2010-08-27
Explanation
This comic presents a satirical flowchart titled "How to React to a Controversial Judicial Ruling." The flowchart begins with the question "Do you agree with the judgment?" If yes, the path leads to "Cease thought. Begin party!" -- suggesting that people who agree with a ruling never question it further and simply celebrate. If no, you are asked "Do you understand civics?" If no, the path leads to "Accuse judge of overturning democracy. Demand return to two branches of government as founding fathers intended" -- mocking people who misunderstand the role of the judiciary in a system of checks and balances, not realizing that judicial review is itself a foundational part of American government. If you do understand civics, you are asked "Are you a lawyer, politician, or businessman?" If no, you loop back to the "don't understand civics" path. If yes, you are asked "Can the ruling be overturned?" If yes, the answer is "To court!" If no, you also loop back to accusing the judge.
The comic satirizes how people across the political spectrum react to court decisions based purely on whether they agree with the outcome rather than on legal principles. Winners never question the process, and losers always claim the judiciary has overstepped -- regardless of the actual legal merits. It also jokes that the only people who truly understand civics are those with a professional stake in the legal system, and even they revert to bad-faith arguments when they cannot win through legitimate channels.
The votey panel reads "Insert into any flow chart: Party at your mom's place" -- a juvenile "your mom" joke that serves as a non sequitur punchline, deflating the relatively intellectual main comic with pure silliness.