I was disturbed by the recent political cartoon published in the Herald that compared Dr. Anthony Fauci to both Pinocchio and the Jack Nicholson character in the movie “A Few Good Men.” The cartoon suggests that while being questioned by Senator Rand Paul (who strongly inferred that he was lying), Dr. Fauci not only lied but also suggested that the American public could not “handle” the truth. Dr. Fauci has been involved in public health for more than 50 years, won multiple awards for his service, and advised every American president since Ronald Reagan. Senator Paul was trained as an ophthalmologist. I have followed the struggle against COVID-19 closely since it began. I haven’t seen anything to suggest that Dr. Fauci is less than both competent and honest. The purpose of a political cartoon is to persuade its viewers to a particular point of view. Does the Baker City Herald really believe that the point of view expressed by this cartoon is worth taking seriously?

Kevin Lee

Baker City