I felt bad when I read the letter from Phil Lillquist ("U.S. port cartoon, editorial disrespect entire country," Feb. 24). The letter was off base and lacked a level of intelligence regarding our relationship with United Arab Emirates. Lillquist first must recognize the purpose of political cartoons: To single out groups of people to make a political point about a current event. Whether it is the Republicans or the Democrats, the Iranians or the North Koreans, or the working professionals and the college students, some group will be the target in a political cartoon. It's a matter of recognizing this is a generalization to make a political point based on factual information and/or national opinion.

Secondly, Lillquist needs to recognize that United Arab Emirates has not always been a steadfast ally with the United States. History has shown the country has faltered in its solidarity with the U.S. several times, leaving open a window of doubt.

Lastly, he needs to recognize that The Daily Collegian is just like any other media outlet -- it has just as much of a right and responsibility to publish material relating to important current events.