Ted Rall, syndicated political cartoonist and former KFI radio personality, will be on-hand to discuss his cartoons post-9/11, censorship, and his latest book, Gas War: The Truth Behind the American Occupation of Afghanistan, on Wednesday, March 5, at noon in the Hampton Room of the Malott Commons; following his presentation, Rall will remain briefly to sign copies of his works, which will be available for purchase at that time. This event is free and open to the public. For additional program information, please call the Malott Commons Office, (909) 607-8508.
Known for his caustic humor and unflinching take on current topics, Ted Rall’s cartoons appear in over 140 daily newspapers across the country. His unique drawing style and straight-shooting humorous commentary is reminiscent of early American Thomas Nast, the undisputed pioneer of this medium. Like Nast, who viewed editorial cartoons as a vehicle for change, Rall tackles issues of interest to the common man such as unemployment, the environment, and popular culture, but also takes a biting look at both political and social trends.
From 1998 to 2000, Rall hosted a highly-rated talk show on KFI Radio in Los Angeles, where he produced regular segments like “Stan Watch: Breaking News from Central Asia,” which was simulcast by both National Public Radio and the BBC, and hosted acerbic interviews with such figures as former Klansman David Duke. Often broadcasting from overseas, Rall made American radio history by airing the first live talk radio show from Cuba, Uzbekistan and war-torn Kashmir Province. Rall’s “Live from Afghanistan” reports for KFI and written dispatches for the Village Voice have been called “some of the best war reporting from Afghanistan” by The Nation.
Rall is also author and editor of numerous books including To Afghanistan and Back, which chronicles his harrowing experiences covering the war, and the novel 2024, which offers an updated parody of the classic Orwellian novel 1984. Rall is the recipient of numerous awards and honors for his work, and he was one of three finalists for the 1996 Pulitzer Prize.
Guests for this noontime event will have the option to bring their own lunches, or to purchase a hot buffet lunch in the Malott Dining Hall, which opens at 11:15 a.m. After his lecture, Rall will remain for a book signing in the Hampton Room; copies of his work will be available for purchase at that time. Rall will also sign copies of his work from 2:30- 3:30 p.m. at The Claremont Colleges’ Huntley Bookstore, located at the corner of 8th and Dartmouth Streets.