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| Materials will remain available to (ahem) "check out." |
I'd like to say things that are grandiose and moving, but who the heck needs that kind of pressure? If Lincoln had known beforehand that generations of kids were going to have to memorize every jot and tittle of the Gettysburg Address, he probably would have gotten writer's block and a migraine.
Moreover, if you're reading this, odds are good that you've already heard my opinions on pretty much everything. You know where my heart is and why I reflexively twitch when I hear the word "Obamacare." You know that I love this country, love those who have fought and died for our freedoms, and hope passionately that our nation has a bright future ahead.
Of course, that's only going to happen if we all continue to work towards that goal. And I really mean "all" - people of different political beliefs, races, economic strata, and whatever passes for gender these days.
I'm worried about that, because Obama's primary legacy (well, other than the wild pendulum-swing Presidency of Donald Trump) is one of hatred and anger, with American pitted against American. We see it every day now with the Left literally going out of its mind, declaring folks like us to be hatemongers, Trump to be the new Hitler, and the (formerly) United States of America to be a vicious fascist state.
Most of these people aren't evil - they're decent folks who are frightened and who have been lied to, and demonizing them would only be playing into Obama's game. Unfortunately, these people will not be swayed by words or logic (let alone delightfully witty webcomics) but will eventually have to have their opinions changed by actual successes from the Trump administration. Successes so large and tangible that there can be no denying them. Which is the same standard we should all use to judge every Presidency.
But even that may not be enough to convince those few who take an ugly pride in cultivating closed minds, cutting off communications to those with whom they disagree, or who simply lack the critical ability to process information anymore. Today I saw a story saying that Facebook (where many people get their "news," God help us) has instituted new algorithms to make sure that no more "fake news" ever appears on their list of breaking stories.
So what was at the top of their list of non-fake news today? This little gem...
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| Disclaimer: the views expressed are not those of anyone sane. |
Looking back at 8 years of Hope n' Change, I'm proud of the fact that the cartoons and commentaries hold up as accurate and truthful. I'm proud of the fact that my vigorous opposition to Obama and the progressive agenda was never based on blind hatred, but on disagreement with actual policies and pronouncements. I genuinely gave this president a chance...but it didn't take him long to show himself wholly unworthy of his high office.
Some business items:
• The Hope n' Change website isn't going anywhere. It will be maintained so that you can visit anytime, sort of like going to DisneyWorld without needing to wait in lines!
• In the next week or two, I'll post a new welcoming page in which your hostess with the mostess, Busty Ross, will greet visitors and direct them to the easy to use "search" function that will let you time travel through thousands of HnC cartoons and posts about news stories as they developed over the years. If you've never played with this, you're missing a treat!
• In the near future, I'll probably make ebook collections of Hope n' Change available (perhaps each ebook representing a year). I've already found a service that can help me convert the content, and whatever I end up with will be offered as inexpensively as possible (maybe even free - I'm not really a red hot businessman).
• The Hope n' Change Facebook page will remain active, and I'll probably post some new cartoons over there from time to time - albeit based on spontaneous impulse rather than an actual schedule.
• I can't emphasize enough that you should put your contact information on my email list (look at the top left column on this page). I'll never spam you, but I surely will have foolishness to contact you about from time to time as I discover new avenues of mischief-making.
• Johnny Optimism, my other webcomic, will continue publishing every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Heck, I'll even lift the ban on political comments over there in case any of you want to post "Funny leprosy gag, Stilt. By the way, did you catch the total dick move by Schumer today?!"
• I'm going to genuinely miss every one of you. And I'm not going to expound on that right now because Clan MacGregor is genuinely foul scotch at the best of times, and its taste will not be improved by tears and snot. Probably.
• I'll be back. I don't yet know how, when, or in what form - but I have no more ability to restrain my creative impulses than a Tourette's patient has to stop shouting obscenities. In fact, my creative impulses may actually be a form of Tourette's. In which case, I'm hoping to get it named after me.
AND ONE LAST THING...
Some of you have voiced concern that Lefty Lucy may fall on hard times considering that she'll be losing her internship here at the Hope n' Change office tower and has no demonstrable job skills. Happily, something has already opened up for her...
SOooo, that's it for now - though I'll meet you all for drinks and party hats in the comments section. It's genuinely been an honor and a privilege to be your host (not that I'm calling you parasites!) for the past 8 years. I made the jokes, but you made the community. And for that I will always be grateful. -Stilton Jarlsberg
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| Truth in advertising: my hair turned white during Obama's first year in office. |
145 comments:
Thank you SOOOOOOO MUCH for giving us MUCH to smile about during the past 8 years of insanity!! God Bless you and yours. Happy Trails, etc.
