Another Place to Drop Politics

Oooo, this is going to be hard; gritting my teeth and leaving behind the jokes that clearly follow this topic. But what type of person would advocate abstinence from political commentary in a piece riddled with jabs at our elected officials? So no comments on Bush or either Clinton [Insert Rodham if applicable this month] (What? did I say start yet? did I?), I'll even give up Carter jokes for this piece.

The real world's political figures don't belong to the comic; the cast and setting that were built up doesn't include them. Dropping in an outside figure disrupts the comic, just like poor a crossover. New characters are being added with the expectation that the reader is already familiar with their backgrounds. Events and persona from the real world can only enter the comic in bits and pieces. Those directly relevant to the readers or characters can be understood, other items are risky.

Politics becomes dated especially quick. The issues we're fighting over now will be replaced in a few years. New elections will replace the current lot. Names will be consigned to the history books, even the great statesman. How much does the current generation remember about Churchill beyond his nationality and era? There are plenty of people around today that won't understand the above jab at Ms. Clinton, in a few years will anyone remember what it's about without a little footnote?

Even in the present plenty of people will be confused. In general, local politics are one's main concern. Except for a few from neighboring countries, there won't be many foreigners who understand the reference. Even within your country, there's still the half of the population that is working from a different viewpoint. An issue can appear one-sided, with everyone around you in agreement. However you are more likely to associate with similar individuals, rather than those who would present the opposing view.

A webcomic isn't the place to start a debate. The author gets to play moderator and both sides--not a healthy starting point. A number of readers are likely to be of the opposing viewpoint; I even find it disruptive when I agree.