We get complaints all the time about editorial cartoons. Usually it’s that they skew too liberal, but once a month or so, one crosses into what some readers find offensive, not just contrary to their political beliefs.
For the most part, we defend them. Being provocative is the very nature and mission of editorial cartoons, and they’re often very close to the edge of what gets you thinking and debating an issue and what is inappropriate, or at least strikes an inappropriate tone for a serious topic.
But we can’t defend a cartoon that ran in yesterday’s New Haven Register. Created by Rob Rogers of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and addressing the U.S. Senate’s standoff over filibuster rules, it showed the Capitol building in Washington, D.C., being blown up, a mushroom cloud overhead, under the caption, “The nuclear option we’d all like to see …”
We didn’t conceive of the idea of this editorial cartoon, or draw it ourselves. It came via one of the syndicated cartoon service we use. But we still have a duty to be responsible in what we put on the pages of our newspaper. This cartoon didn’t strike the tone that we want to set in our presentation of news and commentary. It shouldn’t have run, and we’re sorry for the offense it caused among some readers.
Connecticut Newsroom 
The cartoon reflects the mood of the nation and the frustration over a dysfunctional government, especially congress, both from the left and right. The house being held hostage to the more radical wing of the tea party not supporting the house leadership. Neither the house or the senate can function.
Spoken as a true Democrat. Your hostage takers are my heroes.
You hit the nail right on the head, JR. Anyone paying attention to the big picture versus the media on the left or right can see it. This isn’t about Republican, Democrat, or Liberal. It is about a Congress that is doing what they please with complete disregard for what their constituents want. It is now nothing more than a game of distractions the general public is losing to.
The Register is offensive every day. Why worry about this one?
I LOVE IT ! expresses my feelings AND outrage perfecty. now let’s see,where did i put that broom
what 21st Century Media should have done was give us SOUND OFF back
grow up and get over sound off. Sheesh…
The cartoon fails to identify the cause of the mushroom cloud. (assumed Senate gridlock)
The sentiment of celebration at the destruction of the Capitol and form of government by violence, is bizarrely put in the mouths of Mom and Pop American?
The cartoon may represent some point of view that wants destroy government but there is nothing tying any of that to a narrative core in the picture; sarcasm, irony, dark humor, ridicule? It’s just too vague to be funny.
You guys caved. You should defend the right to publish this, not censor your editorial comments. Americans want to see positive movement from our political leaders, and blowing up stupid rules that prevent that movement is long overdue.
We do defend our RIGHT to publish it. But don’t defend the poor taste in the decision to exercise that right in this case.
Not to nag the point, would you describe the aspect of “poor taste” in the decision? One assumes there were credible and weighty objections. Would you offer specifics? Thanks.
We didn’t get a ton of complaints. But some. And when I saw the cartoon (unfortunately not until after it was published), my gut said that this is not the tone that’s ok or appropriate for our newspaper. Remember that in 2001, the Capitol was the target of terrorism. I don’t think imagery suggesting the violent overthrow of a government or individual politicians is responsible or ok or helpful in any way.
The perfunctory apology is far more offensive than the cartoon in question.
I am offended by the NHR juvenile editorials.
Fox’s “The Five” just showed another disgusting editorial cartoon by the Register depicting this news outlet as “preferred viewing for racists.” How can that be when the “the New Haven Register” is now the leader in that field
Great cartoon. Addresses a lot of outrage in the air right now. Hope it made people a little uncomfortable.
Political cartoons are supposed to challenge readers.
I’m rather offended that you felt the need to apologize.
If someone believes one should tender an apology to the readers for this cartoon there are 2 things s/he doesn’t understand: 1. Maturity of readers 2. Cartoons