I couldn't understand how these four sentences could constitute a joke, or even a coherent series of statements, until I suddenly solved the puzzle: you're supposed to read the panels in reverse order! Check it out: 'Some opinions are but a grain of sand on the beach. However, in the grand scheme of things… I think everyone is entitled to speak their minds… and that's the way I think we should run this country!' Now all of a sudden there is a logical order of thought -- initial observation, followed by counterpoint, clarification, and conclusion/call to action. The 'joke' is that Herbert is literally experiencing life backwards, yet he has a forward-thinking perspective on the social contract.
The Lockhorns, 12/22/04
Many of you are beginning your trek home this week to spend time in the bosom of your screeching, dysfunctional families. In that spirit, I just wanted to share with you this panel, which distills the gloriously bitter Lockhorns down to their essence: I’m married to you, but you cause me pain! I think I’ve found my Christmas card for next year.
Mary Worth, 12/21/04
Boy, in this storyline, Mary Worth’s evil manipulating ways are finally out in the open. First, she openly urged Anna to pursue a married man; now she’s planting seeds of doubt in Anna’s mind to make sure that she can’t just have a pleasant romantic experience, but will rather be sabotaged by second-guessing. It’s not clear if Mary’s pulling this nonsense because she’s disappointed that Brian is single after all, or if she just likes screwing with people’s heads. Either way, it’s becoming clear that her need for drama is wreaking havoc on the lives of those around her. In three to five years, she’ll no doubt be waiting at the exit gate to the state pen, waiting for Tommy with a nice big brown bag of “stuff.”
B.C., 12/20/04
Given his track record, this is kind of a strange thing to say, but do you think Johnny Hart is trying not to offend someone? That’s the only explanation I can come up with for about the last six months of his political cartoons, which are so convoluted as to be incomprehensible. If there’s more of a punchline to this one than “The guy on the left is a Democrat,” I don’t see it — but, really, there has to be more to it. Doesn’t there? I’m thinking it’s all some sort of B.C. insider code, which ignorant leftists like myself gloss over unknowingly, while those in the know chortle uproariously as our caveman heroes once again stick it to the secularists/liberals/Jews/whoevers.