WEDNESDAY'S LETTERS: Readers Respond to Mitchell's Defense of War Photogs, 'For Better' Best Comic?

By: E&P Staff In today's letters, readers react to Greg Mitchell's column defending war photographers, and others comment on Dave Astor's recent assertion that "For Better or For Worse" is the best comic strip ever.


***

Readers React to Greg Mitchell's Defense of War Photographers

How shallow and simple (and typical) of Greg Mitchell to blame made-up photographs and articles [on] the readers. No wonder "journalists" are looked down upon when they give themselves so little regard for truth. I guess he would agree, based on his logic in the article, that, because most soldiers have terrible hardships and get shot at a lot, those that those who kill innocents should be excused and allowed to cover it up. Or is that only for the press?

William Rossbach



Your fellow journalists screwed this one up. In the internet age we are no longer in the dark, and papers like NYT, Wash Post and LA Times can?t simply lie lie lie ...

Larry Parrish



I greatly enjoyed reading [Greg Mitchell's] column on the wacky right wing bloggers' attempts to smear photojournalists working in the Middle East. I'm disappointed that few left wing bloggers have taken them on, particularly since it's perfectly clear that what the right wingers wish to achieve with this obnoxious and absurd campaign is to villify and ultimately to dismiss reporters who reveal the terrible truth about the mayhem in the New Middle East. I'm looking forward to reading your next installment.

Michael Clark



Really fine and necessary column. Congrats on this ... much needed.

Tom Englehart



If non "War Photog" people are prohibited from criticizing "War Photogs," how is it that you, a non-"War Photog," are allowed to defend "War Photogs"? I am all for you defending and I am all for "them" criticizing.

Michael Alexander



The article should be retitled, "In Defense of Fraud and Propaganda."

Dennis Meyler


***

What's the 'Best Comic Stip Ever'?

Without a doubt, it's Pogo for me. Of course, it required a literate audience willing to overlook an alligator's cigar habit and a certain political sophistication so it wouldn't make it in today's dumbed-down world. "For Better or For Worse" borrows heavily on the character's interaction with animals but never steps into the realm of politics which is where cartoons had their beginning. Think of what the denizens of the swamp might have had to say in a post-Katrina world!

Deane Bristow
Newport, Ore.



What a nice piece on "For Better or For Worse." Started a long thread on the Wisenheimer. [Editor's note: The Wisenheimer is an online discussion forum for cartoonists.] I agree with nearly all your points.

Bill LaRocque