Wednesday, January 25, 2017

Hope n' Change: A Dimly Remembered History

obama, obama jokes, political, humor, cartoon, conservative, hope n' change, hope and change, stilton jarlsberg, history, origin, earwigs, red meat, archive
Harp glissandos are more magical when you don't see who's playing them.
As Hope n' Change wraps up 8 years of publication, it seems like a good time to take a nostalgic stroll down memory lane - the better to answer the question that is on so many lips: "What the hell were you thinking?!"

As preamble, I'll say that for my entire adult life I've earned my living by writing comedy in various forms - for radio, television, print, and even film. Long before Obama was on the horizon, one of my favorite gigs was writing topical comedy punchlines every evening which would then be faxed to radio DJ's nationwide to use on their morning shows to prove they were spontaneous and witty.

Around the same time, to keep my writing skills in practice I started taking odd pieces of old black & white clipart and adding multiple goofy captions. I called those cartoons (never published anywhere) "Earwigs" as a tribute to the nightmarish insects which are alleged to crawl into people's ears, burrow into their brains, and cause madness. Because that's the sort of thing I find funny.

This is an Earwig cartoon. It may or may not be laying eggs in your brain.

I liked playing with the clipart because, while I loved to doodle, I wasn't really a terrific cartoonist...

But if I'd drawn this with my foot, you'd be impressed - right?
One of my favorite comic strips at the time (2008) was the wonderfully dark and demented "Red Meat" by Max Cannon. His highly stylized, retro-look characters would change very little (if at all) from frame to frame, and the comedy all came from the writing.

To my delight, I discovered that the Red Meat website allowed users to try making their own comic strips by selecting the characters and giving them dialogue. Here are a few of my early efforts (none of which are any sicker than the actual comic strip):

Yes, I could genuinely enjoy writing this kind of thing all day.
That's when I had an epiphany (or maybe it was scotch): I could assemble my own cast of distinctive characters from properly licensed clipart and do a comic strip! With a little investigation, I discovered the program "ComicLife" which made it easy to drag and drop from a library of images and add word balloons.

But what should be my subject? On something of a lark (little knowing how much time I'd eventually devote to giving others the bird), I decided on "Hope n' Change" - inspired by the still fresh and singularly idiotic presidential victory of Barack Hussein Obama.

Seriously, the man won based on preposterously meaningless slogans like "Yes We Can," "Hope and Change," and "We are the ones we've been waiting for." He had no successful track record of legislation or management, and for those who bothered to read his autobiographies (which didn't include the news media), he had an exalted view of himself and a dim view of America.

With a complete lack of understanding how blogging works, I published the first cartoons under the Hope n' Change banner in January, 2009. Not every cartoon that week was political - although this one was...



My choice of retro artwork was more than just a nod to "Red Meat." It was intended to echo the unsubtle "black and white" campaign promises which Obama had made and the American people had fallen for. Additionally, I liked the contrast between the nostalgic "classic Americana" look and the radical social upheaval being pushed by the Democrats.

By February 2009, I'd (barely) figured out what I was doing and began a daily publication schedule. That's right, 7 times a week...


Actually, that daily schedule was pretty easy to maintain because I was publishing just the cartoon with maybe an occasional sentence or two to go with it. No editorials. No comments to read or respond to. And, uh, no readership.

The first real surge in online views came after the conservative blog site Sondrakistan (called "SondraK" at the time) gave us a good review and suggested that their readers pay us a visit. From there, readership grew slowly but steadily thanks to word of mouth and a growing public awareness that, with Barack Obama in charge, we were in real trouble...


Over the course of a year I started adding more editorial content to go with the cartoons; I wanted to get the laugh, but also had more that I wanted to say. Moreover, Mrs. Jarlsberg (who is wise in all things) encouraged more editorializing because it made the strip more engaging for people - as did the addition of an open comments section.

