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Title: Cartoonist says his work got him axed
Source:
The DesMoines Register
URL Source: http://www.desmoinesregister.com/st ... is-work-got-him-axed/83841760/
Published: May 3, 2016
Author: Donnelle Eller
Post Date: 2016-05-03 10:42:07 by Willie Green
Keywords: None
Views: 6164
Comments: 33
A northern Iowa freelance cartoonist says he was fired for drawing an editorial cartoon that bemoaned Iowa farmers' dwindling profits while CEOs at large agricultural corporations earn millions of dollars.
Rick Friday of Lorimor said on his Facebook page that Farm News, a weekly publication of The Fort Dodge Messenger, dropped him as the publication's editorial cartoonist after a company affiliated with one of three large corporations he portrayed in his cartoon complained, pulling its advertising.
In last week's "It's Friday" cartoon, Friday said the CEOs of Deere & Co., Monsanto Co. and DuPont Pioneer made more money than 2,129 Iowa farmers last year.
A large affiliated company "was insulted and canceled their advertisement with the paper, thus, resulting in the reprimand of my editor and cancellation of 'It's Friday' cartoons," wrote Friday, who worked 21 years for Farm News, publishing 1,090 cartoons.
Cartoonist Rick Friday says this cartoon cost him his job with Farm News after one of the corporations he criticized pulled its advertising. (Photo: Rick Friday)
The CEOs at the ag giants earned about $52.9 million last year, based on Morningstar data. Monsanto and DuPont, the parent of Johnston-based Pioneer, are large seed and chemical companies, and Deere is a large farm equipment manufacturer.
Profits for the three companies, all with large operations across Iowa, also have declined as farm income has been squeezed. After peaking in 2013, U.S. farm income this year is projected to fall to $183 billion, its lowest level since 2002.
Publisher Larry Bushman said he couldn't say Monday why Farm News would no longer run Friday's cartoons, adding that it was an editorial decision.
Farm News Editor Larry Kershner said he couldn't comment about the decision.
Friday said his cartoon was based on facts. "Hopefully, my children and my grandchildren will see that this last cartoon published … will shine a light on how fragile our rights to free speech and free press really are in the country," said Friday, who also raises cattle.
DuPont and Monsanto officials said the companies were unaware of the cartoon until the media brought it to their attention. A Deere spokesman wasn't immediately available Monday to comment.
Monsanto's Christi Dixon said the St. Louis-based company has no interest in shutting down farm discussions.
"We respect various viewpoints and want to be open to dialogue. We're interested in finding common ground," said Dixon, adding the company recently hosted a vocal critic of the company's genetically modified seeds at its headquarters.
Farm News is delivered to 24,000 homes in 33 counties in northwest Iowa. The Fort Dodge Messenger is owned by Ogden Newspapers, based in West Virginia. (1 image)
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"dropped him as the publication's editorial cartoonist after a company affiliated with one of three large corporations he portrayed in his cartoon complained, pulling its advertising."
How stupid do you have to be to insult an advertiser -- by name -- and expect them to keep spending money on your piddly-ass newspaper?
Second, it wasn't funny. He should be fired for that alone.
And third, he's comparing apples and oranges. Those are farm suppliers, not farmers. If farmers want to make more profit then let them start up a company like John Deere, Monsanto, or DuPont.
#2. To: misterwhite (#1)
How stupid do you have to be to insult an advertiser -- by name -- and expect them to keep spending money on your piddly-ass newspaper?
Perhaps bad strategically, though then again, the backlash of this story is going against the corporations.
Second, it wasn't funny. He should be fired for that alone.
If you think political cartoons are always supposed to be funny, then you have a psychotic sense of humor.
If farmers want to make more profit then let them start up a company like John Deere, Monsanto, or DuPont.
I imagine the guy's ethics are too strong for that to be an option.
#3. To: misterwhite (#1)
First, you really are an ugly soul.
Second, see one above.
потому что Бог хочет это тот путь
#4. To: SOSO (#3)
"First, you really are an ugly soul."
I made three valid and relevant points. You can either refute them and add to the discussion or shut your fucking face.
I'm getting tired of your insults.
#5. To: misterwhite (#4)
I made three valid and relevant points.
Each point you made lacks at least one of the two.
#6. To: Pinguinite (#5)
"Each point you made lacks at least one of the two."
Make your case or follow the same advice I gave asswipe.
#7. To: misterwhite (#1)
Obviously, you don't know what you are talking about. Real farmers do not much profit at all. In fact, most of them are struggling these days especially due to the fact that corporate "farmers" who use farmers land for public use like Monsanto, Dupont and John Deere don't do the actual labor involved in the business at all. They just don't really work at all. It really is the farmers that are getting ripped off and screwed over. That's why nobody wants to stay in the farming business anymore. There is no money. The only ones making money are the corporate farmers whereas the farmers are actually nothing more than their slaves.
