Some of you may remember my self-pledge, three years ago, to read the comics every day for one year, to see why the funnies were funny. Since then I have learned that many of the comic-strip creators use their three-or-four frames to comment on life without having to write a "letter to the editor". While reading through my Google Reader news stories this morning, I noted that the bi-partisan (oxymoron) Super Committee will not be able to come to consensus by the imposed deadline-to-meet-all-deadlines and that Texas Governor, Rick Perry, the Republican political "sailor who fell from grace with the sea" considers himself an outsider, I initially thought I was reading the comics. Sadly, shortly thereafter I realized that I was not in the comics section of my Google Reader. However, two of the real comic strips were attention-grabbers - Baby Blues and Dilbert - and just may have more societal impact than any super committee or presidential-wanna-be.
Baby Blues, written by Rick Kirkman and Jerry Scott, was simply charming and showcased the human condition's need for compassion - compassion that may very well begin at home - as little brother Hammie comforts his older sister, Zoe, after she is snubbed at school by being left off the invitation list for a boy-girl party. Under normal circumstances, Hammie drives Zoe nuts and vice versa, but this one time, Hammie steps to the plate and befriends his slighted sister. Score one for sibling love.
Dilbert, created by Scott Adams, depicted Catbert and Pointy-Haired Boss in conversation, with P-HB (Pointy-Haired Boss) telling Catbert that he would really like to fire Wally, but he cannot risk it because he is the only person who knows how to program the Zeberpupin system. (Now, just think about how this word could be pronounced.). Catbert inquires if this is true and P-HB replies "It must be. He is the only one who has heard of it." If this isn't reminiscent of our nation's capitol and its buffoons, I do not know what is.
Yes, I do love the comics - some more than others. Actually there may be a connection between my first blog posting today and this one. Anyone see the correlation?
Ancora imparo