Due to the extra work (cartoons are easy, wordification is hard), publication of Hope n' Change was cut to 5 days a week, then (in 2012 or so) 3 days a week.

The goal, however, always remained the same: to give conservatives a laugh and some hope that we could eventually get Barack Obama out of office and wrest control of Congress out of the filthy, spider-like hands of the Democrats. And by this time, the fight was getting serious...


Around this time, I started adding color to a number of the strips. It was a break from the classic look - but one I hoped would make the cartoons more appealing to a broader readership...


Over time, I then made the jump to frequently using actual photographs of people in the news, though I never completely dropped the black and white retro images of the coffee couple, chicken-boy, bear & cow, and other characters who remained (and still remain) dear to my odd little heart...


When Barry was eventually elected to a second term, it was a personal blow...

And alcohol was still available in stores.
I had never intended to make an unpaid career out of Hope n' Change, but the cause seemed more important than ever. Not that I ever had any illusions about how much impact I was making with the blog's modest (but highly intelligent and stunningly attractive) number of readers. 

Of course, there was always the hope that the site would magically go viral (Rush Limbaugh, would it have killed you to give me a shout out?) - but in times of need, real Americans pitch in and do what they can, big jobs or small. And if my job was to be the Rosie the Riveter of online conservative comic strips, I was happy to serve until the scourge of Barry's administration was finally over...

And we've also seen a lot of people who belong BEHIND bars.
And the rest, as they say, is history - or at least, soon will be history as we prepare the transition from an active blog to a lovingly preserved archival site in which Obama and his dishonorable band of scoundrels will always be roasting on our eternal flame.

On Friday, I'll be back with some closing remarks and personal thoughts on this long, crazy experience we've shared. See you then! - Stilton

61 comments:

HRT said...

Greetings from Downunder.

Before you go I want to say thank you for providing so many laughs. Now that's out of the way, who were the delightful Lefty Lucy and Rosie?

Anonymous said...

Just cannot come to gripes with you not being around anymore on a regular basis. Time went by wayyyy too fast and seems like you just got started and now you are ending. We still need you! Heaven knows the lefties aren't going away any time soon. Okay. Guess you deserve a rest. You'll never know how much better you made a lousy 8 years. Thank you for all your time and laughs.

REM1875 said...

"Red Meat" by Max Cannon So warped I loved it. The hours I wasted there ---It trained me to waste my hours here.
Actually nothing was ever wasted with a trip here.
Just let us know when The great reunion dinner is held at a hotel outside DFW - I always show up when somebody else is paying for the grub.

Barbara said...

Finding Hope n' Change in my inbox has been a much appreciated coping tool. Thank you folks for helping so many of us get through this madness. It has been one strange ride, but we survived. Now there will be angry Progressives to keep an eye on. The other day, I wondered how long will it be before Bradley Manning goes on an overly compensated speaking tour? How long before he becomes a millionaire? Best not think about it.

Once again, thanks for all your hard work with this series. Thanks also to those who participated in the comment section. The Republic lives.

Josiah Milkproduct said...

A word of appreciation from over the pond. Although not involved in your country's politics directly, the USA has a great impact on the world stage and thus on good ol' Blighty.
I have really enjoyed your wit and humour in the 8 years of the Dear Misleader and am sad to think that H+C is going away.
Mind you, this may be a precipitate view, as BHO is not going away and I predict plenty of sideshow activity once he and the Wookie are back from the latest vacation.
As final note, I guess that only in the USA would a name like Stilton Jarlsberg be possible. We in GB have long wondered at the jolly practice there of assigning family names as given names. Here one would have to use such as Josiah Milkproduct!
Enjoy the rest and the next tumultuous 4 (8?) years.

Bobo the Hobo said...

I'm staying on your email list in the hope that you will find yourself annoyed with (fill in the blank) and return to us.

Thank you, Stilt, for saving my sanity - you made the last few years bearable.

God Bless you and your family, Stilt!

Judi King said...

