The Political Conundrum!

Back on Sunday, November 9th the Doonesbury cartoon published by my good friend Garry Trudeau riled up some feathers in the military and milblog community. Another friend, Uncle Jimbo over at blackfive.net expressed his opinion on the cartoon which was less than flattering. I read Uncle Jimbo’s comments and then read the cartoon.

I have to admit that I was not really encouraged but what I saw in the strip either. Rather than rant about, I forwarded on the blackfive.net link to Garry to let him know how it was being perceived by some. I also told him I was a little concerned. In addition to the concern I had, I was confused becuase I know Garry and I know how much he supports and cares about American’s men and women in uniform. I sat there with him in a Fisher House spending hours talking with and being impressed by many wounded warriors and their families.

After sending my email to Garry, he responded quickly. I asked him if I could quote him on his email and he said that was fine. The reason I asked him was becuase I think his explanation made sense and it explained what was in his mind as he drafted the strip. I was also very impressed that he took the time out of his busy schedule to respond so quickly. I think that is a testament to how much he cares about soldiers. I have no doubt that he has received a lot of hate mail, etc. over the years and I am sure he does not explain himself to all of them.

So after pointing Garry to Jimbo’s comments, Garry replied with:

“Context is everything, and those who merely sample Doonesbury will take away from it what they’re predisposed to. Regular readers know that one of the reasons that B.D. sought treatment for PTSD was that he overheard his own daughter saying she’d become afraid of him since he returned home from Iraq. They also know that B.D. has had alcohol abuse issues. In this strip, B.D. comes into a bar early, too early, in the day. The bartender subtlety references other vets he sees with substance abuse issues and wonders about his own role as an enabler. B.D. sees himself in that scenario, turns on his heels and leaves the bar. Without accusing him of anything, a caring bartender has helped B.D. recognize that he might have been slipping back into self-destructive behavior.

It does no one any good to pretend that these issues don’t exist, that some veterans don’t have readjustment problems upon returning home. The last four years I have worked pretty hard to point out what some of those problems are so that, 1) the general public has a greater awareness of the nature of PTSD and other challenges veterans face, and 2) to help foster the kind of open conversation we need to destigmatize soldiers struggling with mental health and other disability issues.”