A reader called the Sentinel’s editorial department Thursday and left an angry voicemail demanding a “justification” for the political cartoon that appeared in that morning’s newspaper.

There is no justification. We mean that in two distinct ways.

On one hand, we can state very clearly that selecting and publishing a cartoon doesn’t mean we “own” the cartoonist’s message. It’s an idea, presented in visual form, for readers to digest and accept or reject as they see fit. In that way, a cartoon is no different from a column or a letter to the editor. We print a variety of views, including many that challenge positions we take as an editorial board. So, publication of anything on the editorial page (besides what you read in this space) shouldn’t be viewed as having this newspaper’s endorsement.

On the other hand, we do have a selection of cartoons to present to readers, so we have to own our choices. Many found Thursday’s cartoon distasteful. In hindsight, we can’t disagree. It was insensitive to the residents of the Houston area who are fighting for their lives.

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