Best of luck to you and yours. Hopefully you'll not be able to resist whatever new insanity the left will assault us with and give us a treat.

Sarah Rolph said...

That was really interesting and fun to read. Thanks!

Unknown said...

THANKS...... YOU kept it GOOD ! :)

Jim Irre said...

Hey Bobo, this is kind of like The Hotel California. You couldn't get off his list if you tried!

Stilt, I won't look at next week as an epitaph, rather just the start of a hiatus until the bell rings for the next round!

Jim Lane said...

All the best to you and yours, Stilt. You really DID make a difference in our lives! (And if the Left actually manages to oust "Das Trumpet" in a coup, we may need you more than ever---)

Fish Out of Water said...

As many others have written, you have performed a great service throughout the long intellectual and moral winter we’ve suffered through under the Worst Electoral Mistake since the Peanut Farmer from Plains, Georgia.

Personally, I believe you have stumbled upon your calling and believe just because the admiration of the Worst Electoral Mistake since the Peanut Farmer from Plains, Georgia has reached its constitutionally- mandated end (thank God!!), and in its place, a new administration that really promises to provide ‘change’ is in power, the battle is not over. The dark forces of so-called liberalism/progressivism (I prefer to call them neo-collectivists), while beaten, are not bowed (as evidenced by last weekend’s tantrum in DC). The voting public in general is fickle and easily forgets. There will be ample opportunity I’m afraid for our virulent strain of neo-collectivism to be skewered, punctured and shown for what it really is, and in that regard not having Hope ‘n Change there to give voice is a loss.

Fred Ciampi said...

I tried to check into the detox center but couldn't find one for 'comics for political satire and other funny stuff'. So, if it's OK, I've downloaded a bunch of strips and I shall re-read them whenever I think about o'bambam, the wookie, and all of the other country destroyers who have been doing their best to drag our country into the abyss for the past eight years. May you have fair winds and following seas Stilt.

Chuck Baker (Macon) said...

It HAS been a wild and unpredictable ride. As I've said before, Thank YOU! Also as said before, thanks to your followers and their additions to the discussion (excluding the occasional troll who usually slithered off after a brief lesson in fact vs. their fiction). This site has been such an integral part of my day, I'm just not sure how I'll adapt. Maybe we can form an HnC withdrawal support group.

For the next 4 years (hopefully more) it will appear once again that the media is doing their job as government watchdog, but we have to remember it is only because the left does not control the Whitehouse. Where they just didn't report on so many of Øbama's misdeeds (if a tree falls in the forest ...), we can expect to hear much fictitious "news" about Trump (like my favorite so far: "Man pays the taxes he owes" (of course they worded it very differently and lied about the number of years in question)).

Anyway, thanks to you, Stilton, and to all of those who have engaged in the discussions over these past 8 years!

Geoff King said...

I no longer recall which site I was on where this one was mentioned. All I know is, upon reading the first entry here, I immediately bookmarked it and signed up for the email notification. Actually, the thrice-weekly notification was unnescessary as I always started each and every day at HnC, even before reviewing the day's news, to arm myself with the topic du jour. Even on the 4 days a week when there was no new entry, I still went here to catch up on any additional posts by this exceptional group of commenters.
Now my morning ritual will be much more mundane.

Linda Sue O'Grady said...

Ah, Stilton. I have adored Hope & Change since the very beginning. I treasure my signed copy of Obama Sutra, it sits in a place of honor, propped on an easel on a shelf in my office. There will always be a need for your wit, and your humor, and I look forward to a future that will always include you.

Shawn said...

I'm going to miss your take on the insanity in DC, especially since it doesn't look like BO is planning to quietly GTFO of the place. I just wish I had found you near the start of 8 years of stomach acid vs almost at the end. The archives were still worth reading and helped me smile. I found the Lefty Lucy site (http://leftylucycartoons.blogspot.com), have you done a compilation site for Busty Ross or any of the other characters?