Thanks for all the fish, Stilt!
So long, Internet friend.
"I'll be back" was very good to see, as I am poor at writing eulogies.
The best I could come up with is:
He came,
He saw,
He cartooned.
God speed Sir! Thanks for all the laughter through some seriously stupid and delirious times.
I hope to cross paths again; hopefully under better terms than when we first met!
Semper Fidelis, Bucck
Holy Moldy, you don't mean .....
If you're ever in my neighborhood, stop by my place, and I'll kick the hogs off the porch and wipe the dirt out of a Mason jar (the dirt don't hurt anything--it adds "flavor"), and we can sit for a spell and pass the Mason jar back and forth.
Thank you for all the smiles over the years. Good luck to you :)
Aw. I hate to see "Hope and Change" shut down, but I can understand your reasons for doing so. I've enjoyed reading everything you posted. Best wishes to you folks in your future endeavors.
Ah Busty--we hardly knew you. But with a stack--or is it rack?--like that we'd like to get to know you better.
Thank you Stilton for the smile you put on my face many times over the last few years. Good luck.
Congrats Lucy on the new job, but EWWWWWW!
Stilt, thank you for all of the wonderful jokes! God Bless you and your family. Here's to hoping our paths cross in the near future <>
Thank you, Stilton, and what a pleasure it has been to read your work. More than once you have tested my bladder's fortitude, I was laughing so hard.
Thanks for keeping us sane for the past 8 years!
Thanks, Stilt, your work has been invaluable. I'm a rather late comer to H'nC, but it has been worth every minute. I will definitely visit with Miss Ross to look at your previous postings. I've signed up for email notifications of new stuff and I hope to see you in the future. Best wishes for you and yours from the Ozarks.
The best of everything to you and your family. You kept me sane. Good bye for now but not forever.
SJ---- Way to go out in a blaze of glory with the old "pink taco" knee slapper. A man apart... to be sure.
You have had a great run - and will be really missed. The best to you as you move forward. However with the way the politics go in this country, you may be back before you realize it.
Happy trails until we need again!
Stilton: It's been a good run. You helped us keep our sanity an sense of humor through the dark days of Obama. Here's hoping you find a new channel for your creativity real soon!
Good luck!
Stilt, your wit and humor helped me get through Obummer's term. I'll certainly miss your posts but am damn glad your reason for them is gone. Best wishes to you and yours.
Obama's legacy= Mc hammers current finical situation. Thank you for 8 years of "sanity" Stilton.
Thanks Doc
So long and thanks for all the fish........
Thank you, Stilton! It took courage to poke at the Left during their punishing reign. I salute you, sir.
(raises a glass) Looking forward to seeing what you come up with!
Thank you for the great ride, I cannot wait to see what you come up with next!
All the best to you, Stilton!
*sigh*
The above was me, no idea why it posted as Anon
Just posting so I can brag I'm on the Honor Roll of H&C. Best of luck to you and yours, Stilt.
Thanks. You'll be missed, Stilton.
[snifter click]
Thank you for everything. You made my mornings three days a week a bit more tolerable. Have fun and God Bless.
All of us eagerly awaiting the next generation, ("Son of Hope n Change") and your perspective on "The Donald" who will provide us a different kind of humor...Thanks Doc, enjoy the break!
I hardly knew you...
Thanks for making the last 8 years bearable.
Looking forward to what your future brings...
Stilton!, you have my heartfelt thanks for Hope and Change. It was a ray of humor and deep common sense during a walk in Mordor.
May your future be as bright as your dreams. ANd may every light turn green as you approach.
Thanks again.
Since I put the "PRO" in procrastination, I guess it's fitting that I waited for your last post to comment. I'm gonna miss ya, Stilton...you've got a wicked sense of humor, and an abundance of common sense. You've made the last 8 years a little more palatable for all of us, and I thank you. Best of luck in whatever venture catches your fancy down the road.
Thanks for all the work and genuinely refreshing humor you put into this. There was a period of time I was printing some cartoons, and posting them on my office wall. Not a few kids [I am a teacher in a relatively decent public high school in northern NJ] got their knickers in a twist, complaining that the cartoons were :raaaaaaaaaaacist!!!!1!!one" when you hammered, skewered and eviscerated BHO and the Dems. On a few occasions, the then-interim Principal would come in and ask me to remove them, even though I used to share links to HnC with him. In fact, to this day, those Johnny Optism cartoons with his doggie are STILL on the animal-rights club billboard. Remember those? :-)
Anyway. Thanks again, Stilt, Godspeed.
