Thursday, July 7, 2011

Leader Publications’ readers have spoken — quite clearly and angrily, for that matter — via phone, e-mail and mail, and the consensus is that cartoonist William Warren has got to go.

For that past two weeks, readers of the Niles Daily Star, Dowagiac Daily News, Cassopolis Vigilant and Edwardsburg Argus have expressed their disdain for the artist. Some were outraged about one or two particular cartoons regarding President Obama; others said they don’t like the cartoonist at all.

Although it will be impossible to please everyone with a political cartoonist, when enough people voice their opinions, we must listen.

Warren was selected after we chose to discontinue one of our paid syndicated services that included various political cartoonists. Free cartoons of print quality are hard to find, and upon initial research, Warren was not found to be partisan. However, we eventually discovered that is not the case. Warren also only produces about one cartoon per week, so there is little selection.

After a thorough search, Leader could not locate another free, professional cartoonist.

Starting today, we are printing the same syndicated cartoonists we did prior to Warren. The selection of cartoonists is from a reputable service.

The cartoons we print will poke fun at issues and leaders of every political party; however, Leader Publications does not select cartoons based on our particular political view. The cartoons represent the work of the cartoonists; they are not necessarily representative of us. Readers may not agree with the message of every cartoon that is published, as is with our letters and editorials.

Leader Publications appreciates your feedback about the transition and about cartoons we print in the future.

This editorial reflects the views of the Niles Daily Star editorial board.