If you want another project... here in Washington state we have a governor and AG who are trying their hardest to make BO look reasonable (with the help of 7-figure checks from the likes of Bill Gates and Paul Allen). Apparently a Marlin Model 60 is an assault weapon (not joking, actual bills currently in Olympia) and due process is a quaint, antiquated idea that has no place in law (current bill and recent initiative that passed - burden of proof is explicitly placed on the accused to show the act didn't happen). Those of us who haven't managed to flee the state (yet) could really use someone like you.

Rod said...


I found this party until about four years in and it changed the morning routine, sometimes even the calendar book. It's good the extensive body of work & laughs will be preserved. Best of luck in your next endeavor and hello to Mrs. J. Might her over-watch still sometimes be needed) Take a break, evolve; we'll be here. AND: Good question from @HRT: Where did you find such women?

chef621 said...


Dear Stilton,

Please keep in touch. You are family and you have brought us all together into one big family. I will truly miss you and each of the others here. John the Econ has such wisdom, Rem has humor, Bobo the Hobo has interesting ideas, Judi has the feminine touch, Geoff speaks for all of us and Fred usually throws in a chuckle. Sorry, I can't help it if my eyes are teary.
Please pray for President Trump and God bless each and every one of you. I have not forgotten all of the others, bless each one.

BarbaCat said...

...another Washington State patron since 2009ish.
I had wondered if you were going to change the name of your blog to something else after the election. Stopping it altogether never entered my thoughts. HnC has been a delight, and I just hate to see it end so soon!
Here's hoping you'll be back again with something new after your rest up!

jlw said...

i don't know for sure when i found your site, but i wish it had been earlier. i soon learned to look forward to M-W-F mornings.

oh, Busty Ross, thanks for the mammaries.

Anonymous said...

Having found this site less than a year ago, I'm going to miss it terribly.

I echo some others here in that I think Mr. Obama is not going to go quietly into the night.

I wish you luck in all your future endeavors.

Jack Van Nostrand

Anonymous said...

I need to advise you, Stilton, as a creature of habit, I won't be removing Hope n' Change from my favorites bar. I will continue to come here each day, hoping that you'll have changed your mind and decided to stay. No booze for me, but in part, because of you, the Valium consumption has come down greatly. At least consider, as the feared actions of our ex-Beloved Leader play out, that you'll consider coming back. With that said, I will continue to hit the H'n'C icon each day!
Thanks for everything!

Bruce Bleu said...

So, you've been here?
https://youtu.be/XdYoyWKSjUI

The Old Man said...

I realize how tempting retirement is, having succumbed to it myself about 5 years ago. But I was not the blogger who made us smile in the darkness, laugh at the lib-ruls and lust after Busty Ross.
You, sir, are that man. To steal a phrase from Obama's progenitors - wave you freak flag high, sir, as a rallying point!
Godd luck and God bless you and yours.

Really Really Enraged said...

Dear Dr. J,

Thank you, Sir, for the years of VERY intelligent comic relief from the fatuous and dangerous lunacy of daily events under the reign of he who should not be named. You eased the passage. Thank you too for attracting such a wonderful group of commenters. I'm going to miss this site very much. For those few who may not know, Earl of Taint and Diogenes' Middle Finger may help us with our withdrawal symptoms...

Really Really Enraged

DrRiff said...

I have enjoyed your work tremendously - You will be dearly missed on my future Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays! Thank you so very much for your work - it has been a true pleasure suffering through the last 8 years of insanity with you.

Tamminator said...

Oh, Stilton, don't go away. You make me laugh! And there are going to be daily idiocies committed by the leftist media for you to make fun of.
Don't leave us now, ya booger.

Tamminator

Keith said...

You wrote "I was happy to serve until the scourge of Barry's administration was finally over...". Well, he is out of office, but as we all know, he left the existing, and future effects of his scourge all over like the char marks from a forest fire.
See? You can't get off the hook that easily.
Thanks for your work, and please feel free to add to it. We will keep watching for more.

