2018 Top 5 Topics: #1 - One (Legal) Toke Over the Line

Crain's Detroit Business, December 3

I didn't have to reach far back for my #1 cartoon of 2018 - only to the December 3 edition of Crain's Detroit Business. When Michigan voters OK'd recreational marijuana in the November mid-term election, it was a cultural milestone for many of us early 1970s college students. Those who are so inclined may now take that one toke over the line legally, at a yet to be established retail price - and including, of course, state sales tax.
That's the Point!

2018 Top 5 Topics - #2: The Fourth "R" - Readiness

The News-Herald - April 4

Even our elementary schools feel the negative pressures of our current society and culture. Today's students (the generation of our grandchildren) experience active shooter lockdown drills and evacuation drills, in response to social media threats. These threats, it seems, are more personal and terrifying than the threat of nuclear war that motived our duck-and-cover drills in elementary school in the early 1960s.
That's the Point!

2018 Top 5 Topics - #3 A New Battle for Rosie?

Crain's Detroit Business, April 9

With hints of coming tariffs and a looming trade war in the spring, many in manufacturing - especially those in SE Michigan - pondered if this was the sort of war we could win. As the year closes, collateral damage from this war seems to be minimal and the president is hinting that a deal with China is near. As wars tend to do, it's spilling over into another year and perhaps in 2019 we'll see moves toward "trade peace?"
That's the Point!

2018 Top 5 Topics: #4 - All On Board With This

Crain's Detroit Business - March 26

When Ford first announced plans to acquire and renovate the old Michigan Central Station in Detroit, everyone was "on board." While details (that we now know) were still to be revealed, it meant that other businesses - and the related redevelopment - would also soon be making tracks for Cork Town.
That's the Point

2018 Top 5 Topics - #5: Void Where Prohibited

A look back at the Top 5 Topics of my editorial cartoons from 2018

The News-Herald, January 28

Immigration was an important national issue in 2018, but the humanity (or inhumanity) of the issue had an impact in everyone's back yard. As a first generation American, whose mother and father were immigrants (with my grandparents) from Lithuania and Syria respectively, I grew up with an understanding of the richness and diversity that immigrants bring to America's culture. It's sad to see how this had changed under the current administration; and sobering to realize that my paternal grandparents wouldn't even be welcome in this country anymore.
That's the Point!

Let the (post-Christmas) Bowl Games Begin!

The News-Herald, December 26

Ol' Santa deserves a little R&R after his busy season. If he's anything like me, plans to settle into my comfortable chair for a day of college football viewing, usually ends up in a long winter's nap instead!
That's the Point!

Cartoon of the Day: Season's Greetings!

The News-Herald, December 23

I've had a lot of fun celebrating my 30 years of editorial cartooning for The News-Herald throughout 2018. Most of the celebration has been about Downriver readers and organizations, my editors past and present, and the multitude of News-Herald reporters throughout the years whose work has inspired my cartoons. Today, forgive me, I made it about me! While this message was created for my readers Downriver, it also applies as I send my Best Wishes and Season's Greetings to all my readers!
Happy Holidays!

Cartoon of the Week: Sweat(er)ing it out in Lansing

Crain's Detroit Business - December 17

My dad was, at various times in his life, a Roosevelt Democrat and a Milliken Republican. Similarly, throughout my 46 years as a voter (never missed an election), I've voted across the political spectrum from the viewpoint of a unionist - I proudly hold three union withdrawal cards - the perspective of a small business owner, and now as a senior citizen collecting Social Security, carrying a Medicare card and afraid to look at my current IRA balance. I've seen a lot; including a president resign and a Michigan native son who never won a national vote become president.

But I ain't ever seen anything like this.

As we close 2018, there's been an unusual amount of questionable legislative activity in Lansing during the current lame duck session. I don't think my dad, the Milliken Republican, would recognize (or support) the current crop of elected officials labeled Republicans. I knew I wanted this to be the topic of my final Crain's Detroit Business editorial cartoon of the year; and happily my editor, Michael Lee agreed. My struggle - how would I portray the nonsense going on in the State Capital? I came up with this season twist - I hope it works.

My best wishes to you for a happy holiday season - whatever holiday(s) you celebrate at this time of the year - as well as hope and best wishes for a pragmatic, productive and civil New Year!
See you in January!
That's the Point!   

Cartoon of the Day: One Toke Over the Line?

Crain's Detroit Business, December 3

The majority of Michigan voters OK'd recreational use of marijuana a month ago. Now, state officials just have to sort out licensing regulations, applicable taxes and other details relating to sales and distribution. Never underestimate the power of bureaucracy to screw up a good thing! Note: the character on the right is completely fictional. He's not, nor is he based on, anybody I know!
That's the Point!