#8. To: misterwhite (#4)
First, you really are an ugly soul."I made three valid and relevant points.
You made three ugly soul asshole BS remarks. So go f*ck yourself and your black heart.
"I'm getting tired of your insults."
LMAO. Best get some rest as I have a feeling more comments about your ugly soul will be forthcoming.
потому что Бог хочет это тот путь
#9. To: goldilucky (#7)
"... like Monsanto, Dupont and John Deere don't do the actual labor involved in the business at all"
That's my point. So why compare their business to the farmers'?
#10. To: Willie Green (#0)
A northern Iowa freelance cartoonist says he was fired for drawing an editorial cartoon that bemoaned Iowa farmers' dwindling profits while CEOs at large agricultural corporations earn millions of dollars.
You mean that the cartoonist was a OWS libtarded, lazy hippie turd bag?
Maybe people that believe in capitalism don't find his brand of humor funny... and unfunny humor by a cartoonist is punishable by a fine of 1,000.00, firing or both.
I think we need some humorous cartoons about freedom of speech and confederate flags.
I'm the infidel... Allah warned you about. كافر المسلح
#11. To: GrandIsland (#10)
You mean that the cartoonist was a OWS libtarded, lazy hippie turd bag?
More rabid nonsense from the drunk cop.
Friday said his cartoon was based on facts. "Hopefully, my children and my grandchildren will see that this last cartoon published … will shine a light on how fragile our rights to free speech and free press really are in the country," said Friday, who also raises cattle.
Yeah - those lazy, OWS libtards, raising cattle.
“Truth is treason in the empire of lies.” - Ron Paul
In a Cop Culture, the Bill of Rights Doesn’t Amount to Much
Americans who have no experience with, or knowledge of, tyranny believe that only terrorists will experience the unchecked power of the state. They will believe this until it happens to them, or their children, or their friends.
Paul Craig Roberts#12. To: GrandIsland (#10)
unfunny humor by a cartoonist is punishable by a fine of 1,000.00, firing or both.
Oh, not only do you want him to be fired, you want to assess a hefty fine because he expressed an opinion?
Seeing as you were a cop, it's understandable that you wish to impose monetary punishment on those who exercise therr first amendment rights.
Could you possibly be any more of a fascist cliche'?
“Truth is treason in the empire of lies.” - Ron Paul
In a Cop Culture, the Bill of Rights Doesn’t Amount to Much
Americans who have no experience with, or knowledge of, tyranny believe that only terrorists will experience the unchecked power of the state. They will believe this until it happens to them, or their children, or their friends.
Paul Craig Roberts#13. To: Deckard (#11)
More rabid nonsense from the drunk cop.
Stick to your black lives matter cop hating libtarded bullshit, drug lover.
I'm the infidel... Allah warned you about. كافر المسلح
#14. To: Deckard (#12)
Seeing as you were a cop, it's understandable that you wish to impose monetary punishment on those who exercise therr first amendment
It was a JOKE, turd smoke.
I'm the infidel... Allah warned you about. كافر المسلح
#15. To: GrandIsland (#10)
"You mean that the cartoonist was a OWS libtarded, lazy hippie turd bag?"
He thought he was safe drawing anti-capitalism cartoons. Oops. Not when they're the ones paying your salary.
"I think we need some humorous cartoons about freedom of speech and confederate flags."
Perhaps we'll get lucky and he'll draw an anti-Mohammed one.
#16. To: Deckard (#12)
"Oh, not only do you want him to be fired, you want to assess a hefty fine because he expressed an opinion?"
Is he going to pay back the paper for the advertising revenue they lost?
That would only be fair, right?
#17. To: misterwhite (#1)
Second, it wasn't funny. He should be fired for that alone.
But evidently it was the truth.
Can't have newspapers actually publishing THAT though now can we Uncle Whitey!
#18. To: misterwhite (#15)
He thought he was safe drawing anti-capitalism cartoons
Anti-mercantilism maybe.
Your mistake of confusing the antics of Monsanto with with free-market capitalism is a common mistake.
Don't feel bad.
#19. To: GrandIsland (#10) (Edited)
unfunny humor by a cartoonist is punishable by a fine of 1,000.00, firing or both.
How long should his sentence in the Gulags/reeducation camps be per the Ministry of Humor and Information?
#20. To: VxH (#17)
"But evidently it was the truth."
Sure, but it's irrelevant. Might as well compare the profits from farming to Nike's profits and cite how unfair that is.
I live in the country surrounded by farms. In the spring, farmers disk the soil, fertilize and plant. Takes maybe a week, depending on the acreage.
In the summer they hire a commercial company to spray the crops with Roundup to keep down the weeds. In the fall they harvest and take the crops to the local storage bins. Maybe two weeks for that.
They're out there in the fields in their monster tractors maybe three weeks out of the year. I live it. I see it.
