It's time to embrace freedom of action

Folks, take a step back and gain some perspective.

Editorial cartoons are not meant to be entertaining. Historically, they have been used to elicit conversation on serious societal issues.

Such was the case of the cartoon featuring the Pope and the cartoon featuring the Newtown massacre. Be offended. Get angry. Talk about it. Then step back and ask yourself what you, as a member of this nation, can do to fix the problems.

Freedom of speech is a gift, but the freedom of action is even more important. Don’t let your only response be a letter to the editor. Do something.

Editorial cartoons contain at least a grain of truth. When that grain is planted in conversation and action, it can grow into much-needed change. When that grain is allowed to rot in the hand of anger, nothing occurs but hostility.

BECCA PALMER

Sandpoint