The VND's hypocrisy

The Valley News Dispatch should be ashamed for publishing its July 20 cartoon depicting a Boy Scout proudly pointing to his merit badge while stating: “ I got this one for discriminating against gays.”

Why just ridicule a Boy Scout for discriminating? Why not ridicule Louis Farrakhan, leader of the Nation of Islam? Or the Muslim prophet, Muhammad? The pope has been a favorite cartoon target of the VND. Muslims, Jews and other groups “discriminate” against the behavior of gays.

Would a cartoon suggesting that Muslims are hate-driven homophobes not be appropriate? So why not run one?

What is your bias? Could fear have sparked your omissions? Do you fear that dicing Muslims might bring retribution?

What about the black Christian clergy currently protesting laws recognizing gay marriage? Why does your recalcitrant editorial attitude toward Scouts not extend toward black clergy?

You say you abhor discrimination, but selectively discriminate — that spells hypocrisy.

In addition to a merit badge in hypocrisy, the VND editorial board deserves an even greater honor. I hereby convey to you a Pulitzer Prize for journalistic cowardice. Frame it, display it, be proud of it. Bravo!

Daniel Smicik

Vandergrift