Gang of One/ Emanuel David
Thanks, Stilt! You really have made the last long eight years go by a little faster!!!
There is nothing left to say but thank you. You'll be missed.
Gonna miss Busty Ross.
Thank you for your time in telling the world the Emperor has no clothes.
First thing I checked each morning, going to be missed, An old friend moving away. Hope to be seeing again soon. Thanks
Ah, yes, you'll be missed as well. God Bless and God speed.
You have made the last eight years do-able, Stilt...it took courage to do the kind of humor you did! You will be missed by so many, but the 8 years of 0 are finally over, and it's fitting that you should make a new beginning.
So looking forward to seeing what you do next. Hope it's got a political flavor to it!
(((HUGS!!!)))
Thanks for helping us through a very trying time, and as the grand master of comedy used to sing, "Thanks for the memories ..."
So long and thanks for all the fish.
What a long strange trip it's been.
Enjoyed every minute of it.
Uhny Uftz
As all previous commenters have said, you will be missed. Your ability to point out and skewer the utter depravity rampant the last eight years, and yet do that with elan and great wit is a true gift. I can't wait to see what you send our way in the future. THANKS!
I am a little skeptical about dropping the ban on political comments on Johnny's website. That would be beneath the level of decorum found with leper jokes :-)
Thanks for the great humor during the last 8 nightmarish years of O. Loved seeing Hope and Change appear in my email. As a fellow Obamacare sufferer I could relate to what you were going through. Good Luck in the future. Randy B
What a powerful lesson to be learned here...
You started this blog as a defense (of sorts) against the horror that was the Obama presidency, and now that it's over, you looked around and said "My work here is done."
If only government agencies would follow your example.....
Well done. Hopefully we'll see you soon. Thanks for everything!
thanks.
what i lack in eloquence i make up for in sincerity
I have written this to you before, but I will do so again. Stilton, do NOT underestimate your contribution to the overthrow of the liberal insanity in Washington D.C. Please walk proudly.
Thank you,
Roger Myers
Justin, TX
Godspeed, Stilt!
(The O-man's minions are still out there, and will no doubt delight in chasing you!) *heh!*
I simply can't believe I'm no longer going to get my fix three times each week. You are my heroin. I discovered your blog only a couple of years ago and had no idea you would one day leave us. Although we've lost what's-his-name, he did promise us that he'd be back. He also cultivated and brainwashed many crazy folks to stand in his place. What about them, Mr. Jarlsberg? Your work is far from finished. I pray that your leaving is simply a cruel, cruel joke, but I fear it's real. I hope to bump into you someday in a grocery (or liquor) store someday so I can buy you a drink! This world needs more of you!
Hey Stilton!
I'm a regular visitor who found you through Sondra's wonderful website, Sondrakistan. I rarely comment because usually someone else has beat me to my point. Thank you for putting your heart and soul into this blog. I've shared the laughs and commentary with others. You have a strong wit about you and have helped me keep my sanity through these recent years.
Thank you!
Godspeed, Stilt! Things are looking up in the Limburger household, with Mrs. Limburger finally finding gainful employment and re-entering the Øbamacare-mangled medical industry - so I may soon find the means and opportunity to send you a farewell bourbon.
I have enjoyed this acquaintance over the net, my friend. Be well. Godspeed...
Thank you so much for the wonderful years of your site.
I'll miss this site very, very much.
(I have this image of Stilton blubbering over his keyboard as he reads these...)
It's been a great ride and I can't wait to see what you come up with next. Don't go hide behind a wall somewhere. SWIDT?
"I'm worried about that, because Obama's primary legacy...is one of hatred and anger, with American pitted against American", Stilton wrote about the President who:
- for years attended a church where the pastor is famous for a sermon where he said, "God Bless America". No, no, no, not God Bless America. God damn America.”
- dismissed the TEA Party movement as “a bunch critics waving tea bags around”, only two months after hiring a known tax cheat to be the Secretary of our Treasury.
- had his Justice Department launch an investigation of the Police Department of Ferguson Missouri for their “culture of racism”, after the police shooting of a black thug who, only minutes before, had tried to grab the officer’s gun during a struggle. (The same thug was witnessed strong-arming an elderly grocery store owner who tried to stop him from leaving without paying for the cigars he stole ). On the other hand, Al Sharpton, well known tax cheat, and racist, famous for inflaming racial tension, who even called for his black “brothers” to "kill cops and crackers", has visited Obama at the White House over 80 times.
You know, Stilt…you just may be onto something there. Then again, I think we all know we know what the real problem is.
