Because We're Here
Because We’re Here
During World War I, British soldiers, trapped in rat-infested, muddy trenches in France and engaged in battle with the invading Hun, expressed their fatalistic resignation by singing, “We’re here because we’re here, because we’re here, because we’re here…” (to the tune of Auld Lang Syne).
The situation today, of course, is a far cry from the horrors of trench warfare. But the analogy to our current political struggle—one that threatens the very existence of our Republic—remains valid. The “here” of where we find ourselves today is, frankly, not a good place.
Four years ago, I retired from a 40-year career in political cartooning and, last year, closed my design and advertising company. Ideally, I would have been content to set up a painting studio, play music, dabble in standup, and, above all, spend more time with family and friends. But as Trump’s unchecked power grew exponentially—installing his loyalists in key positions, violating Constitutional law, and doing so with the complicity or complacency of a spineless Congress and an impotent Supreme Court—I found I couldn’t just sit idly by.
I joined the protests, petitioned Congress, and took up my pen again.
When Trump’s monstrous machine of political retribution descended upon Minnesota—shutting down our cities, abusing our people, and violently killing citizens with malice—my commitment to action was sealed.
And that’s why I’m back. With no newspaper staff position, no syndicate, and no underwriter. Just me, my passion, and my scribblings posted online at bsky.social, Facebook, and YouTube. Now, I’m venturing into Substack, hoping to make a go of it here.
So, friends and countrymen, it’s to the trenches we go… because we’re here.
Plans from the Bunker
I’ll begin by posting several of my cartoons from 2025 and this year, along with a few videos that fit the genre. I’ll also set up a store to display an abundant stash of novelty items—many political, others simply for fun.
Once things are running smoothly, I’ll post a couple of new works each week. Interspersed throughout the year will be stories on related subjects, reflections on various experiences, process videos (showing the development of a piece, for instance), and updates on other ventures in the works or on the horizon.
Paid subscribers will be able to interact through comments and messages, and will occasionally receive premiums—signed art, entries for prize drawings, and other small treasures: keychains, mugs… you know, priceless artifacts.
They will also enjoy additional “members-of-the-club” benefits.
All of this will be more clearly defined over the next few days.
