Maine Gov. Paul Le Page’s recent statement noting that he’d like to shoot Bangor Daily News cartoonist George Danby is nothing short of absolutely reprehensible. In light of the recent assassination of twelve people, including five cartoonists, at the Charlie Hebdo newspaper in France, Gov. LePage’s remarks are beneath contempt. Calling for the shooting of a newspaper cartoonist in this political environment by an elected official is unprecedented, and Gov. LePage sets a new low in political judgment and discourse. Danby himself noted that had he made a similar statement, he’d be arrested. The board of the Association of American Editorial Cartoonists condemns Gov. LePage’s vicious, stupid and irresponsible statement. We call upon him to issue a public apology to George Danby.
