It was Franklin (in response to a question about the importance of the Constitution as regards making the US a republic or a monarchy) who responded: “We’ve given you a republic — if you can keep it.”
The Democratic party, who whose members outnumber Republicans in the US, has only two jobs this year: to see to it that all potential voters are registered, and then see to it that they vote. In other words, rolls and polls. That’s how we can keep the republic, in spite of the Republicans.
I believe that the comic refers to the beliefs of Benjamin Franklin about voting. A quote from Ben Franklin: “Thank God! we are in the full enjoyment of all these privileges. But can we be taught to prize them too much? or how can we prize them equal to their value, if we do not know their intrinsic worth, and that they are not a gift bestowed upon us by other men, but a right that belongs to us by the laws of God and nature?”Benjamin FranklinMen, Law, VotingBenjamin Franklin, William Temple Franklin, William Duane (1834). “Memoirs of Benjamin Franklin”, p.440He believed that everyone should take advantage of their right to vote.
The Benjamin needs more shading, since the toon is about the “dark money” polluting our politics since Citizens United. And now, more recently, the Subprime Court legalized bribery!
Whether it’s about Franklin encouraging people to vote, or about how cash influences elections, it’s right on the money (pun intended!). Anyone trying to make it about a specific political party is missing the point.
A Common 'tator 2 months ago
An explanation, in English, please…
A# 466 2 months ago
It was Franklin (in response to a question about the importance of the Constitution as regards making the US a republic or a monarchy) who responded: “We’ve given you a republic — if you can keep it.”
The Democratic party, who whose members outnumber Republicans in the US, has only two jobs this year: to see to it that all potential voters are registered, and then see to it that they vote. In other words, rolls and polls. That’s how we can keep the republic, in spite of the Republicans.
Jayalexander 2 months ago
Wonder what our founders would say if they could see how far we’ve strayed from what they set up?
gammaguy 2 months ago
An alternative interpretation, though not necessarily the cartoonist’s intent: Money buys votes.
djarneco 2 months ago
I believe that the comic refers to the beliefs of Benjamin Franklin about voting. A quote from Ben Franklin: “Thank God! we are in the full enjoyment of all these privileges. But can we be taught to prize them too much? or how can we prize them equal to their value, if we do not know their intrinsic worth, and that they are not a gift bestowed upon us by other men, but a right that belongs to us by the laws of God and nature?”Benjamin FranklinMen, Law, VotingBenjamin Franklin, William Temple Franklin, William Duane (1834). “Memoirs of Benjamin Franklin”, p.440He believed that everyone should take advantage of their right to vote.
potfarmer 2 months ago
Quite an atypical Coverly strip.
Superfrog 2 months ago
It’s the best government money can buy.
mfrasca 2 months ago
Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, 558 U.S. 310 (2010).
Thank you John Roberts. /s
joegeethree 2 months ago
The “get out to vote” strategy currently employed by the DNC.
gene06825 Premium Member 2 months ago
DC is great, but for some reason this one strikes me as too cute by half…
ncorgbl 2 months ago
For those who think their vote doesn’t mean anything stop and think about how much money is spent just to get your vote.
Jml58 2 months ago
The United States of America has the best government that money can buy.
Godfreydaniel 2 months ago
The Benjamin needs more shading, since the toon is about the “dark money” polluting our politics since Citizens United. And now, more recently, the Subprime Court legalized bribery!
lnrokr55 2 months ago
So did I !
mistercatworks 2 months ago
Voting is the way we traditionally “overthrow the government” by non-violent means. Try it instead of wingeing and lying about it.
JoeMartinFan Premium Member 2 months ago
Whether it’s about Franklin encouraging people to vote, or about how cash influences elections, it’s right on the money (pun intended!). Anyone trying to make it about a specific political party is missing the point.
mikesr1 2 months ago
Mark Twain once said that "If voting made a difference, they wouldn’t let us do it. "
Drag0nr1der 2 months ago
Bummer. Happens more frequently of late
Darryl Heine 2 months ago
Election Day is 3 months away.
Spacetech 2 months ago
Yes even the Dead Dead Dead Vote….
j.l.farmer 2 months ago
That is a disgusting, disrespectful remark to make about Pres Carter. You must be a Trumper who believes Trump is in his right mind….NOT!
Shikamoo Premium Member 2 months ago
I thought political comments were banned. Just on the political cartoons?