"Bush's fault!" Now get this! On a site where I hang out and politics is always a hot topic, when someone said something about Obama, one of the many Obamabots was quick to remind him, "He's gone. Let it go, already!" Yes, the same people who even as recently as a few weeks ago still remind us about "Bush's two illegal wars and yadda yadda yaada" think blame and responsibility for anything Obama-related ended when he walked out the door. [Insert Church Lady "Isn't that conveeeenient" meme here.] Gotta love it.
And on that note, "Happy Friday to you, good sir, as well as the rest of the Hopers & Changers".
As a token of appreciation for all you've meant to all of us, I offer you a sausage.
The wurst joke, I know...
Like everyone else, good luck, God bless, and I can't wait to see what's next!
As the famous Bob Hope would sing, I say Thanks for the Memories! There are those glad you have taken off your "spurs" yet, you have left your mark. Stay warm, well and a bit insane.
The world needs a bit of insanity as grease on the wheels of thought.
WLS
PNS,FL
Godspeed, and I ditto Walter Stafford's adios. It's been a great ride!
well, goodbye and thanks for all the fish.
this is/was one of the best pages on the Internet.
gonna miss you but i'll be checking your FB page more often now.
take good care and thanks again!!
Thanks for the memories!
Methinks this isn't so much a goodbye as it is "Enjoy your break Stilt,and we'll keep a light on for you". And I'm wondering if they're ready for this bunch of web-friends over at Johnny's, but it's nice to have. Best wishes to ALL of us until we meet again. It also seems today's edition has to be one-of-a-kind sign-off with such advance preparation. Excellent work here; thank you.
I don't get the chance to drop in orcommentmuch, but you truly saved my life after the election of Barry the Destroyer. Your reply to me in the comments meant more than you can imagine.
I'll miss you, and may even consider creating a Facebook account to visit you there.
Thanks for everything.
QG
@Stilton, I really am interested in what happens to you under ObamaCare and subsequently after the Republicans either "fix" or "repeal" it in the coming months and years. If you'll remember, as "self-employeds" we were once in the same boat. Today, Mrs. Econ and I are semi-blessed to be under a plan provided my her employer. It's certainly more affordable than the ObamaCare plan I had to briefly engage in after a move a few years ago, but no where as good as the plan we had in 2008 before Obama and the Democrats saw fit to fix everything for us. But there's no guarantee that at some point in the future, we'll be pushed back into the paradigm, and your real world experience with this nightmare was an eye-opening and stark contrast to the happy pajama boy narrative provided by the Democrats. I'd really like to know how the Republican "fix" personally affects you and your family. Unfortunately, I'm not optimistic.
Obama's Legacy: If there's any honest "success" of the Obama era, it's certainly the hatred and anger designed to segregate America into competing teams that can easily be manipulated and controlled. So we have to chalk that one as a "win", at least for Obama.
Trump as Hitler: Would have happened no matter who the GOP candidate was. Mitt Romney was Hitler too. If everybody is Hitler, then nobody is. So in that sense, the left made Trump possible should he actually be a Hitler. Not feeling sorry for them.
Fake News: The "Doomsday Clock" is an excellent example. So we have more confirmation that "fake news" is anything that re-affirms a non-leftist narrative, whereas bloviating opinion garbage like this from a bunch of leftists remains newsworthy.
BTW, it's been my observation that over the last half-century, this "doomsday clock" more accurately measures the current level of leftist anxiety than it does any actual doomsday threat. Is Trump really anymore a step closer to doomsday than giving the Iranians billions of dollars and a firm pathway to finishing their bomb? They're running out of minutes to advance this thing.
All that said: It's been an honor and pleasure spending the better part of the last 8 years exchanging thoughts and frustrations with you all here. Like with our leader, it's been an integral part of maintaining my sanity in a world where reality is now outrunning The Onion on a regular basis.
Thank you @Stilton, and thank you all for putting up with me. I will miss you all. Blessings, and may our paths intersect in the future.
On the one hand, TGIF. On the other hand... dangit. You and the comment threads on your posts will be greatly missed. I wish only the best for you, and look forward to hearing what mischief you get up to next. Maybe in honor of His Trumpness, we'll get a new blog called Hope for Change next.
Better than Dostoyevsky's,"The Idiot!"
THANX MUCHLY��������
P.s. I'd STILL "DO" Lefty Lucy...Think of how rewarding it would be to convert her...��
Well, I've certainly enjoyed this site...I'm going to miss your posts! ...comment threads too. Good luck....
