Auchter's Art

You'd think we'd know enough from history that there's nothing good down the hyper-nativist path. And yet, rallying to the nativist calls is often seen as the most patriotic thing we can do. For a country of immigrants, we sure have a particular disdain for immigrants.

The parents of the shooter had clearly been negligent in their responsibilities to their son and their community. Jennifer Crumbley will now have to face lawful consequences for her actions (or, more accurately, inaction). It doesn't fix anything, but justice does provide a reason to be hopeful that lessons have been learned.

It's disheartening how quickly it goes from people's real concerns to the gamification of those concerns.

Shawn Fain has made quite a name for himself for being an authentic, often salty voice of the working class. He can be theatrical, but he also says what he means and doesn't seem to suffer fools. I've also read similar things said in praise of Donald Trump (usually by Trump himself).

Okay, granted, winter did hit later than it usually does this year. But in the end, it is January, and this is Michigan, so it really isn't that remarkable. And yet, that doesn't stop all of us from persistently remarking, does it?

I think on the whole, the best story was that the state of Michigan got a win. We don't get many — especially over the past couple of decades. So even though it was college football (and all the baggage that comes with that), it's gratifying to have "Michigan" and "the best" in the same headline.

Well, I suppose that when you elect a Trump protégé to lead your state party, you shouldn't be surprised by the results. As the saying goes, be careful what you wish for because you just might get it.

Freelance political cartoonist John Auchter's art and commentary speaks to the issues impacting Michigan thoughtfully and creatively. Here are some of his most popular works from 2023.

Instead of building barriers in 2024, perhaps we should focus on problem solving the source issues. Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, and here's to a world with less walls in the new year!

A typical holiday season juxtaposition for editorial cartoonists: the Holy Family as poor, desperate refugees and the current treatment of poor, desperate refugees by certain folks who worship the Holy Family. It's kind of low hanging fruit, and I have to admit that's where I started.