Biloxi Introduction
Posted December 9th, 2005 by Chip Bok
Click image to enlarge.
Editor’s note: Stan Tiner, the executive editor of the Biloxi Sun Herald invited Chip Bok to view firsthand the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and add his perspective the Sun Herald. We will also publish his work from South Mississippi. Above is the first cartoon. Below, Chip introduces himself to Sun Herald readers.
My name is chip Bok. I’m the editorial cartoonist for the Akron Beacon Journal, one of the Sun Herald’s Knight Ridder-owned sister newspapers. My cartoons also appear in other publications around the country through syndication. I sit in my office, read the paper and draw pictures making fun of politicians. It’s a great job.
While kicking big shots in the shins is rewarding work, there have been rare times when it seemed a little beside the point. The 9-11 attacks were one of those times. Katrina is another.
In response to the outpouring of feeling for the people of New York after 9-11, the Beacon Journal led a drive to buy a fire truck to replace one that had been destroyed in the collapse of the Twin Towers. The drive was successful and a shiny new fire truck was shipped to the Big Apple. Due to bureaucratic regulations, of course, it didn’t replace the exact same vehicle we intended it to, but it was the thought that counted.
Katrina has sparked that feeling again and then some. My community has responded by raising more than $375,000 to help South Mississippi. There are, however, strings attached to this kind of largess: You get me with it.
When I arrived, like most normal people, I was overwhelmed by the devastation. The calm determination and general good humor of people who have lost just about everything helped return me to my senses. Rather than draw and quarter politician for the next week or so, I hope to reflect some of my impressions of you clawing your way back to normal.
If you see something you recognize I hope you like it, and maybe even get a laugh.