It has been a great run; you will be sorely missed. Stay strong and (reasonably) sober. Your wit and discernment have given me relief and a smile when grief and rage were warranted. While we all look forward to better times, even the best of presidents need a nudge in direction occasionally. If not in H&C, perhaps we can find your insight on Farcebook. Or perhaps you'll return with another project we can enjoy. SALUT!
Already miss you. Thanks for easing the pain of the Obama administration.
Awww. : (
There are still unbelievable things happening, like finding out about Donna Hylton whose story the press sat on all these years until she launched at the women's march, the anti-Trump march, as a speaker, trying to use her background as a convicted kidnapper, torturer, ransomer, sodomizer, murderer, to get publicity for her new career, now that she has served her 25 years, as a motivational speaker for the Left, to cheers from the Vagina costume toting crowd, and looking to publish her truly unique and violent biography in a Hollywood movie.
You are a scholar and a gentleman Stilt. "Never have so many, owed so much, to so few." I include Mrs. Jarlsberg. (Thank You Sir Winston for the quote).
I will miss you.
Can you just change your name to something else, since the days of "Hope n Change" are over? Democrats are freaking out worse than ever and we'll have at least four years of this. Maybe change to "The Diaper Pin Shop"?
Hello Stilton,
No need to shut down your emails. There will be plenty to make fun of and report about.
Obama isn't gone, he is only going behind a curtain.
And the fight between Trump and the several million politicians (Fed, State, and Local) has only just begun.
I think you'll have plenty of material.
Bill Moore
Stilton, God bless you for your openhearted sharing of your wonderful quirky wit and overall genius. I will miss you terribly, but added my name to your mailing list years ago. Hoping that you find a way to keep the flame burning.
Thanks for being a beacon of light and levity over the past VERY dark eight years, Mr. Jarlsberg. We were finally able to drag the mangled, putrifying, nearly-corpsified body of our nation across the finish line, just in time to cut out gangrenous growth that had spread throughout every limb, organ and orifice. Let's just hope that the Post-Obama Hi-Intensity Enema is successful and flushes out the majority of the remaining toxins. I look forward to whatever it is that your magnificently-twisted mind comes up with to fill the void of this place.
May the wind always be at your back!
In our darkest days you provided the humor and hope to get us through. For sure you're on my list of "who I want to invite to dinner". You, Stilton, are what makes the USA such a great country. Sharp, clever, insightful mind that thinks outside the box and helps others to do the same. Breaking an 8 year habit may not be doable. Wish you and all your family only good things in the days ahead. May 2017 be your very best year ever!
Thank you beyond words,
Carol K.
@Readers- Wow, if I'd known how much you love the site, I would have started charging for it years ago! Okay, only kidding - which is what I do reflexively when feeling modest and a bit embarrassed by so much attention.
Despite some speculation above, I'm not actually "blubbering" while reading your wonderful comments - although you can bet that if Hillary was in office now, I'd not only be crying like a baby but soiling my diapers. Happily, that's not the case.
It's an odd-feeling day for me; the closest comparison I can make is how it feels when you're moving to a new city or new job, even though my keister is still firmly planted in the same office chair as always. Things are changing, somewhat uncertain, but there's a new normal ahead - whatever it will turn out to be.
And I refuse to call this a "goodbye" moment because it's not. If you're on the mailing list, you'll be hearing from me again. Probably even soon as I address anything I've forgotten, or simply invite you to take a look at whatever revisions I make to the site now that it's an historical national monument (grin).
... and my Hope n Change watch just quit too. Not fair!
Just kidding... @Faith D said:
"Democrats are freaking out worse than ever and we'll have at least four years of this."
Very true. To me, this is an indication that we have elected the right person. If the Democrats were NOT pissed and freaking out, I'd be a lot more worried about our future and who we elected for President. If Trump doesn't disappoint, your timing is perfect, Dr. Jarlsberg! And once again, farewell for now, and all the best to you and yours!
Thank you so much from the Red River Valley (about 1 hr. north of Plano). You have made the last 8 years beerable (sic).
Thank you Stilt. Godspeed my friend!
Robbie in Pittsburgh
I've long since forgotten who directed me to Hope N' Change but I'm eternally grateful to that patriot. So long for now, Stilt, and all you marvelous commenters. My best to you all.
All these years... and I think this is my first comment! But had to at least say, "Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, Stilton." You have eased my pain caused by the insanity of the past administration with humor and spot on commentary. Hope n'Change helped get me through it all. God bless you and your family.
I'll miss your smartass comments. It was always a pleasure to read your stuff and laugh at your pictures. Thanks for the enjoyment.
Thank you, Stilton, for your humor during America's darkest years (in my lifetime, at least). You were a M/W/F visit for me every morning for a long time and I'll miss seeing new entries.