Callindril said...

You cant leave now!!!

Crazy Nancy, Little Chucky, Pocahontas and all their wacky leftist friends are still out there trying to make the world safe for illegal immigrants and ISIS jihadists (All they really need is love...love and jobs!!)

WE still need you!!!!

John the Econ said...

Most people don't have a clue as to how much work it is running a successful blog; comic or otherwise. Quality content, graphic and/or written takes time as well as inspiration. And with the possible exception of a handful of famous names with money and/or viable business models behind them, there really isn't much to be made by it for most people either. For most it's a labor of love. Understanding this makes me appreciate @Stilton's efforts on our behalf even more.

As for "transitioning": I'll tell you one thing Trump's election did; it destroyed my aspiration of starting my own blog as friends have been needling me to do for decades now. Under inevitable Hillary, I had assumed an imminent retirement from my usual business routine within 2 to 3 years as my biggest household expenses (mostly health care) were to eventually become "free", paid for by income taxes raised to heights that would have made work beyond a certain point, pointless. This would have freed up much time to explore other economically unprofitable yet personally satisfying opportunities, such as running a blog highlighting the stupidity of socialist millennials basically subsidized by stupid socialist millennials. Alas, if Trump remains true to at least a fraction of his rhetoric, retirement will remain but a pipe dream, and I will continue to remain a productive contributor to the economy and tax rolls for the foreseeable future.

See? The Progressives were right on one thing: By not voting for Hillary I was voting against my own economic self interest!

In the meantime, I'll certainly miss H&C and the great community here. I'd love to see "Lefty Lucy" emerge somewhere on a regular basis, as we are currently watching the great Progressive coalition implode upon itself, and I'm certain that she'd be a riot as she remains blissfully ignorant of the reality all around her.

Kelly from WI said...

We still need you! Your H&C website was the brightest thing in the last 8 years, wish you and your family all the best!!

John the Econ said...

@Barbara, I doubt "Chelsea" Manning will be with us all that long. S/he has already attempted suicide at least once, and the longevity for people who have attempted "transition" is not statistically favorable. And now that Manning will be deprived the taxpayer-funded assistance with his issues that he enjoyed within the military, he'll probably be even worse off. And of course, the Progressives will blame his ultimate demise on Trump.

As for raking it in on the lecture circuit, I'd be surprised about that as well. I doubt he's much of a dynamic or least bit entertaining speaker. The left has already lost interest in him now that he really doesn't directly serve any political purpose. Remember, Progressives are all about supporting "groups", but they really couldn't care less about individuals, be they in a favored group or not.

@Shawn, it seems that Washington State is trying to out-Californicate California. Insane.

@Callindril Coramonde, speaking of making the world safe for illegal immigrants and ISIS jihadists because all they need is love and jobs, State Department sorority girl spokeshole Marie Harf just got hired by Fox News. Seriously. Fox, how low can you go?

Carl H said...

Thanks for the boffo laughs over the years. Good job.

Anonymous said...

I'm more than a bit torn here. It was, and for now still is, a positive joy to sit down with my first cup of coffee and mosey on over to Hope n' Change Cartoons. Your sense of humor and political insight are 24 caret and will be sorely missed.

On the other hand, having that screen door slap Barry in his boney arse was the reason we endured the last 8 years to begin with; I cannot say HE will be missed.

Great job Stilton and I look forward to anything you turn your hand to in the future!

Vince

Tucci said...

Although Barry Soetoro (or what the hell he's been using in calling himself) is finally off the government's active payroll, neither he nor his criminal co-respondents in the National Socialist Democrat American Party have ceased pestering or pillaging the republic and the lawful citizenry thereof. You've still got a buncha targets in this environment, Trump's ascendency notwithstanding.

Anonymous said...

Your work and wit WILL be missed!

pgm1972 said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
RyDaddy said...

