I wish to respond to the criticism of the cartoon Rodent Speak that appeared in the Feb. 23 Star.

Rodent Speak is, without a doubt, one of the most original and well-executed features of your newspaper.

It’s true that Mr. Persche’s sense of humor can be a bit heavy-handed at times, or perhaps a bit too sarcastic for some people. However, the same thing could be said of Garry Trudeau, Mike Royko, or even Mark Twain!

As for his alleged “insensitiveness to people’s problems,” maybe drawing attention to serious problems through laughter is as good a means as any to remind people of their existence.

I oppose the idea of removing the Rodent Speak strip. Even if I don’t find a particular days strip hilarious, it usually provokes some serious thought about the issue being portrayed.

Robin C. Leckbee

graduate student

library and information studies