the great work!
Your cartoons reflect the underbelly of what is told and reflected daily to us through the media. The truth...that's what you show. This cartoon was one of your best. Thank you!