Don't think that just because Obama is out of office that his Hope-N-Change days are over..you REALLY think he'll quietly leave Washington, D.C.? He bought a huge house so he could hang around. He's out of the news right now, but give him a week or so...no Pathological Narcissist can stay out of the limelight for long....

AmyH said...

Will miss you Stilt. I at least got to enjoy 2 years.

Rob said...

Thanks for keeping me sane for the last eight years. Hope n' Change will be sorely missed, but I take comfort in the possibility that genuine hope and change has finally come to America. I will optimistic about getting my Stilton fix from Johnny O; and I anxiously await your next endeavor. God bless!

Colby Muenster said...

Stilton,
OK... I am DONE pretending I'm not distraught at your totally selfish decision to abandon your faithful followers! I drove to Washington DC last night. Today, I've put on my female genitalia costume, and I'm headed out to throw rocks through a Starbucks window, light somebody's limo on fire, loudly BOO a guy trying to save a heart attack victim's life, and then give an obscenity laced speech that really has no point other than demanding that I be legally allowed to murder babies.

Seriously, as much as I would like you to continue with Hope'n'Change, I fully understand that it's time to take a break from a non-paying gig that surely must occupy many hours of your week. I pray that you and your family are blessed with abundant health and wealth, REAL hope and change, real affordable health insurance, and ever full "coffee" cups! I'll be keeping an eye peeled for future Jarlsberg offerings. If you ever travel to North Carolina, email me and I'll by the beer (or scotch).

Rick Bafford / aka Colby Muenster

Ted Henkle said...

I love "ComicLife" and use it for my own webcomics. I've only made a handful of political-social ones like you have. You're a gifted political cartoonist, and I'm sorry to this site get archived. Best wishes to you folks in your future endeavors.

Studebaker Hauk said...

Stilt, it has been a dreadful 8 years but thanks to your humor and insight (and a little scotch... hmm yes) we all made it through. Thanks for the trip down memory lane, but what we all want to know is - what's next for Busty Ross??? Flowers like that should never fade.

DougM said...

Dang it, Stilton!
Now I have to change my morning surfing routine.
I am truly going to miss HnC.
Thanks for eight years of grins and fist-pumps.
It's been comforting to know that there are thinkers like you out there.
Thanks, especially, for mentioning SondraKistan.com.
Here's my obit.
One assumes this will free-up time for more of your comments.
You can always add a cartoon for us to move up top.
We'll always make room for you on the stoop.
— DougM • SondraKistan.com

Patricia said...

I do not think I have commented before, but I want to say that I have appreciated your humor and also your sense of decency toward the opposition. Blessings to you and your family.

Anonymous said...

Greatly appreciate all the snark - they deserved every bit of it and more.

The site will be missed, you however will not be forgotten.

TheOldMan said...

BTW where did Jim Hlavic disappear to?

pgm1972 said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Shelly said...

Stilton, I can't say much more than what has been expressed by the comments above. I think I'm already in withdrawal. I've especially loved the "cheesy" names adopted in homage to you. This is a clever bunch of people and I will miss learning all of their thoughts in these weird changing times, as well as yours above all. We made it through this crazy election together and I will be forever grateful for that. All my best to you and your family.

pgm1972 said...

I'm so glad we've had these laughs together
As Stilt pokes the Dems who've been so wrong
This ex-Dem, in '10, with them, our ways we parted
So, it's TWICE I get to say "So long!"

Hasta la vista, bitches!

A little back story. If you're born in RI, about the only chance of hearing the word "Republican" before you're in high school, is if your parents are Repubs.

Here's what our General Assembly looks like: (And it's been like that for about 80 years. )

Senate
Democratic (32)
Independent (1)
Republican (5)

House
Democratic (62)
Independent (1)
Republican (12)

As far as swamps go, DC is a sippy cup, with training wheels, when it comes to corruption. Just last year, our House speaker pleaded guilty to bribery, wire fraud and tax evasion.