Keep in mind -- the farms are handed down in the family, as is the farm equipment. They provide the labor. Their profit may be small, but it's not bad for three weeks work.
Farmers are my neighbors. They're good people. They'll drop whatever they're doing to give you a hand. They're honest and friendly.
But let's forget the notion that they're out there 365 days a year bent over a rake and hoe and earning next to nothing.
#21. To: misterwhite (#20)
Might as well compare the profits from farming to Nike's profits and cite how unfair that is.
Ok.
#22. To: misterwhite (#20) (Edited)
They're out there in the fields in their monster tractors maybe three weeks out of the year. I live it. I see it.
My wife comes from a family of farmers.
How 'bout you tell the class about the cozy arrangement between economics of scale, the price of seeds, the cost of lawsuits when somebodies Patented GMO pollen pollutes the neighborhood, and the government loans required to keep the whole charade afloat?
Throw in the reality of what would happen in the event of a drought that's a fraction as long as the one that created the Nebraska Sand Hills.
Followed by a monumental "oops" from the Corn kings.
#23. To: VxH (#22)
"Throw in the reality of what would happen in the event of a drought"
Thank heavens for crop insurance, huh?
"somebodies Patented GMO pollen pollutes the neighborhood"
90% of farmers use GMO seeds. They don't "pollute" any more than non-GMO farms "pollute".
#24. To: misterwhite (#23) (Edited)
90% of farmers use GMO seeds. They don't "pollute" any more than non-GMO farms "pollute".
I made some good college $$ mucking through the mud whilst detassling back in the 80's.
Meanwhile...
"Monsanto has sued more than 700 additional farmers who have settled out-of- court rather than face Monsanto’s belligerent, and well-financed, litigious actions."
Screwed if they do. Screwed if they don't.
Evidently Monstanto gets upity when their patented shyte blows into some non-slave's field.
#25. To: misterwhite (#23) (Edited)
Thank heavens for crop insurance, huh?
How long was the drought that created the Sand Hills super genius?
Monoculture = Monumental Short-sighted Stupidity. The farmers I know who are trapped in the system admit that's true. They have to farm more irrigated acres of corn, to pay for the seed and machines that are required to make the payments... so they can farm more irrigated acres of corn....
Your crop "insurance" will be even more worthless than AIG's underwriting of the subprime derivative A$$Paper presently circling the vortex of the global economic sewage pond.
How's Tommy Daschle's mandated Ethanol cabal doing these days?
#26. To: VxH (#24)
"Evidently Monstanto gets upity when their patented shyte blows into some non-slave's field."
Only when those seeds are blown in straight rows.
#27. To: misterwhite (#9) (Edited)
Because there is a big difference between corporate farming vs farmers. Corporate farmers are a joke! They know nothing about the actual labor involved in farming. All they know is the business angle from the office position. The "corporate farmers" get the city to invoke eminent domain for public use in that everything that the actual farmer does he/she no longer owns. It becomes a public good.
About a month ago, I was attending some city hall meeting and was listening to this one guy at the podium speak about his role in Urban Development and that he knew nothing about farming but that he and his business associates were working on some business deal with some of the farmers in the area to help flourish business. I'll say it again, dudes like this lick their chops at every opportunity when they see the misfortune of true farmers. What they really want is the credit and the land from the farmers. Very few farmers have the great perception to see through the motives of "friendly" businessmen like this one speak.
#28. To: misterwhite (#1)
Second, it wasn't funny. He should be fired for that alone.
It was amazingly unfunny.
Maybe he could have written, "What I really wish is that I could bone your sister for 2 days nonstop."
But he would probably have been overruled by the editors.
Obama has played at being a president while enjoying the perks … golf, insanely expensive vacations at tax-payer expense. He has ignored the responsibilities of the job; no plans, no budgets, no alternatives … just finger pointing; making him a complete failure as a president
#29. To: goldilucky (#27)
"Because there is a big difference between corporate farming vs farmers."
I agree. But the cartoon was comparing corporations like Monsanto vs. farmers.
#30. To: misterwhite (#29)
Funny. I did not see the cartoon like that at all. I saw the cartoon as very realistic.
#31. To: misterwhite (#26)
Only when those seeds are blown in straight rows.
Corn is pollinated by the wind super genius.
#32. To: VxH (#31)
"Corn is pollinated by the wind super genius."
And that corn is harvested and sold. No big deal.
Monsanto gets involved in these lawsuits when farmers harvest the GMO corn and plant it the following season instead of buying new seed from them.
#33. To: misterwhite (#32) (Edited)
No big deal.
It's no big deal when Monsanto's shyte pollutes/pollinates some non- customer/slave's field - and THEY CAN'T KEEP SEED FROM THEIR OWN FIELDS?
thegranddisillusion.wordpress.com/monsanto-vs-farmer/
Etc Etc.
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