I enjoy Johnny, too, but HnC was my favorite.
Thank you for being such a welcome reprieve from the insanity of our last leaders. Yours has been one of the few sites I could rely on for some levity and humor. I will miss clicking on your site at least once a day, but wish you the absolute best as you move on.
Also noticed and appreciated on todays lead-off cartoon. There are no dialog balloons in the second panel. Unlike a certain former POTUS; you sir are a quick learner. C'ya.
I feel like an old friend is leaving the neighborhood. I'll definitely find you on FB.
Your truth and satire got me through some difficult moments with O'B's executive orders and other day-to-day trouble making tripe moves he was so slippery good at maneuvering.
Best wishes to you on the exploration of, "What will I be when I grow up?" It's actually an exciting time of life!
Best wishes in all you do!
Will miss your crazy humor!
First, I have to thank my brother Bob for sending me a link to your site.
But most of all, thank YOU for the many entertaining cartoons and commentaries.
I've only made a relatively few comments, but I often bit my keyboard because some of Dear Leader's actions would have resulted in my posting some banned "ass-wipery".
Fare well, Stilton. This site has provided me with a lot of entertainment, a place to spout off about political stuff, and (between you and many of your commenters) an education in types of cheese and cheese puns.
CUL OM
SK
It's been years since I've commented on H&C. At first I was anonymous. Then, someone said I need to get an URL. Huh? So I named myself Earl. I was giddy the times I read Stilton's replies to comments and got the occasional "excellent point." Then we'd meet at the coffee pot and he'd ask, "Was that YOU?" For what it's worth, I can only think of one time I read his cartoon/commentary before he posted. He'd sometimes say his next day's efforts weren't his best. I'd usually tell him that if he made people laugh his peeps would take up any slack. You guys always did. I'm here to add that I too will miss this group. But lucky me. I've got Stilton every day. Happy Anniversary (tomorrow) to the best husband and father ever.
Mrs. J.
Wow! I have no words except "Thank you". It is good toknow you will still be around and I wish you and your family the best of wverything. I have enjoyed your intelligence and piercing wit.
I raised a cup of 'coffee' in your honor this morning, Stilt. Thanks for making the past eight years a little more tolerable, and best wishes for the future.
Adiós y Vaya con Dios...
Damn. As per Mrs. J's post, happy anniversary!
@Stilton
Thanks a Million for all your work. We will miss you and all the gang of fans.
My last day on the job was strange. Looking forward to retirement (getting away from the sh*t) and knowing I was going to miss it too. (at least the good part)
God Bless
I have perpetrated GRAND THEFT numerous times as well as from the 'commenters' of your blog, in order to fend off liberal ignorance and hurl insult at the hunchbacked jackanapes. I live and breathe sarcasm. You duh man! Will be missed. Much!
Stilton, Through the years I've loved every one of your thoughtful & timely cartoons & commentary. I do wish Rush would have given you some recognition, too. You both were helpful in assisting me through some very dark days in America. I wish you the best life has to offer because you gave us your best. God bless you.
Irene
@Readers- Per Mrs. J's comment above, Jan 28th is our wedding anniversary - although I'm a little vague about which one as we lived together in sin (or maybe it was a mobile home) for several years before making it legal. This will definitely be our 30-something-ish, though.
And I'd be remiss if I didn't thank her for her much-needed support and patience during this long haul. I can't count the number of times that Mrs. J and I would be talking politics and a snappy line would be thrown out...sending me scurrying for a pad of paper to preserve the punchline for cartoon use here. She also wakes up earlier than I do, so it wasn't unusual for me to find a note by the coffee pot some mornings listing the typos I needed to fix. I'm delighted to say that she is my partner in all things, including Hope n' Change.
Penny, the official dog of Hope n' Change, also helped for the past 3 years by barking as loudly as possible while I was trying to work. Wait - come to think of it, that didn't help at all.
Stilton:
You will be missed greatly.
All the best as you reboot, and please do consider coming back to the political scene once you are refreshed.
Best news?
Johnny Optimism lives (sort of... koff koff).
Sincerely,
CA
WRSA
Dang it! You will be missed, O Fermented Curdish One®! I daresay we'll see ya again in the future!
Happy Anniversary.
Thanks, Stilton. Bon Chance, mon ami.
just read your swan song today, and can't help feeling a tinge of sadness. I have silently, but prayerfully, enjoyed your talents these 8 years as we all suffered through some of the most miserable ideology any of us have had the misfortune to deal with! I mostly check your Facebook page and will continue to do so because I KNOW there are things in your head which MUST come out sooner or later! Let's all breathe the fresh air of freedom as we go forward! Thanks for all you do and God bless, buddy!
