The Matrix Defense: I've got to give credit for the inspiration for my May 26, 2003 cartoon ("The Matrix Defense"). At least it's being considered a variation of the "insanity defense".

From Fox News: The Matrix Made Me Do It
From CNN: 'Matrix' makes its way into courtrooms as defense strategy

Freedom of Speech is still a double edged sword. It's interesting to watch how this issue continues to evolve in media and events. You may have heard about a couple of recent college commencement addresses that received negative reactions from their audiences. Eric Burns at Fox News makes a good point on dissent and respect.

See my cartoon commentary from March 30, 2003 on Free Speech.

If you don't have a cel phone, you're a nobody. Or if you're an affluent enough teenager without a cel phone, you're one. That's the word from a cel phone study reported on Wired News. See my own take on the subject in my April 20, 2003 cartoon ("Cel Abuse").

The Flat Tax Reloaded: Thanks to Andrew Sullivan, I discovered my own state senator has proposed flat tax legislation. Please contact your senator and indicate your support for bill S.1040 (Freedom and Fairness Restoration Act of 2003). Pretty please?

Oh heck, write and express your opposition if you want. Ain't democracy grand?

In my personal experience, senators actually do read their e-mails. Ok, their "helpers" do. Regardless, I can confirm I've sent e-mails to my senators with my contact information and I've received responses by U.S. mail. Not a generic form letters but and actual responses matching my inquiries. Neat, huh?

Begging for a cartoon: Some news articles just seem to want to be turned into cartoon subjects. However, I'll resist this time.

Monkeys Don't Write Shakespeare

Telemarketing is free speech? At least I'm free to speak back to the industry, hang up or politely ask to be put on the "do not call list" of the telemarketer. Here's some good news:

Telemarketers for charities may not lie, high court rules

In case you missed it, see my May 5, 2003 cartoon on my love for telemarketing.