David Baldinger - Cartoonist & Photographer

Recently MSNBC News excluded former Sen. Mike Gravel from a "debate." I emailed several representatives of this corporate media monster conveying my dissatisfaction and disgust over the decision to exclude Gravel. here is the expected reply I received:   From: ~Corp Communications Sent: Wednesday, October 31, 2007 6:18 PM To: David Baldinger (email removed) Subject: RE: Include Sen. Mike Gravel In The Debate!   NBC has offered Sen. Gravel many opportunities to get his message across, in both interviews and debates. However, with the election season approaching and more candidates vying for an opportunity to join the debates, NBC News felt it necessary to set minimum criteria for participation in the debate -- including measuring the amount of time the candidates spent campaigning, as well as poll-standing and financial resources. These are similar to guidelines used by non-partisan organizations that manage the presidential and vice-presidential debates, and leaders an...

Published on Tuesday, October 23, 2007 by CommonDreams.org   Mired in the disastrous Iraq quagmire, opposed by a majority of Americans, George W. Bush has reached new depths of reckless, belligerent bellowing. At a recent news conference, he volunteered that he told our allies that if they’re “interested in avoiding World War III,” Iran must be prevented from both developing a nuclear weapon or having “the knowledge necessary to make a nuclear weapon.” To what level of political insanity has this Washington Caesar descended? Only two countries can start World War III-Russia and the United States. Is Bush saying that if Russia, presently opposed to military action against Iran, persists with its position, Bush may risk World War III? If not, why is this law-breaking warmonger, looking for another war for American GIs to fight, while his military-age daughters bask in the celebrity lime light? Why is he using such catastrophic language? Surely he does not think Iran could start Worl...

Mike Gravel needs our help! Former Democratic Senator from Alaska, Mike Gravel, is being excluded from yet another debate . To be specific, it is the October 30th debate in Philadelphia, co-sponsored by the Democratic National Committee and MSNBC. It is moderated by Brian Williams. According to an associated press article: "The former Alaska senator did not meet fundraising and polling requirements for the forum, said NBC News political director Chuck Todd." But, look, it's as simple as this: If you value freedom of speech and fairness, you should sign this petition, whether you support Gravel for president or not. It is very important, in a Democracy, for all voices to be heard. We should continue to attempt to adhere to this Democratic ideal. Sign the petition!

JibJab now lets you use your own face in some of their animations. This was a lot of fun!