Thursday, Nov. 25, 2021 | 2 a.m.
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I read with incredulity the Nov. 21 letter “Rodgers was unfairly mocked,” criticizing Sun cartoonist Mike Smith’s depiction of Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers in the wake of the player’s anti-vaccination scandal.
The letter writer claimed Smith’s cartoon “maliciously belittled” Rodgers and that Rodgers is entitled to his “informed” decisions without ridicule.
Rodgers, who claimed on a nationwide podcast to be a critical thinker, misled Packers management and his teammates about his vaccination status. He said he wasn’t an anti-vaxxer or a flat-Earther, and that he was fully informed about COVID-19 including conversations with UFC announcer Joe Rogan, a proponent of using the horse dewormer Ivermectin as a treatment for the disease. Rodgers said he “wasn’t going to listen to a crazed group of individuals” (i.e. scientists and physicians) who say you have to do something” (i.e., get vaccinated).
First, kudos to Smith’s artistry, as his caricature is tasteful and accurate, as opposed to other political cartoonists whose caricatures appear subhuman at best.
Second, Rodgers didn’t make an informed decision on vaccination. He’s under a four-year, $138 million contract, and a critical thinker could’ve done much better than consulting Rogan.
Third, if Rodgers lied about being immunized, why should we believe him when he denies being an anti-vaxxer and flat-Earther?
Rodgers chose to go public to lie and spew drivel. Therefore, he opened himself up to ridicule. As someone said, “Respect is for those who deserve it, not for those who demand it. ... Respect is earned.”
