Commentary

Another big year in news meant plenty of material for political cartoonist John Auchter. Here's a look back at some of his most liked cartoons of the year.

I wish all you readers a happy holiday season and a blessed new year. (What do you say we give this common good thing a try in 2022?)

Today on Stateside, all the books you need to get you through the end of the year. Then, a trio from Traverse City gets back on the road, with a new grasp on the band’s identity. Plus, writer and critic Douglas Wolk plows through thousands of Marvel comics in search of heroes, villains, and narrative triumphs.

Today on Stateside, our friends from WVBI share some notable releases in Michigan-made music. Plus, a conversation about a speculative novella set in Detroit.

I'm not feeling all high and mighty for calling them out. (And neither should Governor Whitmer and the state legislature, considering their own issues with similar shenanigans, such as stonewalling freedom of information requests.) But it is ridiculous. Not as funny as Monty Python, but nearly as ridiculous.

There’s been a rise in Trump-loyalist election-conspiracy theorists appointed to county-level election positions following the 2020 election. There are reports, particularly from swing states like Michigan, of Republicans who believe falsely the election was stolen from Trump being installed in elections offices or running to be elections officials.

There are deaths and burdensome costs that we as a country endure year after year because of the inertia of the status quo. And seemingly there is nothing we can do about it.

Former President Trump is a demagogue in full-bullying mode, and a brief glance at history reveals the devastating consequences of letting somebody like that get their way.

Yes, there is boatloads of federal money that supposedly will cover all COVID-related costs, but it won't. You know it, I know it. That's just how messed up and needlessly expensive our health care system is.

So really what is meant by "Moderate Republican" is "Those Who Used to Be Known as Republican Willing to Put Country Before Party." (That's quite a word jumble for a cartoon.)