Another One Of "Them Damn Pitchers"

Ol' Tom Toles, the editorial cartoonist in the Washington Post hit a homerun last week. He posted a cartoon about the dirty little secret of Dub's military adventure in Iraq. A LOT of our troops have been maimed by the IEDs that the "terrorists" have planted everywhere in that bit of hell known as Iraq. In fact, the administration provides little or no support for the maimed troops. "Imus in the Morning" has mounted a fund-raising campaign to generate $10 million in donations to construct a rehab facility at Brook Army Hospital in San Antonio. Last fall, Don Imus and two of his crew went to Walter Reed Army Hospital in the company of Senator John McCain (R-AZ). Imus came away shocked at the lack of rehab equipment in the "best" military medical facility in the land. So, we have the spectacle of an "Imus in the Morning" telethon in behalf of maimed U.S. troops while Dub's "War on Terror" rages on. The Department of Defense was silent about this scandal until Tom Toles posted his cartoon. The Joint Chiefs sent letter to the editor complaining about Toles' cartoon. As one of my favorite prexies — HST — was wont to say: "If you can't stand the heat, stay out of the kitchen." If this is (fair & balanced) truth to power, so be it.
















[x Washington Post]
A Reprehensible Cartoon

We were extremely disappointed to see the Jan. 29 editorial cartoon by Tom Toles.

Using the likeness of a service member who has lost his arms and legs in war as the central theme of a cartoon was beyond tasteless. Editorial cartoons are often designed to exaggerate issues, and The Post is obviously free to address any topic, including the state of readiness of the armed forces. However, The Post and Mr. Toles have done a disservice to readers and to The Post's reputation by using such a callous depiction of those who volunteered to defend this nation and, as a result, suffered traumatic and life-altering wounds.

Those who visit wounded veterans in hospitals have found lives profoundly changed by pain and loss. They also have found brave men and women with a sense of purpose and selfless commitment that causes battle-hardened warriors to pause.

While The Post and some of its readers may not agree with the war or its conduct, these men and women and their families are owed the decency of not having a cartoon make light of their tremendous physical sacrifices.

As the joint chiefs, we rarely put our hand to one letter, but we cannot let this reprehensible cartoon go unanswered.

PETER PACE
General, U.S. Marine Corps
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

EDMUND P. GIAMBASTIANI JR.
Admiral, U.S. Navy
Vice Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff


MICHAEL W. HAGEE
General, U.S. Marine Corps
Commandant of the Marine Corps


PETER J. SCHOOMAKER
General, U.S. Army
Chief of Staff


MICHAEL G. MULLEN
Admiral, U.S. Navy
Chief of Naval Operations


T. MICHAEL MOSELEY
General, U.S. Air Force
Chief of Staff

Copyright © 2006 The Washington Post Company

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