We’ve received a number of calls from readers who are concerned about our wanting to
replace the comic strips The Wizard of Id and B.C. We decided to replace them after the recent deaths of Johnny Hart and Brant Parker, the co-creators of the two strips. A few years ago, when cartoonist Charles Schulz died, we discontinued Peanuts rather than republishing old strips.
Like Peanuts, The Wizard of Id and B.C. were great comic strips. 
But comics are rarely as good when a new artist takes over. And, like the rest of the newspaper, we believe the comics pages should reflect the new, not repeat the old.
It has been a while since we’ve updated the comics and this seemed like a good opportunity to let our readers help us choose a couple of new comics. 
There are many new, good cartoonists out there and we think it’s a good idea to update our comics pages every so often and give some new cartoonists a try.
We realize that some readers are dedicated to some of our strips and we appreciate that. But, we want our newspaper content to be as current and as interesting as possible. We’ll continue testing new strips for two more weeks. We hope you’ll vote either on the in-paper ballot or here on Kentucky.com and let us know which new strips you’d like to see.
Sally Scherer
Lifestyles Editor
Can the “Wizard of Id” be kept since it continues? It is now drawn by Brant Parker’s son Jeff.
You’ve printed several letters begging to keep these strips - I just want to add one voice to the other side. Get rid of them! They’re terrible, especially B.C. It’s time for some fresh comics. And if you’re getting rid of stuff, how about the Family Circus? That’s the worst piece of garbage ever written.
Did you see this on MSNBC about your copy desk editor?
(D) Lexington Herald-Leader, Brian Throckmorton, copy desk chief, $250 to John Kerry in June 2004. His staff edits local news articles, selects wire stories and writes headlines.
“The thing that we try to avoid is the appearance of partiality,” Throckmorton said. “And for me that means bumper stickers and yard signs and things that might lead the public to easily but falsely suspect that there’s a problem with our impartiality. But something as private as a donation which they might have to work to find out….”
Besides, he said, “the fact of a political donation doesn’t imply lack of impartiality or bad news judgment to begin with, and one person making a donation doesn’t imply that there’s a bias throughout the newsroom.”
Then Throckmorton said, “I’m not comfortable being included in the story. Do not publish my name.”
The paper’s managing editor, Tom Eblen, said in an e-mail, “Herald-Leader newsroom employees are not allowed to actively or publicly participate in politics. Our policies strongly discourage, but do not prohibit, this type of donation.”
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19113455
Wht can’t B.C. and the “Wizard of Id” be kept since they will continue?