Just the other day, this was the headline, "3rd ex-Rhode Island lawmaker in 11 days charged criminally".

Maybe after Trump cuts his teeth in DC, he can come tackle the La Brea Tar Pits that is our state house.

Anyway Stilton, thanks for the giggles and guffaws, the chuckles and haw haws, and even a few "Crying as I type this (from laughing so hard)", but wanted to send the link to a friend so they could enjoy.

Take care and "Happy Trump Day!"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYSXRGxV92c

Anonymous said...

With as much skullduggery as the MSM and Democrats will be pulling for the foreseeable future your site could easily continue. Please reconsider retiring it.

George said...

If I had a son...he'd look like Stilton!

Thank you Dr. J for these years of intellect and humor. What a gifted man you are.
You will be missed by all of us more than you can know.
All the best to you and family, including your lucky 'Penny'.
I will truly miss this 'family' we have had here. Best to all of you as well.

George

Stilton Jarlsberg said...

@Readers- Wow, I'm overwhelmed by all the nice things being said here.

Yes, I know that the job isn't finished and Obama and the Lefties are still going to be a day-to-day threat (and potential source of hilarity). It's possible that I'll want to address that in some new form after a breather.

Various folks asked about Busty Ross and Lefty Lucy; I'm currently thinking that when I archive the site, I'll ask Busty to be the welcoming hostess on the home page. And I'm guessing that both ladies may appear from time to time on the HnC Facebook page. If I learned nothing else from the March of the Giant Vaginas, I at least understand that women deserve to be heard.

Someone asked about Jim Hlavac, who used to comment here regularly. I'm glad to say that we're still good friends, he's recently moved into a lovely new apartment, and (following a broken wrist) he's mended enough to get back to composing music and playing piano in various public venues.

And I want to repeat that I'm not disappearing from the face of the Earth. Johnny Optimism will still be appearing every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and as I move into other projects I'm going to keep everyone on the email list posted.

I particularly appreciate all of the good wishes directed to my family, and want to add that I consider all of you family at this point, too. Which means reunions will surely be in our shared future.

Mac said...

Thanks and God bless.

Jim Hlavac said...

Well, bummers ... I enjoyed it .. and making comments .. and I'm touched that anyone remembered me ... but about 2 years ago I retired .. I stopped my own blog .. and worked on books (see Amazon/kindle) and music (see youtube) ... I moved to Phoenix to disengage ... I just play piano at the hospital now

well, the next 8 years are certainly going to be different >>cheers all

Joseph ET said...

@Stilton
I'll will certainly miss Hope n' Change and the great community of exceptional commenters. Thank you and those who participated in the comment section. I echo all of the great praises expressed by all the others times 1000. We will be watching our email for news from Hope n' Change Cartoons.
Meanwhile, I’m hoping that the powers that be find a way to make my little part of northern California part of the new State of Jefferson. The idea of the new state sends tingles up my leg. (laughing)
http://canadafreepress.com/article/california-what-are-we-going-to-do-with-california

Jon said...

I will truly miss your brilliant wit and uncanny ability to always make me laugh (not an easy task). Thankfully we will still have the archives - - and the memories.

REM1875 said...

I think Doc's eulogy is a bit premature, but it is beginning to sound like an Irish wake without the jar of ether or bottles of codeine with the high alcohol content. (the fun part)

Doc wishing y'all the best and looking forward to hearing from ya once in awhile. (and Penny)

Sorry Bark obummer- the Kenyan 'Lyion' dog is being retired but the good news is he isn't being put in a skillet for oblamer (I hope)

A hearty Naval Bravo Zulu!!!

pdwalker said...

I think it was SondraK that got me over here.

You have an excellent, if completely warped and twisted, sense of humour and it's been a fun ride.

Thanks for all you've done.

Linda Fox said...

I didn't have the money to hit the tip jar, but I talked you up with everyone I could.

I do wish you much success in the future (which, thanks to the election, does look much brighter!).