This "political cartoon" perpetuates a factual error, and plays to the prejudices of people. Worst of all this was published in my high school. Maybe not that surprising considering it's Kansas...
Pic after bump.
There is no justification for this image, and I don't think freedom of speech is really a good excuse. Our school already has a history of suppressing freedom of speech, but even more so I think that this qualifies as hate speech. The comic clearly plays to prejudices against Muslims. If Obama's religion really didn't play any role, then why not take his word?
I really think that the same logic that would protect this cartoon would also necessarily have to allow a swastika used in the same context.
I will post my letter to the editor later. Any suggestions?
EDIT:
First, there is no doubt about the intent of the cartoon. Knowing the artist, I am certain about the meaning.
Second,
I think the best course of action will be to write a letter questioning the meaning, and preempting the claim he is Muslim. I will quote Obama's recent remarks about keeping the discussions about the issues, and ask the paper for an article reporting on a round table discussion of the issues.