Editors note: By the time you read this, the Republican Convention will be over, and the Democrats will be gathering in my old stomping grounds. I have tried really hard to ignore this whole election thingie, but I find I can’t ignore it completely, because so much is at stake. (Well, that and the fact that Bob and Pinky are running here in the world of the Panda Chronicles) I have always tried to keep this a happy place, because, well, to me, pandas are all about love, joy, and humor.
So let me get this out of the way, and then we can all go back to having fun with pandas, and I will endeavor to inject as much humor into the world as I possibly can. I say this with all the respect I can muster, but if you are supporting Donald Trump, you will find more sympathetic places other than here. If I only knew what I see in actual interviews with, and news footage of him, I would be horrified. If I add to that, the articles and essays written by journalists I have long followed and admired, and in magazines I respect, I am terrified. It seems like every day, Trump and his minions say something that is even more outlandish than the previous day, and yet people still support him.
Let’s leave aside all the tweets and links to questionable sources – even without those, he is not to be trusted with an office so important as the presidency. So many people I respect are speaking out, so silence is no longer an option. I will endeavor to stick to facts I can check, and to keep things civil. I will entertain any comments that contribute to a peaceful understanding of differing view points, but nastiness will not be permitted here. (Unless it’s Pinky…she can -and will – pretty much say what she wants.)
A big shout out to my friends in Kid Lit who continue to bring joy, inclusiveness, and beauty into the world, as well as all the pandanistas who know that happiness is a black and white bear.
Now let’s have some fun with pandas!!!!
This cartoon is one of Bob’s earliest appearances!
The Pandas first attempt at Olympic Glory!
Introducing the torch bears!
Naughty bear or cuddly menace? You be the judge!
And now, one of my favorite TV game shows…
Wheel…of…PANDAS!!!!!
Huzzah! More Wheel…of…PANDAS!!!
Panda satire explained for you!
Well, if you haven’t abandoned me for my opinions and political leanings, huzzah! I hope you enjoyed this week’s Fabulous Furry Friday celebration of pandas! Till next time, be kind, be fair, build bridges, not walls….
Be the Bear!
Bob T Panda
Uh oh. Did we have a day with NO PINKY in the ‘toons? Well, we won’t let THAT happen again. Pinky is getting ready for her birthday season, as well as the Cake Party Convention! Stay tuned, panda fans!
Trump has minions?? Ah, but they’re not panda triplets, are they, so I’m not interested. Am already resigned to the prospect of not voting this time around — in good conscience can’t support any candidate this year and live with myself afterwards. What a shame. But in my opinion the real shame is the number of fellow citizens who apparently feel their lives are so miserable and the prospects for their future so dim that they’re willing to hop on the Trump train. Heartbreaking. OK, pandas, that’s your cue. We need a big dose of humor. Thanks.
I will try to provide as much humor as I (and the pandas) possibly can. I hope your abstention from voting does not extend to other races in this election. Sometimes I think we can have more impact when we learn where our local politicians stand and vote for who you think will do the best job.
In Island County WA, a commissioner’s race once came down to 7 votes. I kid you not.
Every vote counts.
No politician is perfect and no politician will fill out our every wish card. But I am going to vote, and vote for one, who while she is not perfect, seems more capable in building bridges than building walls.
First of all, I am not quite adept enough at technology to avoid the apparently random selection of this meanie portrait assigned to my comments. Please don’t think it accurately reflects my emotions on the topic. The last thing I want is to be hurtful to anyone. Second, I totally agree about local voting, and I will. (I recently schlepped down to our creaky little village hall & voted for our village mayor who was running unopposed.) And last but not least for a summer Friday afternoon…pardon me while I duck out for some panda videos and cake. As always, thanks for the laughs.
Huzzah! No worries about the meany face. I am always saying that my tech knowledge is shallow, yet narrow. I feel your pain. Thanks for voting locally, even if you feel you need to sit “the big one” out.
Oh yeah…what kind of cake? ????????
