Two Party Opera by Brian Carroll for September 05, 2019

TJ came perilously close to spilling some wine there…

Your work is the most original available and always thought provoking. Thank you.

whats it all about………..

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!

THANK YOU, BRIAN!

(okay, done shouting)

Best strip on the web! Thank you, Mr. Carroll.

Whataboutism, also known as whataboutery, is a variant of the tu quoque logical fallacy that attempts to discredit an opponent’s position by charging them with hypocrisy without directly refuting or disproving their argument, which in the United States is particularly associated with Soviet and Russian propaganda.

Lexicographers date the first appearance of the variant whataboutism to the 1990s or 1970s, while other historians state that during the Cold War, Western officials referred to the Soviet propaganda strategy by that term.

Journalist Luke Harding described Russian whataboutism as “practically a national ideology”.

The New Yorker described the technique as “a strategy of false moral equivalences”. Wikipedia

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Yet another thing the Republicans took from the Russians.

But then there is it’s twin. When actual hypocrisy is pointed out and the reply is – we’re not going to get into “whataboutism”.

What a bout!

keep up the good work

There is much “Whataboutism” within this site’s comment sections particularly if a ‘toonist pokes fun at a dem (see today’s Tom Stiglich ‘toon for several good examples). I suppose there’d be more whataboutism from the right around here if there were more righties but the lefties outnumber them 50-1 here.

Congratulations on a most excellent comic! People don’t realize how important they can be!

It is quite pleasant to see “Tommy” and “Johnny” verbally sparring like two kids on the playground! The reality was much ‘darker’ – especially among their supporters – I think we’re ALL going to need this historical reminder once the ACTUAL 2020 campaign gets started – the coming vituperation desperately calls out for historical context!

You have enlightened and enriched us for (has it been 3 years?). I’m willing to vote you in for another 8.

“Who’s on first”pops to mind.

What’s on second?

Thanks Brian. I always look forward to learning a bit of what you’ve learned! And enjoying the humor.

Whataboutism is such a flexible concept. Such a convenient cudgel.

In some cases the criticism is wholly deserved. But far too often people use it as an epitaph to condemn a legitimate but inconvenient comparison. The most common examples concern past and present government policies. Current policy is condemned. Any comparison to similar prior policy is condemned. The more similar the details the more energetically it is rejected.

A point is made and a counterpoint is offered. If the counterpoint is too close for comfort, it is branded as whataboutism and the entire argument is ridiculed. Legitimate debate and discussion are thrown under the bus.

Hey! What about a personally signed copy of our individually favorite cartoon for each of us addicted 2PO’s?

Well, what about it?

We miss ya, man!

Since Brian hasn’t put out a comic strip in a while how about a joke?

I heard that Republicans are going to start a comic strip to counter Two Party Opera. It will be called..

Tea Party Soap Opera!

Uh oh! Incoming rotten tomatoes!

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There must be a fat lady singing somewhere, because the opera seems to be over……..