Recently, a cartoon appeared in Europe betraying Mohammed in a light unfavorable to many in the Islamic faith. Violence ensued, and the editor of the newspaper pulled the cartoon.

This is an extreme example of a cartoon being so controversial as to cause violence. However, this example may show us that many are afraid to publish controversial items in the news, and that many may be afraid to publish controversial cartoons-which often times cause more comment than written editorials. If this trend continues, the threats of retribution will undermine one of our most important values in an open society-a free and open press.

Although the cartoon was published in Europe, we must ask ourselves that if controversy invokes fear, then will fear cause all of us to be afraid of an open and free system of reporting the news?

One thing is for certain, editorial cartoons invoke reaction in readers of the news. It causes readers to interact with those reporting the news which is good for the readers and good for the news.

Editorial cartoons invoking thought from readers can only make news reporting better, keeping those who report the news "on their toes." Join us in a discussion about editorial cartoons and the impact of these cartoons on us as a society.

Join us this evening with Bruce Plante, editorial cartoonist for the Chattanooga Times Free Press, in a discussion of "Cartoon Commentary: A Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words".

Free Speech America-Voicing America's Opinions through the Interactive Broadcasting System on WGOW 102.3 at 7pm tonight