Geneva screening of "Democracy Under Siege"
and a discussion of editorial cartooning with Patrick Chappatte
Last night a Geneva audience watched Laura Nix’s documentary “Democracy Under Siege”. Even though I’ve seen it several times during production, the scenes of the January 6th attack still gives me a gut punch.
Afterwards Patrick Chappatte, the Swiss cartoonist and president of the cartoonists rights organization Freedom Cartoonists, and I did a Q&A where we discussed the current situation for editorial cartoonists and also the impact of the new U.S. administration.
The last week I’ve traveled from Bergen to Geneva and spoken with many people about the impact a second Trump presidency has had these past few months. To say the least, they are bewildered why Americans would vote this man into office again. It’s difficult for me to give a short answer because I believe a variety of reasons came together at a moment in time which resulted in this time of crisis for American democracy. I have tried to stress slivers of hope- the protests around the country and our judicial system fighting back- but I’m not optimistic for the immediate future.
(photo by Liza Donnelly)
(photo by Liza Donnelly)
Afterwards at a dinner hosted by Freedom Cartoonists, I had the unexpected and great pleasure of meeting Ruth Dreifuss, the first woman president of Switzerland. Unassuming and such an inspiration… a role model not just for women.
Liza Donnelly, former Swiss president Ruth Dreifuss, and me
(photo by Patrick Chappatte)
“To say the least, they are bewildered why Americans would vote this man into office again.”
It’s embarrassing to tell people from other countries that many millions of people in your own country are utter fools. Brainwashed to “stick it to the Liberals” no matter the consequences, they treat our national elections like a demented game show. All that matters is WINNING…..even if your “winner” burns the country to the ground. Better to have that than to have a dark-skinned, female Liberal in the White House…..
I remember Patrick was let go by The NY Times for a Netanyahu caricature that wasn’t even his work. They stopped publishing any political cartoons after that. I admire you both tremendously.