A yugggee THANK YOU STILTON for sharing your thoughts and feelings and occasional personal stories with me. Certainly makes me feel like we are old friends. Keep smilin' old pal... Tom
You helped very much get through the 8 years of Little Barry.
I printed a couple of my favorites and have them up on a wall in the house.
Enjoy the "Scottish Bottled Water" although when things are tight for me I switch to rum. It doesn't have to be aged as long, so the quality for the price is better. Kanishe and Black Seal are a couple of my favorites as well as old reliable Sailor Jerry's. Still prefer Abelour, Cardhu or Highland Park though.
All the best with your Health Insurance mess, I hope that will get better.
Also best wishes for your daughter, her Hillary was great!
The End Is Near
A Happy Anniversary to you both.
Saint Mrs Jarlsberg must really be something and we are grateful for the time she has loaned you to us.
Good luck on your future endeavors Stilton. Unfortunately, now I don't have a "safe space" to turn to when the left wing madness is too much.
Stilt...I've been along with you for the ride over most of the past 2 years (and what a ride it's been) since being turned onto the site. As a military veteran of 26 years, I can tell you that there is more that needs correcting that not, but it has to get better and there's a better chance today than on 19 January.
Thank you for helping to keep all of our heads up. Happy anniversary! Here's to seeing you in the funnies (sooner than later, I hope).
Glenn "Gumby" Gumbrecht
Clovis, NM
You helped to keep me sane through the Obummer years. Not sure where to turn to new as the Lefty crazies double down on their attempt to bring our country down.
But I know where I turned to the last 6 or so years. Thanks for the well-spoken commentary, always with a visual punch at their hypocrisy.
Good luck to you and you family.
Thank you Stilton for all the grins through the last eight years. Enjoy the hiatus and all of us around both home and the workplace look forward to your next adventure.
We'll leave the porch light on for you.
RTinWeimar
Don't often comment, because the comments are so many, but even if I'm lost in the heaps, I have to add my 2¢--
Thanks, thanks, and thanks for the great run. Never considered that the end of an error might mean the end of a great column. Mixed feelings.
Did I say thanks? Thanks. Nice, nice work. Tremendous. Yugely good stuff.
Just checking to see how you are enjoying retirement ?
@REM1875- So far, I'm doing rotten (grin) as evidenced by the fact that I'm here. Seriously, the only way I was able to calm myself down last night was by making a new HnC cartoon to welcome people to the Facebook page. I'm not sure what, if anything, it all means - other than that this runs deeper into my bone marrow than I even knew. I'm guessing it will take a couple of weeks, at least, before a feeling of "new normal" starts happening.
Went on autopilot this morning and opened HnC. Nothing nada zip zero zilch.
Sob...
Stilt, re: your comment above: "I'm guessing it will take a couple of weeks, at least, before a feeling of "new normal" starts happening."
"Normal" is highly overrated.
We're gonna miss ya, Stilt! But before you fade away into the sunset....would you mind telling us who the young ladies are that portray Busty Ross and Lefty Lucy? They added quite a lot to H&C over the years and I think they should get some recognition.
@CenTexTim- No wonder my ears were burning this morning!
@Chuck- Mystery, thy name is woman. In other words, the girls have asked me to stay mum for now.
Thank you, my friend. We'll be looking for you.
This is hands down the best webpage out there, so genuine, honest, and hysterical. Gosh, I’m going to miss you & well, everybody. It’s kinda like high school senior year…moving on. Maybe we’ll need a ‘reunion’ at some point; I’ll add my info to the e-mail list. Thanks for everything!
All the best to you and your family, Stilt, you’ll do great in any challenge or endeavor you take on. Take care, my friend. I’ll be looking in on Johnny regularly.
Thank you so much , you have made this past eight years more bearable being able to laugh at the political correct. I particulary like the ones about hilliary snapping at fart bubbles. take care friend.
Stilton I hate to lose my MWF fix of hope and change. You are brilliant at communicating your take on our society.
My wife has poor vision so I often try to explain your cartoons. I am mostly not successful at relaying just how well you distill down complex issues and highlight the absurdities of our "rulers."
I too have Touret's but it mostly embodies itself in saying stupid things to my wife. I already count three stupid things I have said today alone!
Keep on keeping on. Lots of us love your stuff. I even have some friends who are quite liberal, and they have to laugh at themselves when they see your comics.
My daughter is named Lucy and she has red hair. She looks like Liberal Lucy. She has been indoctrinated by her Mom, but she does appreciate how much Liberal Lucy is like her.
