Comic strip should be viewed lightly and as free speech

Editor:

I would like to respond to the letters concerning Josh Proctor's comic strip about the Pope. I, like John Sain and Adam Hillier, am Roman Catholic, and I attend the Newman Center on campus. I would like to say to them: Lighten up! This cartoon was found on the comics page, a place in the newspaper reserved for humor and entertainment. I doubt the comic was meant to be derogatory in any way. We all know that the Pope doesn't really get "whacked out of [his] head on communion wine."

As for the comment made by Mr. Hillier concerning blasphemy, I would like to respond with two words: First Amendment. Josh Proctor has a right to say what he wants, and the Arizona Daily Wildcat has a right to print it. Restricting either of these freedoms would be illegal and unconstitutional.

I, for one, enjoyed this particular comic. I appreciate Josh's sense of humor, and I hope to see more of his work in the future. For those readers who offend easily, either learn to laugh at yourself a little, or stop reading the comics.

By Julie Burkhart
Arizona Daily Wildcat
May 1, 1997