What kind of cake, you ask? Does it matter?
Geez. What was I thinking? Because, CAKE!!!!!!!!!
Well said, building bridges is so much better than building walls.
And a bridge that has cake on it, even better!
I’m on your side , Bob. Don’t let the haters get you down!
Thank you. I’m trying really hard to stay positive. Pandas are an excellent mood lifter. I had to watch A LOT of panda videos this week.
i love pandas 🙂
And that is such a good place for world peace to start.
Thank you!
(Standing ovation, applause, foot stomping, loud hooping & hollering, cheers, shrieking from normally quiet Cee, in support for and agreement of the Editor’s Note!!!)
The circus spectacle (aka GOP Convention/coverage) parading across the TV screen, was absolutely unbelievable. It was like a vehicle wreak, we didn’t want to watch, but we couldn’t look away. Thought Cee was going to throw something through da TV screen. Me got waaay out of da way!
Any who, bring on da Pandas, Cats, Ellies, Red Pandas, Buffs, etc, to put us in a good mood! Oh and one last thingie: “Vote early, Vote smart, Vote PINKY!!!”
Thank you! I’m sure a few people will stomp off in a huff, or maybe just quietly leave the room, but this is too important to ignore.
Meanwhile, Pinky is getting ready to celebrate her birthday (mommee! Your birfday is ober! Let’s get on to mine!) and accept the nomination at the Cake Party Convention, (which will conveniently be held during her birthday weekend) and we can put the unpleasantness of this week behind us.
Vote Early Vote Often Vote Pinky!
Amen, Anne.
Thank you!
I think Pinky would disagree about a crown and tutu being undignified! It’s nice to see your early work. I laughed at the pandy kindy roasting marshmallows with the Olympic torch. And the peacock! “The next thing I knew, he was in my mouth.”! Thanks for the pandas and the love and the humor. The pandas are going to have to really work hard at being cute for us these next few months.
Also, while I’m not a Republican, we all know the entire Republican party isn’t like the Evil Screaming Cheeto and has better moments in its history. After all, Richard Nixon brought the first pandas to the National Zoo!
I have a warm spot in my heart for Nixon, although I did not vote for him, because of the pandas. He also made some good moves on environmental protection.
In addition, some of my best friends are Republicans, though for the most part, we agree to disagree or not talk about politics.
I have even voted for a republican on occasion. WA state has had some very good Republican governors, although not lately.
I don’t know anyone personally who supports the apricot numpty (I like “Evil Screaming Cheeto) and I hope not to.
Pandas will help to get us through this. And who said tiaras and tutus are undignified? If I said that I will withhold cake until I come to my senses.
Be the bear!
I’ve never left a message here even though I’m a devoted fan of Panda Chronicles. I’m just ducking in here for a moment to thank you for your editorial comments. You gave me hope. I know I’m not alone in my opinions. I’ve been wondering who these people are who support the orange thing – I just don’t get it. So, thanks Bob. This was like eating a whole cake with lots of frosting all by myself!!
Wait…you had a WHOLE CAKE AND DIDN’T INVITE ME OVER????? Ahem…sorry about that…it’s just that, you know…cake. Thank you for your kind comments about the pandas, and thank you for affirming my belief that there is hope in the universe.
I don’t get who those people are that support the orange one. While I have not been a huge fan of Clinton, the more I hear her speak, and here those I respect speak about her, I coming around to not only voting for her (because the alternative? no, I can’t imagine that) but voting for her enthusiastically. I am so impressed with Tim Kaine after hearing him speak yesterday. I will not give up hope. I really don’t want a bit part in The Hunger Games.
Oh, I’m so sorry for not inviting you over for cake. That was totally thoughtless. Tell you what . . . the day after the election when Hillary is our new President-Elect I’ll throw a big party for you, Bubba, Pinky, Mommie, Mr. Bun – the whole crew – and we’ll just eat cake all day. Am I forgiven for my oversight?
You’re on!