Now if I could just have Busty Ross as a mistress...
Yep ... it's official ... I'm a creature of habit ... and I'm really going to miss this site even more than I thought I would!
OK, we got through two publishing dates without complete breakdowns. How's your exit/change plan working, Stilton? And I was just wondering: If Barry refuses to shut the F--- up; does that mean you have to come back? [Grin]
@Rod- I'm twitching like a drug addict but still trying to stick to my plan to see what my perspective is when Barry isn't living in my head 24/7. That being said, the SOB really isn't shutting up - which is why I posted a cartoon on Facebook today depicting him as a rabble-rousing groundhog.
@Rod, what @Stilton really should have done is run a pool as to how many days it would take before Obama would shoot off his mouth. Whoever picked 10 days would have been the winner. The prize would have been their choice of dinner with Lefty Lucy or Busty Ross.
@John the Econ. Oh man! Good idea. That's a yuuuuuge prize. I'll tell you that.
See what this new team is doing to me?
Actually, Rex Tillerson made an excellent, brief, & to-the-point acceptance speech this morning. This man is yet another superb appointment by Trump.
I only encountered your blog today (8 wasted years!) and have spent hours working backward to this post - in which you presciently prognosticated President Trumps actual accomplishments.
http://hopenchangecartoons.blogspot.com/2016/05/trump-loeil.html
"A lot can happen in half a year. Legal troubles could take Hillary out of the race. Obama might (and surely will) further degrade the country. The economy could crash, and terror might again scar our nation.
Or on a more positive note, over the next 6 months we might see The Donald assemble a stellar team to take into the White House, hear refinements to his bold plans that make them practicable, and get greater insight to his character and complexity of thought. "
Well done.
Get some rest.
And thank you.
We need you
Damn I miss you and your work already!
I don't know...
It looks like you still have plenty to cartoon about.
- Charlie
Jt made me smile this AM when I saw H&C in my inbox. Good to hear all is well. Thanks for keeping in touch.
Howdy y'all
Welcome Back DOC -we NEED you.
Looking forward to my doses of sanity.
I am grateful to the voodoo lady I paid for the spell to get you to return.
It was worth the chickens, cow horns, blood (I wish it wasn't mine she used but a small price) and newts.
See ya soon
Joe
@REM1875- Hey, it turns out I need all of YOU, too! The new blog will have a different name and location, but will feel very familiar. The biggest changes will be that I'm not really committing to a full cartoon/commentary pairing with every post - sometimes it may just be a cartoon, or something else amusing - and the subject matter won't always be politics.
In other words, I'm cutting back on the parts of HnC which took the most work (and created the most stress), while providing the same forum for the great HnC community to get back together and share comments, comedy, and wisdom.
I'm hoping to get this thing going within the next couple of weeks and will look forward to you being there!
YES, I'm excited. I shall stay in front of my computer until I see the new site. Leeme see, I'll need 'tater chips, soda pop, donuts, and other assorted goodies. Shouldn't gain more than 22 1/2 pounds............. Yay, Stilt. And, yes, keep yourself stress free as well.
YAY!!!!!!!!!
Halleluiah! Now anxiously awaiting the go-live on the new site!
YAY! i knew that you couldn't abandon me...i mean us...and i look forward to humor without a continuous diet of politics. i'm sick of politics.
Mrs. ET and I have been suffering serve pain and suffering from the withdraw symptoms of not having our regular fix of Hope ‘N Change. We are thrilled that our suffering will soon end. There must be an internet God. Perhaps you can place a link to PayPal for $ tips to keep you supplied with energy drinks & snacks.
Mrs. ET and I have been suffering serve pain and suffering from the withdraw symptoms of not having our regular fix of Hope ‘N Change. We are thrilled that our suffering will soon end. There must be an internet God. Perhaps you can place a link to PayPal for $ tips to keep you supplied with energy drinks & snacks.
Stilt: Are we going to see an explosion or eruption of built up wit and "toon" energy... or have you gone cold & slow? Be careful. Man, that's habit-forming.
WE sure do need more light & ridicule shed on this media situation and on the organized attack our nation is suffering. Also on what Barry probably still has to do with it. I hope investigations & charges will eventually follow after Trump & crew get up on plane with more important matters for our nation.
@Rod- We're going to ramp into things nice and slowly. I can't say for sure, but we may be doing the ribbon cutting on Monday the 27th!
Yay, looking forward to ribbon cutting.And between you and Cris the world needs the truth. So there!
Stilton - the 27th would be the perfect day to launch your new enterprise. That's my birthday, and it sure would be a great present!
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